NEW LISTING IN LEESBURG

Just listed for sale in Leesburg, VA – 19253 Evergreen Mills Road.

This charming 2 level rambler has 4 bedroom, 2 full bathrooms and is a short drive to shopping, dining, and entertainment – including the popular Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets! Perfect location for commuters, as it’s just a short drive to Rt. 7, Rt. 15, and the Dulles Greenway.  This home is close to so many amenities, but also offers privacy, with its 1.35 acres.

MAIN LEVEL
The main level of the home features an open layout with a designer front door that leads into a spacious living room. Hardwood floors and crown molding can be found throughout the living and dining rooms. In the gourmet kitchen a beautiful custom tile back-splash is set against oak cabinets. There is plenty of granite counter top space, stainless steel appliances, tile flooring, and access to a spacious screened in porch – perfect for enjoying the morning coffee!JS Realty Leesburg Living Room Home

In the sunroom, enjoy custom tile flooring while tons of natural light filter through all of the windows. And on cold, wintry nights, just get the wood stove going for some additional warmth.JS Realty Leesburg Sunroom Woodstove

The spacious Master Bedroom features hardwood floors, ceiling fan, and tons of natural light. The additional 3 large bedrooms contain closets and plenty of windows. Full bath has tile flooring, vanity, and shower/tub combo.

LOWER LEVEL
In the large Recreation Room that leads to the beautiful backyard, find recessed lights, a nice bedroom with a closet, storage area with a utility area and laundry room, and a full, tile floor Bathroom with a vanity and Jacuzzi tub!

EXTERIOR
The home sits on 1.35 beautifully landscaped acres and backs to trees. The back yard boasts a greenhouse and a large garage with workshop area and extra storage. A spacious screened in porch with a fan is perfect for entertaining, and a deck that is great for grilling. The driveway is paved and has a turnaround area.JS Realty Leesburg Greenhouse

Call us today at 703-475-1003 to schedule a tour of this beautiful home in Leesburg, VA!

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The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

WHEN TO DISPLAY THE FLAG

America just celebrated her 239th birthday! The Flag, or “Old Glory” as she is often called, is the emblem of our country. She was displayed nation-wide on July 4th and was being waved all day by proud Americans. This isn’t anything new, though. JS Realty Fireworks Nation DCYou see flags all the time; in front of schools, public offices, even homes. But did you know there is an official Flag Code? This code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, and also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. According to the code, “The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.”

JS Realty USA Flag Seal GreatInitially, there were no reasons left as to why Red, White, and Blue were chosen to represent the USA. However, in 1782, Congress chose the same colors for the Great Seal and offered this designation:

Red – hardiness and valor
White – purity and innocence
Blue – vigilance, perseverance, & justice

Also listed in the code among the various do’s and don’t’s is a detailed list of the days on which the flag should be displayed.

So when should “Old Glory” be displayed? The Flag should be displayed on all days, but especially on:

JS Realty Flag Old Glory FlyingNew Year’s Day—January 1
Inauguration Day—January 20
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday—3rd Monday in January
Lincoln’s Birthday—February 12
Washington’s Birthday—3rd Monday in February
Easter Sunday (variable)
Mother’s Day—2nd Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day—3rd Saturday in May
Memorial Day—last Monday in May (fly at half-staff until noon)
Flag Day—June 14
Father’s Day—3rd Sunday in June
JS Realty Flag US BuildingIndependence Day—July 4
Labor Day—1st Monday in September
Constitution Day—September 17
Columbus Day—2nd Monday in October
Navy Day—October 27
Veterans Day—November 11
Thanksgiving Day—4th Thursday in November
Christmas Day—December 25
State holidays
States Date of Admission—June 25th for Virginia, April 28th for Maryland
And other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.

JS Realty Flag Half Staff MastIn addition, half-staff the Flag (sunrise to sunset) on these days:

Peace Officers Memorial Day—May 15
Patriot Day—September 11
Fire Prevention Week—Sunday, usually of week in which October 9th falls
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day—December 7

Download a printable version of Dates to Display The Flag.

Additional details about Old Glory and the full Code can be found here.

If you have a flag that is weathered, tattered, or beyond repair, please contact the National Capital Area Council Boy Scouts of America so that it may be disposed of during a flag retirement ceremony.


This is a great time to buy and sell a home in Loudoun County! Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and find out how we can help get you into the home of your dreams!JS Realty Free Analysis Contact Us

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

5 Reasons You Need a Realtor

Do I Really Need a Realtor?

*Note: this blog was updated in August 2017*

In a previous blog we gave you tips on Choosing Your Realtor. But many people still wonder with the internet and it’s limitless supply of information and videos, available 24/7 – do you really need a Real Estate Agent in this day and age?

JS Realty Stress Realtor Man OnlineThe answer is YES, you absolutely do! In fact, there are actually some reasons you need a Realtor more today than ever before. Buying and selling a home is such an exciting time in your life. Why try to reinvent the wheel and spend countless hours researching market information or looking for a document that may or may not be outdated? Enjoy your time looking at homes and preparing for a successful transaction by hiring a Realtor to help you along the way.

5 Reasons You Need A Realtor

#1 – REALTORS HAVE ALL THE LATEST TOOLS!

Meeting Realtor ContractsAny full time Agent has a multitude of subscriptions to websites that assist or help in the home buying or selling process (you should see our username spreadsheet, it is several pages long!). Some of these sites have fees and some of them don’t, but just knowing which ones are useful or even good is a part time job. Your Agent will save you time and energy by using their resources to simplify the home buying or selling process. Agents also have access to the MLS, which has data that you can not find anywhere else on the web. It is up to the minute, Realtor-to-Realtor information about the property you may be interested in, or the neighborhood you may be selling in. Let your Agent give you current, relevant information instead of the outdated listing you may find while surfing the web.

#2 – REALTORS KNOW THE MARKET

JS Realty Market Cloud Bubble Analysis RealtorThis is what they do all day – they live and breathe real estate. A seasoned Agent knows how deals are being negotiated in certain markets, they know the feel for whether or not a micro-market is hot, whether it is a sellers’ market or not, etc. And this is just the beginning! Having an Agent help you understand how to not just present your offer, but how to make it a winning offer that suits current conditions is vital. This knowledge of the market applies to 6 or 7 different topics within the contract alone that can make or break your offer. Your Agent already knows what others are currently doing in these markets, so why waste time trying to figure it all out yourself?

#3 – REALTORS KNOW HOW TO SELL AND SELL FAST

JS Realty Showing Home RealtorRealtors know how to sell homes – it’s their job! They know the latest tools to use and what the buyers want. Today, prospective buyers expect professional photos and videos to accompany your listing. Let your real estate Agent handle staging and marketing your home across various channels. Plus, let them screen candidates before you spend your valuable extra time cleaning your home for a showing. Your Agent won’t waste your time showing off your home to someone who is not even qualified to buy it.

#4 – REALTORS KNOW HOMES!

JS Realty Magnifying Glass Looking Inspecting RealtorA seasoned Agent has attended and negotiated dozens of home inspections. This brings them to a level of experience and knowledge that can only be learned by navigating a variety of challenges and different homes with different issues. If you are selling, they can prepare you to avoid certain hurdles by making the necessary repairs in advance. If you are buying, they can look for potential issues while you enjoy looking at the size of a room and envisioning where your TV will fit on the wall. An expert eye will be looking for water leaks, a yard that may have potential issues or even just the age of the appliances and major systems. Being able to have multiple sets of eyes and different perspectives can really make or break your buying or selling experience.

#5 – COORDINATION SKILLS AND RESOURCES

JS Realty Files Notebook Realtor DeskYour Realtor will have access to the multitude of current documents that are needed along the way. Just making an offer can be a 28 page document! In addition, there are contingencies to attend to and either negotiate and/or remove. There may be notices that need to be provided or documents to receive. A great Realtor will have systems in place to keep track of each and every aspect of not only the contract, but coordinating all the folks that help you buy the home. Do you really want to worry about whether you ordered your termite inspection and who needs it after it is done? What happens if there are termites, and how do you address it to keep you in compliance? A great Realtor will make it all look simple.  Just know that on the back end there is a lot going on that you don’t have to worry about. You have enough to take care of with the loan process, packing, and moving. Focus on your new home and let the experts take care of the rest!

The JS Realty Team is dedicated to building lifelong relationships, and helping clients fulfill their dreams through ethical, honest, and fair real estate solutions. We have over $500 million in closed transactions, and our Team of professionals is ready to help you buy or sell a home!

Loudoun Brambleton JSRealty4U Realtor
The JS Realty Team @ Samson Properties

CONTACT US TODAY!

 

VISITING JAMESTOWN

It’s Independence Day weekend and what better way to kick it off, than with some great info on visiting Jamestown! We took an impromptu trip two weeks ago and headed south towards Williamsburg. We ended up spending a day exploring both sites. The Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne sites are minutes apart, and while each one is quite unique and has fun and interesting features, you can easily spend an entire day visiting just one location. However, if you’re traveling with younger kids, like we were, it worked out well to hit both places in the same day.

Historic Jamestowne
This is the actual site where 104 settlers arrived on May 14,1607. After checking in at the Visitors Center (which has many artifacts and lots of information), you are free to walk the grounds and explore. Signs and information boards are set up at different points to let you know where you’re standing and what happened there.JS Realty Jamestown Site Map

Another way to explore the site is to take a free tour, guided by an archaeologist.

JS Realty Jamestown Excavation
Current Excavation

As you visit the different sites and spots, you will get a wonderful account of all that has been found, along with details about the current excavation. Our Guide actually jumped right into a pit and showed us the possible cellar of the building they were excavating!

If you’re ready for lunch or a quick snack, stop by the historic Dale House Café near the water’s edge. It’s a scenic spot to rest up before continuing on to the Archaearium – a museum that houses the most impressive of the two million artifacts uncovered since the Rediscovery Project began in 1994. There are even several places where the flooring is made of glass, so you can see down to the original stones and foundation of the building under the Archaearium.

JS Realty James River Kids
Looking out at the James River.

Jamestown Settlement
After spending a good 2-3 hours exploring the archaeological site, we headed over to the Jamestown Settlement, which is a re-creation of the original and a “living/working museum”. You could spend hours just wandering through the museum itself.  Our first stop was actually the Cafe for a quick lunch! The food is cooked to order and they have a decent selection of items to satisfy even the pickiest eaters – and we had 3!

JS Realty Old Virginia MapAfter lunch, we wandered through the gallery exhibits learning about Jamestown’s beginnings and viewing hundreds of objects and artifacts from 17th-century Europe, Africa, and Virginia. The items are integrated into the museum, which features three-dimensional structures and small theaters. The best part was that almost every placard or information board featured an item to touch – linen, wool, deer skin, iron cuffs, etc. so you really got a sense of what the settlers were using or wearing.

JS Realty Jamestown Powhatan Village
Powhatan Houses

After learning more about life in the 1600’s, it was time to explore the three outdoor-living, hands-on history areas. First was the re-created Powhatan village featuring reed-covered houses, crops and a ceremonial circle of carved wooden posts. You can walk in the houses, sit on the deerskin covered beds and even use a chunk of a log and rock pestle to grind corn into meal (we had a hard time dragging one of the little ones away from that!). We were quite fascinated to watch a Powhatan Indian interpreter make a log canoe by burning the inside of a tree trunk and then scraping it out with an oyster shell.

JS Realty Three 3 Ships
Ships at Jamestown

Our next stop was checking out The Ships – re-creations of the Susan Constant, Discovery, and Godspeed that brought America’s first permanent English colonists to Virginia in 1607.  The ships are moored at the pier and are completely hands-on! Once aboard the ships, you can explore the tight conditions, try steering with a whip-staff or tiller, tie sailors’ knots, and even climb into a sailor’s bunk. Costumed interpreters are on all 3 ships and give a great account of what it was like to sail from England in 1607 and can answer pretty much any question you might have.

JS Realty Armor Dress Up
The armor was heavy!

Our last stop was the James Fort. The re-created 1610-14 fort contain structures topped with thatch roofs depicting dwellings, as well as an Anglican church, a court of guard, a storehouse, a cape merchant’s office and a governor’s house. Historical interpreters even forge and repair metal objects in a blacksmith’s forge and show how matchlock muskets are fired (warning: the muskets are loud!). You can even try on armor and play games! 

Overall, visiting both sites was a fantastic way to learn about Virginia and American history. Children have plenty to see, handle, and explore, while Adults can enjoy learning new facts about the area and even feel like a kid again! Williamsburg and Jamestown are only about a 3-hour drive from the Northern VA area and is definitely something you could do over a long weekend.


The JS Realty Team prides ourselves on helping our clients through the entire buying and selling process, from the first search for a home, to closing and beyond! Contact us today – we’d love to help you find your dream home!

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The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia

ENJOY A VACATION IN BRAMBLETON

Summer has officially arrived! The sun is out (when it’s not storming…) and it is HOT! As much as everyone needs and wants a vacation, it’s not always possible to leave town. Fortunately, living in Brambleton means you don’t have to go far to have a fun and relaxing vacation.  Here’s how to make the most of your “stay-cation” without leaving Brambleton!

RELAX IN THE POOL

JS Realty Brambleton Pool Water Park

*NEW for 2015!* Stratford Landing Pool & Splash Park – Located at 23503 Quillback Court. Complex consists of splash pad and water sensory play area with zero depth beach entry, water volleyball court, water basketball court, cool water hydrotherapy cove, and water slide. Also includes a separate eating area, picnic pavilion and bathhouse.

The Community Center Pool – Located at 42645 Regal Wood Drive. Complex consists of a main pool, wading pool, and spa.

The Beacon Crest Pool – Located within the Residences Condominiums at 22650 Beacon Crest Terrace. Complex consists of a salt water main pool, wading pool, spa, outdoor gas fireplace and grill, and a club room.

Brambleton Corner Clubhouse & Pool – Located at 42255 Palladian Blue Terrace. Complex consists of an 8-lane lap pool with attached zero depth beach entry, outdoor eating area with grill and concession area, and the Brambleton Corner Clubhouse.

ENJOY A SPA DAY

JS Realty Facial Spa RelaxWith these 4 unique locations to choose from, you can’t go wrong when you want to pamper yourself! Get a new ‘do, have a facial, enjoy a mani/pedi – the list of options are impressive.

Eclips Salon & Day Spa
Hair Cuttery
La Belle Nail Spa
Illusions Hair Salon & Spa

JS Realty Movie Theater Pass Ticket EntryCATCH A MOVIE

At 10 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, head over to Regal Fox Cinemas for “G” and “PG” rated movies for just $1! Seating is first-come, first-served and limited to capacity. Seat reservation is not permitted.  $1 Summer Movie List

SEE A CONCERT

JS Realty Concert BrambletonBRAM’s Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series is back! Every Thursday night at 6PM. Concerts are FREE and you can bring a cooler and blanket/chairs to sit on while you listen to some good music.  Check out the list of bands here.

GRAB A BITE

From Asian to Mediterranean, an all-American diner, and several options for a sweet treat – the restaurants at the Town Center have you covered, no matter what you are craving! For the extensive list of restaurants, click here.

JS Realty Lost Rhino OpenAnd don’t forget to stop by the Lost Rhino Retreat – it’s now open! For hours and additional info, visit the website.


Are you thinking about buying a home in Brambleton? Contact us today – so we can help you find your dream home!

JS Realty Free Analysis Contact UsThe JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

MARKET UPDATE – LOUDOUN COUNTY

JS Realty Flag LoCoEarlier this month the JS Realty Team at Samson Properties provided a market analysis of Brambleton in Ashburn, Virginia. Today we are going to expand the market update to include all of Loudoun County, and compare the trends of the whole county to what we saw in the Brambleton subdivision.

Q1 2015 Loudoun County Market Update – Full Report

The Loudoun County housing market has also had a strong first quarter. The sold dollar volume is up + 19.56% from JS Realty Where Market Going Newspaperthe previous year and units sold are also up +16.88%. The percentages are obviously not as large when compared to Brambleton, but keep in mind we are looking at Loudoun County as a whole, not just one of its most popular subdivisions. When you compare average days on the market in Loudoun County to the previous year you will see a modest increase from 58 in 2014 to 81 in 2015. This can be mostly attributed to the increase in inventory from the year before – classic “supply and demand”. Overall, similar to Brambleton, the whole county is experiencing a market that is on the move in a positive way.

The JS Realty Team also mentioned previously that the “buzz” in the lending world was that interest rates were going to rise slightly over the summer. We have seen that come to fruition over the last couple weeks. They have crept up a little, but are still close to historical lows.

JS Realty Buyer Seller Road SignWe expect this positive market to continue for the foreseeable future. The JS Realty Team has stayed busy helping our clients achieve their goals through the buying and selling of homes. It has been a great year so far and we look forward to helping even more of our clients in the remainder of 2015.

Have a great summer! Don’t hesitate to contact a JS Realty Team member with any questions or to get a FREE no obligation home/market analysis on your home.

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The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

BEST BLUE CRAB IN NOVA

JS Realty Steam Crab BlueIt’s not always convenient to travel into Maryland when you’re craving some delicious Blue Crab. Did you know there were 5 great places here in Northern Virginia that serve it up fresh? These restaurants don’t disappoint! In fact, a few might even surprise you.

Captain Pell’s
10195 Fairfax Blvd
Fairfax, VA
Blue Crab Captain Pell FairfaxSince 1977, Captain Pell’s has been serving up tasty all-you-can-eat crab and seafood, delivered fresh daily.

Captain Mas Seafood
46303 McClellan Way

Sterling, VA
JS Realty Capt Mas Crab Blue Sterling Cascades
Tucked away in the Cascades Marketplace off Cascades Blvd, Captain Mas offers up all-you-can-eat blue crab. Their impressive menu is worth the wait, as everything is made to order and fresh!

Ford’s Fish Shack
44260 Ice Rink Plaza #101
Ashburn, VA
Ford Fish Shack Bar Ashburn JS Realty
This family owned restaurant is making a name for itself with it’s “Fresh-Off-the-Hook” seafood. Their current menu specials have just what you’re looking for!

Blue Ridge Seafood
15704 Lee Highway
Gainesville, VA
JS Realty Blue Ridge Seafood Crab
Family owned and operated for 30 years, this “hidden gem” near Manassas features steamed & spiced blue crab by the dozen or half-dozen!

Lowry’s Crab Shack
420 W Colonial Hwy
Hamilton, VA
JS Realty Lowry's Crab Shack
Head over to Lowry’s! Great food, and that fun, relaxed, “beach” vibe make this a great destination for freshly steamed blue crab.


 

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The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

FATHER’S DAY FOOD AND FUN

Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 21st. Ditch the usual ties, belts, and tools this year and treat The Man in your life to some good food and a lot of fun on Father’s Day!

The V Brewhouse Eatery JS RealtyThe V Eatery & Brewhouse
44630 Waxpool Road
Ashburn, VA

Dad’s Eat FREE on Father’s Day!
For additional info and reservations click here.

Father Grandfather Son FishingGreat Country Farms
Father’s Day Fish~a~Rama

Fishing Contest & Fly Fishing Demonstrations
9:00AM – 6:00PM

18780 Foggy Bottom Rd
Bluemont, VA 20135

Bring Dad and the whole family out for the annual Father’s Day catch and release fishing contest. Win prizes and enjoy the fly fishing demo and fishing tips. The Roosteraunt concession stand will be serving up plenty of slushies, cider pork BBQ, and hand dipped ice cream.
$8/Child & $10/Adult

CSA & Fan Members, children 2 & under, and guests with a Military ID receive FREE Admission.

JS Realty DuCard WinesFather’s Day Cigar & Wine Pairing
DuCard Vineyards
40 Gibson Hollow Lane

Etlan, VA 22719
12PM – 5:00PM

Join Panacea Cigars as they show how to pair cigars with wines and enjoy wine and cigar combo specials. Also enjoy music by local singer-songwriter Paulo Franco with his unique blend of folk, country, and rock. Treat dad to a day of wine, music, and cigars! No cover.

Beer and Bacon and Pig3rd Annual Bacon Fest!
The Terrace Tent at 868 Estate 

14001 Harpers Ferry Road
Purcellville, VA 20132

Give Dad what he really wants – beer and bacon and a rocking afternoon at 868 Estate! Tickets on sale now!  

Fabbioli Cellars EntranceWood Fired Pizza & Wine!
Fabbioli Cellars
15669 Limestone School Road
Leesburg, VA 20176

All Father’s Day Weekend Fabbioli Cellars is hosting Big Daddy’s Wood fired Pizza. Enjoy some wine and Big Daddy’s fresh, hot pizzas!

JS Realty Lost Rhino OpenLost Rhino Retreat
22885 Brambleton Plaza
Brambleton, VA

Treat Dad to a pint (or 2!) and some great food! Hours are limited, visit the Facebook page for details.

 

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The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

MARKET ANALYSIS – BRAMBLETON

It is always a great idea to check in and understand how our real estate market is doing. So today we are taking a look at our local market – specifically 20148. This includes all of the Brambleton market and some other great surrounding neighborhoods.

For the full report, click here: Market Statistics-20148-Q12015

real estate market graph increaseIn the first quarter of 2015, things are looking pretty positive all the way around. Our most impressive number is the sold volume dollars, which is up by + 34.7%. The number of units sold is up by +34.26%. This tells us quickly that there was a larger selection of homes for Buyers to choose from, and they did in fact choose to buy – which pushed these percentages up. Interestingly enough, this did push days on the market up just a bit, as it rose 13.79%.  Days on the market increasing gives a slight lean towards a Buyers’ market, which is reflected somewhat in the average sold price per unit, which is down slightly -0.80%.

JS Realty variable mortgage ratesThe key fact here is the the market is moving! Sellers are listing and Buyers are buying. Interest rates remain at a historically low rate, keeping our market healthy. The “buzz” in the lending world is that we should expect to see interest rates rise slightly, potentially headed towards 5% within the next 12 months. Keep this in mind while planning your next move, whether it is buying or selling, as both markets will feel the effects of higher interest rates.

Brambleton is located in the 20148 market and it remains a hot neighborhood not only locally but as a nationally recognized, award winning community!

Fun Facts about the Brambleton market:
JS Realty Female Women Cafe Lunch-Average adult age is 42
-Average household income is $139,971
-There are +2.32% more females (in the local population)

The JS Realty Team are your local Brambleton experts! We offer 4.5% Full Service Listing fees and cash back to our Buyers!  If you are looking to Buy or Sell, contact us today for a free analysis of what we can do for you.

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The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

FEATURED LISTING IN HERNDON, VA

JS Realty Living Room HerndonWe’ve got a great new listing in Herndon, VA!

2484 Curie Court
Herndon, VA 20171

Check out our video below for details on this charming, 4-level townhome, with tons of natural light.

The Reston/Herndon communities boast great amenities, which include basketball courts, bike trails, jogging/walking paths, tots lots and playgrounds.

Curie Court is only 5 miles from the new Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station! You can also walk to shopping & dining at Village Center at Dulles. This home is a perfect location for commuters – a short drive to Rt. 28, Rt. 50, the Dulles Greenway & Dulles Airport.

Interested in seeing the home in person? Contact Sarah King Taylor at 703-475-1003 or click here to view more information on this listing!

JS Realty Free Analysis Contact UsThe JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.