Alabama Real Estate Sale: Costs & Commission Explained

No fixed fee schedule, but a bond set at double the estate's value and a final accounting the court has to sign off on.

Ala. Code §43-2-80, 43-2-310

Quick answer: the ordinary 5-6% realtor commission applies as usual, plus a reasonable personal representative fee with no fixed percentage, plus a bond premium calculated on double the estate's value unless the will exempts it. See how this plays out for your own numbers in the Alabama probate real estate sale calculator.

No statutory schedule, just a court-approved reasonable fee

Worth knowing: Alabama executors are entitled to reasonable compensation, with no fixed statutory rate. Courts typically allow 2 to 3% of the estate's value as an informal baseline, subject to Probate Court approval in the final settlement.

A bond calculated at double the estate's value

Alabama's bond requirement is notably steep: typically double the estate's value, rather than an amount simply equal to it, unless the will expressly exempts the personal representative from bond entirely. The premium on that higher bond is a real, ongoing cost of administration.

A tight inventory deadline

The personal representative must collect and make an inventory of the estate within two months after Letters are filed, unless exempted in the will — tighter than the three- or four-month window many other states allow.

A final settlement closes the loop

Alabama requires a final settlement filed with the Probate Court before the estate can be formally closed — an accounting step that adds a formal requirement even for straightforward, uncontested estates, distinguishing Alabama from states with fully independent administration.

Facing probate in Alabama?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

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The reasonable-compensation standard and the bond rule apply the same way whether the estate is administered in Jefferson, Mobile, or any other Alabama county.

Sale costs and commission — frequently asked questions

Is there any fixed percentage for an Alabama personal representative's fee?

No — Alabama has no statutory fee schedule. Compensation must be reasonable and is subject to Probate Court approval, with courts typically allowing around 2 to 3% of the estate's value as an informal baseline.

Why is the bond requirement unusually high in Alabama?

Because Alabama typically sets it at double the estate's value, rather than an amount simply equal to it — a real, added cost of the bond premium unless the will expressly exempts the requirement.

How quickly must an Alabama personal representative inventory the estate?

Within two months after Letters are filed, unless exempted in the will — a tighter deadline than the three- or four-month window common in many other states.

Does a final settlement add cost to closing an Alabama estate?

Yes — Alabama requires a final settlement filed with the Probate Court before the estate can be formally closed, an accounting step that adds a formal requirement even for straightforward, uncontested estates.

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Based on Ala. Code §43-2-80, 43-2-310, and typical Probate Court practice. Confirm current figures with a licensed Alabama attorney or real estate professional before acting.