Almost every home in a Scottsdale golf community comes with a homeowners association, and often more than one. Most buyers expect that. What surprises them is how much the HOA shapes daily life: what you can paint, plant and build, who can rent the home, and what you pay at closing.
Here is how it usually works, and what to look at before you write an offer.
Master associations and sub-associations
Large communities like Desert Mountain are made up of many smaller neighborhoods, or villages. There is usually a master association for the whole community, which covers things like the main gates, roads, security and common areas, and then a sub-association for your specific neighborhood, which might cover landscaping, private streets or a neighborhood gate. Each has its own dues, budget and rules.
When you compare homes, add up every association, not just the master. Two homes in the same community can carry very different monthly costs.
The HOA is not the club
This is the most common mix-up. The HOA manages the community. The golf club is a separate organization with its own membership, fees and rules. In many Scottsdale communities, you pay HOA dues whether or not you join the club. I wrote more about that in how club membership works in Scottsdale golf communities.
Fees at closing
Expect a few one-time costs tied to the HOA when you buy. These can include a transfer fee, a disclosure fee for the documents and, in some communities, a capital contribution or reserve fee paid by the buyer. Capital contributions in luxury communities can be significant, so ask for the exact figures early.
Design and architectural rules
Golf communities protect their look. Most have a design review committee that approves exterior paint colors, landscaping, walls, lighting, solar panels and remodels. If you are buying with plans to renovate, read the design guidelines first and ask how long approvals usually take.
Rental rules
If you might rent the home while you are away, check the rental rules closely. Some associations set minimum lease lengths or limit how often a home can be rented. The City of Scottsdale also requires short-term rentals to be licensed. Rules vary a lot from one community to the next.
What to read during escrow
In Arizona, the HOA provides a resale disclosure packet during escrow. It is worth reading, not just signing. Look for:
- Current dues for every association, and how much they have gone up in recent years
- The reserve study and how well funded the reserves are
- Any planned or pending special assessments
- Recent meeting minutes, which often reveal upcoming projects or disputes
- The CC&Rs and design guidelines
- Rental, pet and parking rules
A good HOA is a good thing
It is easy to focus on the rules, but a well-run HOA is a big part of why these communities look the way they do and hold their value. Well-funded reserves, clear rules and a responsive management company are signs of a healthy community.
Quick answers
Do Scottsdale golf communities have HOAs?
Almost always, and often more than one: a master association for the whole community and a sub-association for each neighborhood, each with its own dues.
Are HOA dues the same as golf club dues?
No. HOA dues pay for the community itself. Club dues are separate and apply only if you join the club.
What HOA fees are due when buying a home in Arizona?
Common one-time costs include a transfer fee, a disclosure fee and, in some communities, a capital contribution paid by the buyer. Ask for exact figures early in the process.
If you are comparing homes in a few communities, send me the addresses and I will pull the HOA details for each so you can compare the real monthly cost. The golf community guides are a good place to start.
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