Eyeing a home in Desert Mountain and wondering how the golf memberships work? You are not alone. Membership options, costs, and transfer rules can shape both your home search and your offer strategy. In this guide, you will learn how memberships are structured, what to verify with the club, and how to align your purchase with your lifestyle and budget. Let’s dive in.
Desert Mountain at a glance
Desert Mountain is a private, gated community in the high Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale. It is known for multiple Jack Nicklaus-designed courses often referenced as six signature courses. Beyond golf, you will find clubhouse dining, fitness and spa facilities, tennis and pickleball, hiking and equestrian trails, and year-round social programming. Exact access depends on your membership type.
Membership types explained
Full Golf membership
A Full Golf membership typically provides access to all private courses, priority tee times, eligibility for member tournaments, and full golf services like bag storage and lockers. It usually includes most dining and social events. This tier is often limited in number, which can affect availability and waitlists. If golf is your primary driver, this is the benchmark to compare the other options against.
Limited or Select Golf
Limited or Select Golf options are designed for those who want some access without the full commitment. Expect restrictions like fewer courses, off-peak tee-time windows, or monthly round limits. Monthly dues and initiation are usually lower than Full Golf. This can be a fit if you split time between Arizona and another home.
Social and Lifestyle
Social or Lifestyle memberships focus on club life without golf access. You typically get clubhouse dining, fitness center and pools, plus social programming. It can be a good match if you love the community but prefer tennis, hiking, wellness, or just being part of the scene. Costs are usually lower than golf categories.
Junior, Non-resident, Seasonal
Some clubs offer configurations for younger members, part-time residents, and seasonal stays. These options often carry reduced dues and some restrictions on privileges or access windows. If you are testing the waters or spend only part of the year in Scottsdale, this tier can help you plug into the community.
Equity vs non-equity
Clubs can structure memberships as equity or non-equity. Equity may include an ownership interest with potential voting rights and implications for assessments. Non-equity is generally a contract for services without ownership rights. Confirm which model applies at Desert Mountain, how transferability works, and any rights or obligations attached to each.
Reciprocal privileges
Private clubs sometimes maintain reciprocal arrangements with other clubs. These relationships and terms change often. If you value travel access, ask for the current list and usage rules. Treat reciprocity as a perk, not a guarantee.
What it costs
The club controls fee schedules and updates them over time, so verify everything directly with membership staff before you write an offer. Focus on these cost categories.
One-time initiation fees
Most golf memberships require a significant up-front initiation fee. The amount varies by tier. Some transfers tied to a home sale may have different pricing or a resale transfer fee. Ask for the current schedule in writing.
Monthly and annual dues
Dues fund daily operations, staffing, and programming. They are typically billed monthly with periodic increases approved by the board. Seasonal variations can apply. Request the current dues statement and any board-approved changes for the year.
Capital and special assessments
Capital assessments may fund course renovations, clubhouse projects, or facility upgrades. These can be one-time or spread over time. Clarify what is planned and whether any assessments are pending or recently approved.
Transfer and processing fees
When a membership transfers with a home sale, the club may charge a transfer or processing fee. Your purchase contract should specify who pays. Confirm the exact amount and whether it is due at application or closing.
Additional out-of-pocket costs
Budget for items like food and beverage minimums, cart fees, lockers, private lessons, tournament fees, practice-range fees, and guest green fees. Ask for a typical monthly spend range by membership type to help you plan.
How to join or transfer
Direct application
If you join directly through the club, expect a structured process.
- Initial inquiry and application submission
- References or a sponsoring member if required
- Interview or meet-and-greet with membership staff or a committee
- Background and credit checks
- Board or committee approval timeline
Approval can take weeks to a few months depending on availability and schedules. Get clarity on timing before you lock in a closing date.
Transfer with a home sale
In some cases, memberships can be transferable and included in the sale terms. If so, you will typically:
- Agree in writing whether the membership is included
- Submit a transfer application to the club
- Pay any transfer or processing fees
- Obtain club approval prior to closing
Build enough time into your escrow so approval does not delay closing. Ask your agent and title company to align contract timelines with the club’s process.
Waitlists and caps
Some categories, especially Full Golf, may be capped with a waitlist. Availability influences both your home search and your negotiation leverage. A home that includes an approved transferable membership can be more valuable if there is a wait.
Documents to request
Before you finalize terms, collect and review:
- Membership agreement, bylaws, rules, and regulations
- Current dues schedule and any pending increases
- Any known or pending capital assessments
- Transfer procedures, fees, and approval timeline
- Membership certificate or proof of standing, if applicable
How membership shapes your home search
Homes with transferable membership
If a home includes a transferable membership, you may avoid a waitlist and secure immediate access. These homes often market that feature and can command a premium. Ensure the membership is in good standing and that the club confirms transferability in writing.
Course proximity and lifestyle fit
Think about which courses match how you like to play. Proximity to a specific course, practice facilities, or the main clubhouse can influence daily convenience and value. Balance view premiums with HOA rules and any property-specific responsibilities.
Budget the true monthly cost
Your total monthly number is more than a mortgage. Add HOA fees, club dues, assessments, and typical out-of-pocket member costs. Some lenders do not factor club dues into qualifying, so discuss initiation and dues early with your lender.
Offer language and negotiations
Write membership terms directly into your offer. Clarify whether the membership is included, who pays transfer fees, and how proration will work. Consider a contingency window to review membership documents and obtain club approval without jeopardizing closing.
Resale positioning
If you plan to resell, a transferable membership can widen your buyer pool. Homes without golf access can still appeal to buyers prioritizing social, fitness, or lower recurring costs. Align your purchase with your likely future buyer.
Buyer checklist
Use this checklist to keep your process clean and efficient.
- Confirm current membership categories and inclusions with the club in writing.
- Request membership agreement, bylaws, dues schedule, and rules.
- Ask for statements showing current dues and any outstanding assessments.
- Verify whether the membership is equity or non-equity and whether it is deeded or contractual.
- Clarify transfer process, fees, and approval timing with the membership office.
- Align your purchase contract with club timing and fees, including who pays the transfer cost.
- Coordinate with your lender on how initiation and dues affect qualifying.
- Visit the club, meet staff, and try the facilities as a guest if possible before you commit.
Work with a local advisor
Choosing the right Desert Mountain membership is as important as choosing the right home. With the right strategy, you can secure the access you want, manage costs, and write a clean offer that closes on time. If you are weighing a transferable option or navigating a waitlist, a focused plan will make the difference.
For nuanced guidance on Desert Mountain homes, membership terms, and offer structure, connect with the team that blends Scottsdale expertise with Private Office reach. Schedule a Private Office consultation with St John International.
FAQs
What are the main Desert Mountain membership types?
- You will typically find Full Golf, Limited or Select Golf, Social or Lifestyle, and configurations for junior, non-resident, or seasonal members; confirm current names and inclusions with the club.
How do Desert Mountain initiation and dues work?
- Expect a one-time initiation fee plus ongoing monthly or annual dues, with possible capital or special assessments; request the current fee schedule in writing.
Can a Desert Mountain membership transfer with a home sale?
- Some memberships are transferable and can be included in a purchase; the club usually requires a transfer application, approval, and a processing fee.
Is Desert Mountain membership equity or non-equity?
- Clubs can offer equity or non-equity models, which affect ownership rights, assessments, and transfer rules; verify which applies to the membership you are considering.
What if there is a waitlist for Full Golf?
- A waitlist may affect your access and timeline; homes with included transferable memberships can be more valuable if immediate access matters to you.
What should my offer include regarding membership?
- Specify whether the membership is included, who pays transfer fees, any prorations, and a timeline that allows for club approval and document review before closing.
