Alabama contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for Alabama agents, from signed contract to closing. Use it as a starting point: your signed contract always wins.
The contract
Most residential deals use the Purchase agreement (local board or Alabama REALTORS form), published by Local REALTOR boards. Closings are usually handled by a title company.
Typical deadlines
Days are common starting points, not rules. Many are negotiated in every contract.
| Deadline | Typical timing | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Contract fully signed (Effective Date) | When the last party signs (day 0) | |
| Earnest money delivered | 3 days after signing | |
| Loan application | 5 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Inspection / due diligence ends | 10 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Repair response / inspection resolution | 3 days after Inspection / due diligence ends | Only if your contract includes it |
| Appraisal contingency | 21 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown. Only if your contract includes it |
| Financing (loan approval) contingency | 30 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Title commitment delivered | 14 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Title objections | 5 days after Title commitment delivered | Only if your contract includes it |
| HOA / condo resale documents delivered | 10 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Closing | 35 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Final walkthrough | 1 day before Closing | |
| Possession | Same day as Closing |
Disclosures and required forms
Customary: Seller disclosure: Alabama is a buyer-beware state; only limited disclosures are required and REALTORS advise not forcing a written form
If it applies: Lead-based paint disclosure (built before 1978)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: Deed tax $0.50 per $500 (0.1%); the buyer customarily pays. (confirm with your broker)
Sellers who live out of state: Alabama withholds 3% of the price (or 5% of the gain) unless the seller signs a residency or exemption affidavit (Form NR-AF1). (confirm with your broker)
Good to know
An as-is contract doesn't automatically pull in the seller's disclosures (Kidd v. Benson, 2020).
Attorneys are often involved in closings.
Let Reta track it for you
Upload your signed contract and Reta builds this timeline with your real dates, reminds you before each deadline, and drafts the emails to your client, lender and title for you to approve. Your first deal is free.
This guide is general information for licensed agents, not legal advice. Rules and forms change; confirm with your broker or a local attorney. Last checked 2026-11-10.