Here you will find a sample of some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If your question is not answered below, please send it to Karen Angelo, Communications Director, at . 

Q: What is a "management company," what do they do, and how do I reach them?

A: A management company is contracted by the Board of Directors to provide such services as: collection of assessments, supervision of subcontractors, obtaining bids for subcontracted services, providing financial statements and collection reports, as well as serving as a general clearinghouse for problem solving, The management company also helps facilitate communications between homeowners and the Board of Directors, in addition to serving in an advisory capacity. The management company reports directly to the Board and all decisions are made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The management company contracted by the Desert Mountain Master Association is Capital Consultants Management Corporation (CCMC). CCMC's headquarters is located in Scottsdale and can be reached by calling 480-921-7500 or by logging on to www.ccmcnet.com.

Q: What is a homeowners' association?

A: The homeowners' association is a non-profit corporation registered with the state and managed by a duly elected Board of Directors. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: CC&Rs, Bylaws, and the Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners' association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.

 Q: What are the CC&Rs?

A: The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are the governing legal documents that establish the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The CC&Rs were recorded by the County Recorder's Office in the County in which the property is located and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&Rs may result in a fine by the Association. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed by clicking here.

 Q: What are the Bylaws?

A: The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the non-profit corporation. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the Board of Directors, the terms of the Directors, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the Association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association as a business. The Bylaws for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site.

Q: What is the Board of Directors?

A: As the Homeowners' Association is a corporation, a governing body is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The limitation and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors is outlined in the Association governing documents found within the Resource Center page of this site.

Q: Are there any other rules?

A: Most associations have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the CC&Rs and adopted by the Board of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common courtesies with regard to parking, vehicles, pets and pool use hours, etc. In addition, the Association will adopt Architectural Guidelines (at Desert Mountain, refered to as Design Guidelines) with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home. Such changes may include patio covers, decks, landscaping, exterior color changes or extensive interior changes and additions. These rules and guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, and hopefully, to protect the market value of your investment as well. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Board of Directors and a fine. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change, without written approval of the Design Review Committee, as applicable, you will be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for the violation. For more information about this topic visit the Resource Center page of this site.

Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Policies and Guidelines, what can I do?

A: If you have a situation that cannot be resolved through neighborly means, then please call the Homeowners' Association at 480-595-4220 for guidance. There is a Violation Enforcement Procedure, established by the Desert Mountain Owners Association, that is followed to remedy use restrictions and architectural control provision violations. 

Q: Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?

A: Yes. Notice of the time and place of any regular board meeting is posted on all Village Bulletin Boards, and will be announced on the front page and calendar page of this website. 

Q: If I want to serve on a committee, how do I find out what committees are active and how I can get involved?

A: Call the office at 480-595-4220 and ask for Kathi. We have several committees to keep you busy and are always looking for volunteers. Committee service terms are one year.

Q: What is my assessment?

A:The assessment is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your assessments are due on the first of the month every six months: January and July. Statements will be sent for assessments as a reminder of the amount due.

Q: How is the amount of my assessment determined?

A:The Department of Real Estate typically requires an initial budget from the developer for each community that a developer proposes to build. This budget is set upon specific guidelines for utilities, landscaping, administration, etc. Reserve funds are monies set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: lighting, street resurfacing, pool equipment, etc. These amounts are then divided by the number of units built in a given phase of the development. Subsequent budgets are developed by the Board of Directors and adjusted periodically to meet anticipated expenses.

Q: Will my assessment go up?

A:There is no concrete answer to this. Typically, the Civil Code provides for annual increases, but not to exceed 20 percent per year without the vote of the membership. The Board of Directors may approve an increased budget, increasing your assessment up to this percentage in order to cover increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and sufficient reserve funds.

Q: What happens if I don't pay my assessment?

A:The maintenance and management services incurred by the Association are dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments due from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge, as assessments are due on the first of the month every six months; January and July. In addition, the CC&Rs allow the Association to charge late charges and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or a foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments. The Collection Policy and Procedure is located in the Resource Center in the Welcome Packet file.