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The person keeping the home may not be able to qualify for a new loan because of poor credit, insufficient income or too much debt. Falling home values can also erase equity or leave the couple owing more than the property is worth, making it difficult or impossible to sell, refinance or come up with the money needed to buy out the other partner. That’s why couples may want to discuss the uncomfortable questions before buying rather than after a relationship ends: Who owns what percentage? Who pays the mortgage, taxes and repairs? What happens if one person wants out? Think of buying a home together like entering a business partnership. Getting an attorney to draft an agreement ahead of time can clearly establish each partner’s rights and responsibilities — and provide a roadmap if the relationship ends, which can save a lot of headaches down the road. Dayv Morgan is a Maricopa realtor and owner of HomeSmart Premier. 480-251-4231 DayvMorgan@gmail.com SPONSORED CONTENT
decades. Realtor.com reports that unmarried couples now account for about 16% of first-time homebuyers, compared with less than 1% in 1981. Arizona is a community property state, meaning assets acquired during marriage are generally divided equally in a divorce. Those rules, however, generally apply only to married couples. When an unmarried couple purchases a home together, the way the property is titled can affect each person’s ownership rights. This becomes important not only after a breakup, but also if one owner dies. The mortgage adds another layer of complexity. Having someone’s name removed from the title can be done easily through a quitclaim deed, but it won’t remove that person’s name from the mortgage. Additionally, it’s possible for one person to be responsible for the loan while both partners have an ownership interest in the property. If a relationship ends, regardless of marriage status, the simplest solutions are usually for the couple to sell the home and divide the proceeds or for one partner to purchase the other’s interest. This can become complicated if one partner must refinance the mortgage by themself.
plants produce separate male and female flowers, pollination can be a challenge. We suggest growing three or more plants, or hand- pollinating with a small paintbrush in the morning to ensure good fruit development. Avoid planting winter squash near potatoes or sweet potatoes because they compete heavily for nutrients. Popular summer varieties include zucchini, straight neck and patty pan, which can be eaten raw or cooked. Their mild flavor and tender texture are versatile in many recipes. Favorite winter varieties include butternut, acorn, delicata, honey nut, spaghetti, kabocha and pumpkins. Most varieties must be peeled either before or after cooking, but delicata and honey nut have tender edible skin. Butternut is the most popular variety due to its mild, sweet flavor, while acorn squash is excellent for stuffing and baking. Pumpkins are also part of the Cucurbita plant genus but are more often used in sweet applications. The arrival of the ever-popular pumpkin spice is a true harbinger of autumn and seems to appear in everything except bath tissue. Even though pumpkins are easy to grow in most climates, in our desert environment using the canned variety may be the easiest option. With the holidays around the corner, a bowl or basket filled with a selection of winter squashes makes a beautiful autumnal centerpiece. With all of the choices available, you’re sure to find a squash that you enjoy growing and eating.
ROWING SQUASH IN PINAL County is relatively easy because the crop thrives in our desert sun and heat. We have two distinct Squash it: Why this crop loves the desert BY WENDE GEHRT G growing seasons, fall and early spring, and you can feature both summer and winter varieties in your garden. The primary difference between summer and winter squash? When they are harvested. Summer squash is picked young with thin, edible skin and soft seeds, making it more perishable. Winter squash matures fully on the vine into a hard-skinned, starchy fruit that can be cured and stored for months. Seeds are the most economical way to grow squash, but transplants can get you a faster harvest. In the fall, we must wait until soil temperatures cool to 70 degrees before planting seeds directly in the ground. Plant in a spot with full sun and rich, well-draining soil mixed heavily with compost. Provide deep, consistent watering, especially during production. Because squash
P URCHASING A HOME TOGETHER CAN be a major step in a relationship. But for unmarried couples in Arizona, it can also create financial ties that aren’t easy to unwind if the relationship ends. The number of unmarried couples buying homes has grown considerably over the past several Buying a home before marriage? Here’s what can happen if you split BY DAYV MORGAN
SQUASH TALK
From its Native American name to connections to pumpkin spice, squash has some surprises. Squash belongs to the genus Cucurbita . This is a Latin name that covers pumpkins, zucchini and many other summer and winter squash varieties. Squash has an interesting name origin. The word comes from the Narragansett word “askutasquash,” meaning “eaten raw.” Squash is packed with vitamins A and C, and fiber. It supports eye health, improves digestion, boosts the immune system and promotes heart health. Spaghetti squash has a built-in trick. Cooked flesh separates into strands that resemble noodles. Zucchini can go undercover. Summer squash can be shredded or pureed into spaghetti sauce, soups and even brownies. Winter squash has staying power. Unlike tender summer squash, mature winter squash can be cured and stored for months.
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©2026 CastleRock Communities. Prices, terms, and conditions are subject to change. Continuing product development necessitates the alteration of sales prices, features, inclusions, designs, materials, colors, and specifications. As such, CastleRock reserves the right to discontinue, substitute, or change such items with no obligation and without prior notice. Some features are optional and may be subject to extra cost and/or lot restrictions. Please consult a CastleRock representative for specific price information and availability. All renderings and drawings are conceptual and subject to significant changes. All measurements are approximate and may vary from plans and model homes. All sales are conditioned upon buyer’s acceptance of Final Subdivision Disclosure Report (Public Report). Homes are constructed by CastleRock Construction Arizona LLC – ROC# 348937. CastleRock Communities Arizona LLC – AZDRE License #LC710331000. All rights reserved.
InMaricopa.com | November 2026
November 2026 | InMaricopa.com
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