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Selling an inherited house in Alabama.
Inheriting a home in Alabama usually means sorting out title first, then deciding what to do with the house. Here is what is specific to Alabama.
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Inherited house · Alabama
How it works in Alabama.
How you received the house shapes how you can sell it in Alabama. A home owned jointly with an expressly stated right of survivorship may pass to the surviving owner outside probate. A home in the person's name alone usually goes through the county probate court, where a personal representative is appointed and, in many cases, the court must approve a sale. Alabama does not currently offer transfer-on-death deeds for real estate.
The tax picture is simpler than in some states. Alabama's estate and inheritance tax is tied to a federal credit that was phased out, and the Alabama Department of Revenue says estates of people who died after 2004 are not required to file with the state. Property tax is handled locally, and homestead exemptions belong to the owner who lives in the home, so it is worth checking with your county office once the house changes hands.
Alabama specifics
What to know in Alabama.
No Alabama estate tax filing for recent deaths
Alabama's estate and inheritance tax is tied to a federal credit that was phased out. The Alabama Department of Revenue states that estates of people who died after December 31, 2004, are not required to file with Alabama. Federal rules are separate, so a tax professional can confirm your situation.
Survivorship must be written in the deed
Under Alabama law, joint owners do not automatically inherit each other's share. Survivorship applies when the deed or other instrument creating the joint ownership states a right of survivorship. Without that language, the deceased owner's share passes through the estate.
No transfer-on-death deeds for real estate
Alabama does not currently have a statute creating transfer-on-death deeds for homes. That means many inherited houses still pass through probate, or through survivorship language in the deed. An Alabama attorney can review how the home was titled.
Probate may be needed before a sale
When a house was in the person's name alone, a personal representative is usually appointed by the county probate judge. Alabama generally requires prior court approval for a personal representative to sell real property unless the will expressly authorizes it.
Homestead exemption follows the occupant
Alabama's homestead exemption applies to a single-family home the owner lives in as their main residence on the first day of the tax year. The exemption is applied for through your local county office. If no heir lives in the home, the exemption the prior owner had may no longer fit.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change and every situation is different, so confirm the details for your case with a Alabama attorney or the appropriate office.
Your options
There is more than one path.
Keep or rent the home
Keeping the house can preserve a family place or provide rental income. It also means ongoing costs, maintenance and, for a rental, the responsibilities of being a landlord. If siblings share ownership, one heir may be able to buy out the others.
List with a real estate agent
Listing on the open market reaches the widest pool of buyers and is often the clearest way to learn what the home is worth. It usually involves preparing the house, showings and agent commissions. It can take longer if the home needs work or is still full of belongings.
Explore offers from investors and professionals
Some heirs prefer a simpler path, especially when the home needs repairs or they live far away. Through a platform like Doorbloom, you can share details about the house and hear from independent investors and professionals who may buy it as-is. Offers may be lower than what a fully prepared listing could bring, so it is worth comparing.
How it works
Three clear steps.
- 1
Tell us about your home
Share the address, condition and your timeline. It takes about a minute, and we only ask what is needed for the next step.
- 2
Review who is interested
Real estate investors and professionals review your home. You see who they are before anyone gets your contact details.
- 3
Choose your next step
Talk to the people you want, compare your options, or decide not to sell. There is no pressure and no obligation.
Questions
Questions from Alabama homeowners.
Does Alabama have an inheritance tax?
Alabama's estate and inheritance tax depends on a federal credit that no longer applies, and the Department of Revenue says estates of people who died after 2004 are not required to file with Alabama. Federal estate tax and income tax on a later sale are separate questions for a tax professional.
Do I need probate to sell an inherited house in Alabama?
It depends on how the home was titled. A house held jointly with a stated right of survivorship may pass to the survivor without probate, while a house in the person's name alone usually goes through the county probate court first. An attorney can confirm which path applies.
Can several siblings sell an inherited house in Alabama?
Yes, but everyone with an ownership share usually needs to sign, or the estate's personal representative must have authority to sell. Alabama law also allows the probate court to order a sale when the land cannot be fairly divided among heirs or an adult heir consents in writing.
What happens to the homestead exemption on an inherited Alabama home?
The homestead exemption is tied to an owner who lives in the home as their main residence. If an heir moves in, they can ask the county office about applying. If the home sits empty or is rented, the county can explain how the property will be taxed.
Is Doorbloom buying my house?
No. Doorbloom is a platform that connects Alabama homeowners with real estate investors and professionals. Any offer comes from them, and nothing is binding until you sign a purchase agreement.
What does it cost?
Creating an account and telling us about your home is free for homeowners.
Official Alabama resources
Independent help in Alabama.
Alabama cities
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Inherited house in other states
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