Tax Liens & Mortgage Notes
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback
Updated about 5 years ago on . Most recent reply
Tax Deed Sale in Alabama
Hi everyone!
I'm new to Bigger Pockets & have been looking into investing in tax deed properties, so I thought this was a good place to ask my question.
I have 2 properties that I am interested in now in Jefferson County, Alabama. One is occupied- taxes have not been paid on it in over 4 years. I believe it would be a deed sale- 3 years is the redemption period and since no one has purchased a lien on it... If I paid the 4 years of taxes, would it become mine as soon as the title arrived in the mail? If so, how would I go about evicting the people living there currently?
The other property I am interested in is a condo. I plan on doing legwork for it today (at least looking to see if it's occupied, which it more than like is- it is in a very desirable area). Taxes haven't been paid on it for 4 years, just like the other property. Since it's a condo, I was interested to know how soon I would have to take over HOA fees? Is there a way to find out if HOA fees are paid up currently? I've never worked with a condo before, but would love to snatch this one up.
Tips from your personal experience? I do intend on speaking with a real estate lawyer soon. Any recommendations?
Most Popular Reply
In Alabama, the three year right of redemption does not start "ticking down" until you take possession. If the property is occupied, and they don't leave voluntarily, you have to send written notice and then wait 6 months before you can file the eviction suit.
Regarding condos, the personal property in the condo does not pass with the tax sale. If it was furnished, you are not entitled to use the furnishings. This means that if the owner redeems, and wants a credit for the reasonable rental value of the furniture, you have to give that. Or, if the owner demands their furniture but without redeeming. Nobody ever asks for that, but you need to know when you are on weak ground in an argument, just in case it happens. Never antagonize the redeeming owner into the arms of a lawyer if you are on weak ground.