2025 April Issue of InMaricopa Magazine

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disclaimer deed acknowledging they are not a part-owner. The same condition also applies if you are deeded a house through an inheritance. The property can’t be sold otherwise, so it’s best to have it signed up front, since your spouse may not be available (or willing, in the case of a future divorce) to sign it at a later date. A mortgage and a deed are not the same thing. You can use a quitclaim deed to remove yourself from the title, however, this does not remove your name from the loan. Any missed payments or debt associated with the loan will show up on your credit report. The only way to remove any financial responsibility with the loan is to refinance, or to sell the property to a new party. When dealing with a deed issue, it’s best to talk with a qualified real estate attorney who can provide guidance for your specific circumstances, and help prevent costly mistakes.

A DEED MAY SEEM LIKE A SIMPLE document proving ownership of your home, but there are several different types to use depending on the situation. In a traditional sale, warranty deeds are utilized. They provide the highest level of assurance to the buyer and their lender. With this deed, the seller guarantees they hold a clear title to the property, free from any liens, and have the legal right to transfer ownership. Title insurance covers financial losses and legal expenses if someone challenges past ownership of the property. Two policies are purchased at the time of a sale; an owner’s policy, What deeds can and can’t do BY DAYV MORGAN

STRUGGLE GROWING season to find better ways to keep my tomato plants healthy while fighting much-too-early Arizona heat. EACH Shuck it before you pluck it Prune your tomato plants for better yields BY AL BRANDENBURG I I find regularly pruning your tomato plants throughout the growing season can achieve healthier plants, yield more fruit and enjoy a larger harvest. This means you’ll have an abundance of tomatoes that might not have been possible otherwise. There are three reasons pruning tomato plants is essential for a bountiful and healthy crop. First, leaves and branches that touch the ground are prone to disease and pest infestations. Removing these low-hanging branches reduces the risk of such problems spreading to the rest of the plant. Once planted, clear all leaves and branches off the main stem 4 inches from the ground. Second, a tomato plant with dense foliage tends to trap moisture and limit airflow, creating an ideal environment for diseases to thrive and spread. Pruning helps open the plant, allowing air to circulate more freely and reducing the likelihood of disease transmission. It also helps prevent the plant from becoming too heavy and sagging. Last, as the growing season winds down, it’s beneficial for the plant to concentrate its energy on fruit development rather than new leaf growth. By pruning the new growth at the top of the plant, you signal it to focus on ripening its fruit. This way, the plant prioritizes enlarging and maturing tomatoes over getting taller. You’ll need a sharp pair of pruning shears to prune tomato plants effectively. Here’s what to focus on when pruning: 1. Remove unproductive branches. Start by identifying branches with leaves but no fruit, especially those

paid for by the seller, and a lender’s policy, which the buyer purchases. The policy is in effect until the home is sold again. You’d employ the use of a quitclaim deed , if during a divorce you wish to give up your interest in the home to your spouse as part of a settlement. The same deed applies if you want to transfer ownership to a family member. This type of deed can be drafted, notarized, and recorded for very little cost and effort. With Arizona being a community property state, disclaimer deeds are also used frequently. A disclaimer deed clarifies that one spouse has no legal interest in a property. For example, if you are married and purchase a home in just your name, your spouse needs to sign a

Dayv Morgan is a Maricopa realtor and owner of HomeSmart Premier.

480-251-4231 DayvMorgan@gmail.com

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Cut these as low as possible to focus the plant’s energy on fruit production. Toward the end of the growing season, prune any green branches that are growing straight up and are relatively new. Don’t rush to prune your tomato plants as soon as they start growing. It’s better to wait until they’re about one-third to halfway through the growing season. Look for signs like low-hanging branches beginning to yellow — this indicates your plants are ready for pruning. When your tomato plant starts to look full or its branches spill out of its support cage or stake, it’s a good time to thin it out. Good luck and great growing!

turning yellow or brown or showing signs of disease. 2. Prune mindfully. Prune branches that are higher up and not bearing fruit to improve air circulation and light penetration. You might notice two branches at a point on the plant, one bearing fruit and another just below it with only leaves. The lower, leaf-only branches can be trimmed to prevent overcrowding. However, only remove one-third to half of these to avoid stressing the plant, which could divert its energy towards leaf production. 3. Eliminate suckers. Suckers are branches that sprout from the base of the plant around the main stem, diverting energy from the main plant.

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InMaricopa.com | April 2025

April 2025 | InMaricopa.com

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