Selling a Home After a Loved One Passes (Without a Will) — What Alabama Families Should Know

We’re seeing more of these situations across Alabama than we did even a few years ago.

As baby boomers age and many homeowners hold onto properties longer thanks to the low interest rates of the past, more families are finding themselves responsible for selling a home without clear instructions left behind. When there’s no will, the process can feel unfamiliar — especially when one family member is suddenly tasked with figuring everything out.

In Alabama, when someone passes away without a will, selling their home usually requires going through probate. That means the court appoints an administrator with the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. Until that happens, no one can officially list or sell the property — even if everyone agrees it should be sold.

Once probate is opened, the focus becomes identifying heirs, addressing any outstanding debts tied to the estate, and determining whether the property needs to be sold as part of that process. Sometimes the home is the primary asset, and sometimes multiple properties are involved. Either way, there are clear steps that need to happen in the right order.

Alongside the legal process, there’s often a practical layer to deal with:
• Homes that may have deferred maintenance due to illness
• Personal belongings and years of accumulated property
• Properties that haven’t been lived in full-time
• Decisions about whether to sell as-is or prepare the home

These aren’t unusual circumstances — they’re simply part of how estate-related sales tend to look.

Because this type of sale is different from a standard resale, timing and preparation matter. Pricing needs to reflect condition and market realities, and buyers often need a little extra clarity when an estate is involved. Lining up the right professionals early — from attorneys to title companies — helps keep the process moving without unnecessary delays.

If you’re navigating the sale of a home after a loved one has passed and don’t know where to start, having a clear explanation of how the process works in Alabama can make things much easier. Sometimes the first step is simply understanding what needs to happen before a “For Sale” sign ever goes up.

If you have questions or want to talk through next steps, we’re always happy to help you get oriented and point you in the right direction.

Straightforward guidance. No pressure. Just answers.