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By Julie Holdsambeck | Associate Broker, eXp Realty | Central Alabama Updated Spring 2026 The short answer? For most homeowners in Central Alabama right now, yes, this is actually a pretty good time to sell. But "pretty good" doesn't mean the same thing for everyone, and the real ... Continue Reading » about Should I Sell My Home in Central Alabama Right Now? Here is What the Market Says

Quick answer: Alabama does not currently impose a separate state inheritance tax or estate tax. Simply inheriting a house generally does not create taxable income. However, federal and Alabama capital gains taxes may apply if the inherited property is later sold for more than its adjusted tax ... Continue Reading » about Selling an Inherited House in Alabama: Taxes, Stepped-Up Basis and What Heirs Should Know

Quick answer: For most inherited and downsized homes, small cosmetic updates (paint, fixtures, flooring refresh) tend to pay for themselves at resale, while large renovations (full kitchen or bathroom overhauls, additions) usually don't—meaning a light refresh plus an as-is-adjusted price often nets ... Continue Reading » about Renovate or Sell As-Is? A Decision Guide for Inherited and Downsized Homes

Quick answer: For a straightforward Alabama estate, expect roughly 9 to 15 months from the date of passing to a closed sale, once probate and real estate steps are combined. Simple estates without real estate can close faster, and disputed or complex estates can take a year or more longer. One of ... Continue Reading » about How Long Does It Take to Sell a House After a Parent Passes? Alabama Timeline

Quick answer: No, not yet. In the U.S. today, mortgages are tied to the specific property, not to you as a borrower, so selling your home and buying a smaller one means paying off your current loan and getting a new one at today's rate. But there's real movement on this: federal regulators are ... Continue Reading » about Can You Take Your Low Mortgage Rate With You When You Downsize?

Quick answer: Start the conversation early, in a low-pressure moment, focused on their needs and safety rather than the house itself. Expect it to take more than one conversation. Rushing this talk, or having it during a crisis, is what usually turns it into a fight. Few conversations feel as ... Continue Reading » about How to Talk to Aging Parents About Selling the Family Home