Verification of allowable expenses by tax sale purchaser

[Tamika Rue]

Hi everyone. I'm making this post to not only get answers but to be help of others so they don't go through what I'm going through now. This year back in May I purchased a tax lien property. In June the owner sent me a form to sign. I was sure that I needed to sign it in order for them to redeem the property, so I did sign. Huge mistake apprently because I did not put a expiration date on it. At the time it was occupied and I had to wait 6 months to file for ejectment. I wasn't interested in it all at any more so I signed the letter and talked to the owner back in June. He kept saying he was going to redeem soon but never did and still hasn't. After so long I really didn't think the letter still had an affect til this day. I went to the courthouse to do ejectment but learned the property is empty. I thought that would be a good chance for me to go in and start making improvements but I remembered the affidavit, told someone about it and they said I made a huge mistake by signing it. I was thinking there must be a timeframe for the former owner since I had a 10 day time frame to respond to the letter myself. I went to the redemption clerk today hoping I could get some good news but left disappointed. She basically told me signing that paper was signing over my rights to the property. Even if they haven't redeemed. I can't even go inside the property, make improvements or anything. I guess they are going to take the affidavit whenever they redeem. Feel free to comment and give any kind of advice. Did I really sign over my rights and can't do anything to the property at all? Would I just have to wait on the former owner to redeem? I hope this helps someone. Never sign anything until you have a full understanding. I'm in alabama btw