Actually mold can grow in the desert here. There was big law suit over brass PEX connectors that failed (product failure), with leaks at the outside walls. The builder did not place "weep screed" (?) and the bottom of the wall / stucco. Water collected over a long period and mold grew. It was found after the stucco was torn off.
My house is 12 years old. The front and sides are still the original paint. I painted the back 5 years ago when I added a patio deck cover.
I really have to look to find any "hairline" cracks, nothing major. You mentioned golf ball holes. I take it this house is near the fairway :-/ I was at a home some years back, and the golf balls knocked holes the stucco from wide golfers..