Oliver Realty
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Selling in Catalina Foothills 85718 & 85750

The Catalina Foothills Closing Guide

Aluminum wiring. Termites. Private Roads. We manage the complex technical details of selling in the Foothills so you don't have to.

At a Glance: Closing in 85718 & 85750

Septic Requirements: Pima County requires a Transfer Inspection within 6 months of sale.
Common Deal Killers: Polybutylene pipes, Aluminum wiring, Termites, Roof coating.
Private Roads: Lenders require a specialized Maintenance Agreement for funding.
Remote Closings: Fully supported via Mobile Notary and Digital Signing.

Hidden Risks in 85718 & 85750 Real Estate

Getting a high offer is exciting, but in the Catalina Foothills, the inspection period is where deals go to die. Homes built between the 1960s and 1990s in zip codes 85718 and 85750 have specific "vintage" characteristics that often panic modern buyers.

At Oliver Realty, we play defense for your equity. With 24 years of experience, we anticipate these issues before the buyer's inspector even opens the front door.

The 6 Deal Killers in the Foothills

Aluminum Wiring

Due to a copper shortage in the mid-60s to 70s, many Foothills homes use aluminum wiring, which can be an insurance red flag.

The Oliver Solution:

We verify if "pigtailing" (copper connectors) has been installed or get proactive estimates to calm buyer fears immediately.

Poly & Septic

Polybutylene pipes (1978-1995) and aging septic tanks are top concerns in 85750. Septic transfer inspections are mandatory in Pima County.

The Oliver Solution:

We coordinate the Transfer Inspection early. For Poly pipes, we know how to negotiate partial credits rather than full replacements.

Sun & Termites

The Arizona sun causes extensive dry rot on eaves, and subterranean termites are common in the desert floor of the Foothills.

The Oliver Solution:

We recommend a "pre-listing termite sweep." Fixing dry rot before photos are taken prevents buyers from seeing "deferred maintenance."

HVAC & Windows

Aging HVAC units failing inspection and single-pane windows are major negotiation points for energy-conscious buyers.

The Oliver Solution:

We help you position these as "priced in" features or suggest home warranty incentives to protect the buyer for year one.

Visual Obstacles

Obsolete floorplans (closed kitchens) and above-ground telephone lines (common in older 85718 neighborhoods) can deter buyers.

The Oliver Solution:

Marketing magic. We use angles that minimize power lines and highlight the "potential" of floorplans with virtual renovation renderings.

Private Roads

Many secluded lots sit on private easements. Lenders require specific road maintenance agreements to fund the loan.

The Oliver Solution:

We check the deed history immediately. If an agreement is missing, we help get neighbors to sign off before it kills the closing.

Closing From Afar? No Problem.

Many of our clients—executives transferring to Raytheon, or retirees moving closer to grandkids—are already out of state when their home closes.

We specialize in Remote Closings.

  • Digital Signatures: We handle almost all paperwork via secure e-sign.
  • Mobile Notary: We send a notary to your new home (or office) for the final deed package.
  • Vendor Management: Heather and I oversee the movers, cleaners, and final repairs so you don't have to fly back to Tucson.
Adobe wall texture and desert sky
The Oliver Standard

Saving the Deal

In a recent transaction in Skyline Bel Air (85718), a buyer's inspector flagged a "major" electrical issue related to 1970s wiring.

Because of our 24 years of experience, we had a licensed electrician on speed dial who specialized in vintage Foothills homes. He certified the safety of the panel within 24 hours, saving the deal and saving the seller thousands in unnecessary panel upgrades.

Sell with Confidence.

Start with a valuation, end with a stress-free closing. Let us handle the details.