The process of purchasing a home in the state of Alabama begins with the purchaser appointing a realtor with a database of available houses. It is preferable to find a realtor who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Alabama Association of Realtors because the realtor will have access to the multi listing system which shares a listing database with other realtors and can identify a property within budget and in an ideal location.

When the purchaser locates the property, an offer is made in the form of a sale purchase agreement stating the price offered, the inspections required under law, the time frame in which each stage of the transaction is to be completed, the mortgage amount that the purchaser can obtain, the s good and marketable title of the property with reasonable easements. The seller, on receipt of the offer is required under the Laws of the State of Alabama to make a complete disclosure of the defects of the property with regard to structure, fittings and water logging. . Once these tasks are completed the seller and the purchaser will sign the agreement and make it a binding contract.

The purchaser will now make inspection and title search arrangements. The purchaser should engage a certified inspector to assess structural defects, pest control, seepage, structural defects and defects in the fittings.

The purchaser should hire an attorney, a real estate title company or a trust and title company to scrutinize the title of the property and to check public and court records for encumbrances of the title of the property. The American Land Title association has a list of title search professionals for the purchaser’s reference. Encumbrances that affect the title of property in the State of Alabama are implied easements of necessity, right of way and easements for utilities. Other encumbrances are liens on the property arising out of unpaid taxes, unpaid mechanics and unpaid mortgages. . Any encumbrance that can be remedied is communicated to the seller. The purchaser should buy a title insurance to avoid the litigation costs in defending title claims that may arise after the closure of the purchase.

The purchaser can then raise the loan from the lender company and make an earnest money payment. When the lender company is satisfied that all the paperwork is complete, the purchaser signs an IOU with the Lender Company and the purchase is closed. The purchaser can close the purchase at the office of a Notary public. The website of the American Association of Notaries has a Notary locator directory to help purchasers find local Notary Publics In house and mobile Notary publics are authorized to close sales. Except for obtaining the documents required by the lender or the mortgage companies, the Notary Public can give the Purchaser the entire closing package. The purchaser is required to show proof of a one year premium paid home owners insurance premium payment and a proof of identity at the closure when the deed is signed by both parties. The seller passes possession and title to the purchaser and the process of purchasing a home in the State of Alabama is complete.