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The challenge for buyers is they may not always have a complete picture. Utilities are sometimes disconnected, making it difficult to verify major systems are functioning. Additionally, part of the resale process includes receiving a “Seller Property Disclosure Statement” where the owner is required to list any problems with the house that they are aware of. A buyer should also receive a “Claims History Report” from the seller’s insurance company, stating whether or not any claims have been filed for things like fire damage or flooding. With foreclosures, banks don’t provide either of these documents. Still, bank-owned properties should not automatically be viewed as properties to avoid. The key is approaching the purchase with realistic expectations, due diligence and budgeting for surprises. For buyers willing to do their homework and budget for surprises, a foreclosure can be an opportunity to build equity and get ahead. Dayv Morgan is a Maricopa realtor and owner of HomeSmart Premier. 480-251-4231 DayvMorgan@gmail.com SPONSORED CONTENT
Estate Owned property, meaning the bank takes ownership and is responsible for selling it. The biggest advantage of a foreclosure is the price. Banks want to move these properties. That can create opportunities for investors looking to build equity or homeowners hoping to purchase a home below market value. In a competitive housing market, buying a foreclosure can provide access to neighborhoods that might be out of reach. But lower prices usually come with tradeoffs. A big difference between purchasing a foreclosure and buying a traditional home is the inspection process. While buyers should always obtain a professional inspection, bank-owned properties are typically sold as-is. Unlike a traditional seller, a bank is unlikely to make repairs, offer credits or renegotiate the price based on inspection findings. Instead, the inspection serves as a tool to help buyers understand the property’s condition and estimate future costs. Fresh paint, new flooring, fixtures and landscaping can be relatively inexpensive ways to add value. Other repairs are far more significant. Scenarios like a failing roof, outdated electrical system, plumbing issues, foundation problems or a worn-out HVAC unit.
Summer stars These three flowers will thrive even in an Arizona summer
T HE WORD “FORECLOSURE” BRINGS images of broken windows, deferred maintenance and expensive repairs. While some bank-owned properties fit that description, dismissing them could mean overlooking a valuable opportunity. In Arizona, a foreclosure occurs when a homeowner defaults on their mortgage and the lender takes possession of the property. If the home doesn’t sell at a trustee’s sale, it becomes a Real Foreclosures in Arizona: Hidden opportunity or money pit? BY DAYV MORGAN
BY WENDE GEHRT
A
S THE SCORCHING SUMMER SUN hits its peak, nurturing a vibrant garden becomes a dance with the heat, turning sweltering days into a
Vinca ( Catharanthus roseus )
canvas for heat-loving blooms. If you’ve lived in the Maricopa area for the past three years, you’ve experienced the two hottest summers and the two warmest winters on record. So how can gardeners enjoy colorful blooms while surviving the desert heat? The answer is choosing plants that thrive in our climate. While flowering shrubs are always a good option, three of my favorite summer plants provide plenty of color with relatively little effort. The queen of summer color One of the most popular at the garden center is the vinca ( Catharanthus roseus ) a heat-loving annual that thrives in full sun and temperatures above 100 degrees. Drought tolerant and long blooming, vincas produce flowers until frost in shades of red, pink, salmon, white and violet. These plants prefer well-drained soil, moderate watering and occasionally slow- release fertilizer. While generally resilient, vincas can be susceptible to “vinca wilt,” a fungal disease that attacks the roots and prevents the plant from absorbing water, causing it to appear dry and wilted. Healthy vincas, however, can provide years of color with minimal care. Pretty, purple and practically carefree Another favorite is angelonia ( Angelonia angustifolia ), often called summer snapdragon or angel flower. Developed into modern varieties in Argentina during the 1990s, angelonia has become increasingly popular in Arizona because it thrives in hot, sunny conditions. Available in white, pink, lavender, rose and purple, angelonia grows upright with spikes of blooms that attract pollinators. These drought-
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Marguerite sweet potato vine ( Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’)
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Angelonia ( Angelonia angustifolia )
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tolerant plants require little maintenance and do not need deadheading. They perform equally well in garden beds and containers. Because of their popularity, angelonia can sell out quickly at local garden centers. Lime-green foliage with dramatic flair For dramatic foliage, consider Marguerite sweet potato vine ( Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’). This fast-growing annual is prized for its vibrant chartreuse, heart-shaped leaves and trailing habit. Ideal for containers, hanging baskets and groundcover, it typically grows 6 to 10 inches
tall and can spread 4 to 5 feet. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Propagation couldn’t be easier. Simply snip a 6- to 8-inch cutting, remove the lower leaves and place the stem in a jar of water. Healthy roots typically appear within three to seven days, and the cutting can then be planted in moist soil. Choosing desert-adapted plants like these can bring vibrant color to your landscape while requiring relatively little effort during Arizona’s hottest months.
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Wende Gehrt is a Pinal County Master Gardener.
InMaricopa.com | July 2026
July 2026 | InMaricopa.com
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