Alabama § 35-6A-10 - Methods of Sale.

§ 35-6A-10. Methods of Sale.

(a) If the court orders a sale of heirs property, the court shall order that the sale be conducted by one or more of the following methods of sale: Open market sale with or without a broker or brokers; by sealed bids; public auction; or private sale. The court shall choose a method which shall be more economically advantageous and in the best interest of the cotenants as a group.

(b) If the court orders an open market sale with or without a broker and the parties, not later than 10 days after the entry of the order, agree on a real estate broker or brokers licensed in this state to offer the property for sale, the court shall appoint the broker or brokers and establish terms of the listing agreement. If the parties do not agree on a broker or brokers, the court shall appoint a disinterested real estate broker licensed in this state to offer the property for sale and shall establish reasonable terms. The broker or brokers shall offer the property for sale in a commercially reasonable manner on the terms and conditions established by the court, at a price no lower than the determination of value unless the court orders otherwise for good cause shown.

(c) If, in an open market sale, an offer is obtained to purchase the property for at least the determination of value or the amount ordered by the court and within a reasonable time, not to exceed 180 days:

(1) The broker or seller shall comply with the reporting requirements in Section 35-6A-11; and

(2) The sale may be completed in accordance with state law.

(d) If, in an open market sale, an offer is not obtained to purchase the property within a reasonable time, not to exceed 180 days, for at least the determination of value or the amount ordered by the court, the court after hearing may:

(1) Approve the highest outstanding offer, if any.

(2) Order that the property continue to be offered for an additional time, with or without redetermining the value of the property.

(3) Order that the property be sold by sealed bids or at an auction.

(e) If the court orders a sale by auction, unless the parties otherwise agree or the court for good cause shown orders otherwise, the auction shall be conducted at the front door or main entrance to the courthouse of the county where the land or a substantial and material part thereof is located. The sale shall be held at a time specified by the court between the legal hours of sale of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day designated for the exercise of the auction to sell heirs property.

(f) If a purchaser is entitled to a share of the net proceeds of the sale, the purchaser is entitled to a credit against the price in an amount equal to the purchaser’s share of the proceeds.