How do Jared and Molly help homebuyers in Phoenix and Scottsdale?

Jared and Molly specialize in helping families find homes that fit real life in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Whether you're upsizing in Arcadia, putting down roots in Scottsdale, or dreaming of more space for your family, they use deep local knowledge and a no-pressure approach to help you search smarter, feel clearer, and move forward with confidence. From identifying the right school districts and neighborhoods to expert negotiation, they guide the entire buying process.

What is Jared and Molly's approach to selling homes in Arcadia and Scottsdale?

Jared and Molly help sellers market with intention — positioning properties to attract the right buyers by highlighting what actually sells in today's Arcadia and Scottsdale markets: charm, lifestyle, and the details families care about most. Their process covers strategic pricing, home prep and staging guidance, showing coordination, and expert negotiation so sellers can focus on their next chapter instead of logistics.

Do Jared and Molly help with real estate investing in Phoenix?

Yes. Jared and Molly help both first-time investors and experienced portfolio builders identify high-performing real estate opportunities in Arcadia, Scottsdale, and Greater Phoenix. They guide clients on short-term rentals, flips, and long-term holds in appreciating neighborhoods — covering strategy, numbers, and local market timing so investors don't waste time chasing the wrong properties.

What areas do Jared and Molly serve in Arizona?

Jared and Molly primarily serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the Arcadia neighborhood, but they also work with clients in Gilbert, Fountain Hills, Queen Creek, and the broader Phoenix Valley. Their office is located at 7002 E Osborn Road in Scottsdale, AZ 85251. They can be reached at 602-748-7289 or Molly@JaredandMolly.com.

Why should I choose Jared and Molly over other Phoenix realtors?

Jared and Molly are a husband-and-wife team who live, work, and raise their family in Phoenix. With over a decade of experience, they bring deep local knowledge paired with a family-first, no-pressure approach. They focus on finding homes that fit how families actually live — not just square footage and curb appeal, but school zones, neighborhood vibes, and long-term fit. Their clients consistently praise their responsiveness, advocacy during negotiations, and willingness to help long after the sale closes.

HOA Basics for Old Town and South Scottsdale Condo Buyers

Aug 17

Written By Molly Rundle

Quick answer: The HOA matters almost as much as the unit itself. Check monthly dues, reserve fund health, rental restrictions, and any pending litigation or special assessments before you write an offer — all of it should be in the HOA document package, and all of it affects both your budget and your ability to finance.

Condo living is one of the most accessible ways into Old Town, but the building you buy into matters as much as the square footage. Here's a full breakdown of what to actually look at.

Monthly dues

Dues vary widely by building — sometimes by hundreds of dollars a month between two comparable-sized units on different streets. That difference directly affects what you can actually afford to borrow, since lenders factor HOA dues into your debt-to-income calculation the same way they do a mortgage payment. Don't shop by list price alone; shop by total monthly cost, and ask what's actually included in dues — some buildings cover water, trash, and exterior maintenance, while others charge separately for most of that.

Reserve fund health

Ask for the HOA's reserve study. A building with a well-funded reserve is far less likely to hit owners with a surprise special assessment when the roof, elevator, or parking structure needs work. A poorly funded reserve is one of the biggest hidden risks in condo buying — the building can look pristine and still be one bad year away from a five-figure assessment per unit. As a general guideline, a reserve funded at 70% or more of its projected needs is considered healthy; well below that, ask pointed questions about the HOA's plan to catch up.

Rental restrictions

Some Old Town buildings cap the percentage of units that can be rented at any time, and many restrict or outright ban short-term rentals in response to both city regulation and owner preference. If you have any investment intent — even just flexibility to rent it out down the road — this is essential to check before you fall in love with a specific unit. It's also worth checking whether the building's rental cap is already at its limit, since that can affect your ability to rent even if the rule technically allows it.

Pending litigation or special assessments

This should surface in your HOA document review, and it's not just a financial question — active litigation involving the HOA can complicate or delay your financing entirely, since many lenders will pause or deny approval on a unit in a building facing significant legal action. Your lender will typically want this resolved or disclosed clearly before closing.

Rules that affect daily life

Beyond the financial items, read the actual rules: pet restrictions, parking assignments, guest policies, and any noise or renovation rules. These won't show up in a listing photo, and they're the kind of thing that makes a building feel right or wrong once you're actually living there. Some Old Town buildings have surprisingly strict rules around balcony use, grilling, or even exterior window treatments — worth knowing before you're already under contract.

Insurance considerations

Condo insurance works differently than single-family home insurance — the HOA typically carries a master policy covering the building structure and common areas, while you're responsible for an individual policy (often called an HO-6 policy) covering your unit's interior and personal property. Ask what the master policy covers specifically, since gaps between the master policy and what you'd need to insure yourself can be a real cost surprise.

What this means for your timeline

Document review typically has its own contingency period separate from your general inspection period, often 7-10 days depending on your contract. Don't rush through it — a thorough HOA review is worth the extra few days, especially on a purchase where the building's financial health is doing a lot of the work in protecting your investment. If anything in the documents raises questions, it's worth a conversation with your agent or even the HOA management company directly before your contingency period closes.

Frequently asked questions

How much are HOA dues in Old Town Scottsdale? They vary significantly by building, sometimes by hundreds of dollars monthly. Always confirm the current dues directly rather than relying on listing estimates, which can be outdated.

What is a reserve study and why does it matter? It's the HOA's own analysis of how well-funded their reserve account is for future major repairs. A weak reserve fund increases your risk of a surprise special assessment.

Can an HOA restrict short-term rentals in Scottsdale? Yes, many Old Town and South Scottsdale HOAs restrict or prohibit short-term rentals independent of city rules — always confirm at the building level.

What happens if there's pending litigation against the HOA? It can complicate financing and should be disclosed and reviewed carefully before you proceed, ideally with your agent and lender both looped in early.

What is an HO-6 policy and do I need one? It's a condo owner's insurance policy covering your unit's interior and personal belongings, separate from the HOA's master policy on the building itself. Nearly all condo buyers need one, and lenders typically require it.

How long do I have to review HOA documents once under contract? It varies by contract, but is typically a defined contingency period of 7-10 days. Your agent can confirm the specific timeline in your purchase agreement.