J Wesley Atkinson

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Squatter Law in Alabama: How to Prevent a Squatter Problem Before You Close

Squatter Law in Alabama: How to Prevent a Squatter Problem Before You Close

March 4, 2026 atkinson

Under Alabama squatter law, an unauthorized occupant can begin building a legal ownership claim after as little as 10 years of continuous possession...

Perils of Owner-Backed Financing in Alabama Closings: Seller-Finance Documents, Recording Order, and Default Remedies

Perils of Owner-Backed Financing in Alabama Closings: Seller-Finance Documents, Recording Order, and Default Remedies

March 4, 2026 atkinson

Owner-backed financing in Alabama — also called seller financing — transfers property without institutional lender oversight, creating serious...

Alabama Squatter Law: How “Squatters’ Rights” and Adverse Possession Can Derail a Real Estate Closing (and What Buyers Should Do Before Closing Day) 

Alabama Squatter Law: How “Squatters’ Rights” and Adverse Possession Can Derail a Real Estate Closing (and What Buyers Should Do Before Closing Day) 

February 2, 2026 atkinson

In Alabama, “squatters’ rights” usually refers to adverse possession—a legal doctrine where long-term, open, continuous occupation can...

Ejectment vs. Eviction in Alabama: Which One Applies After a Real Estate Closing (Holdover Seller, Unauthorized Occupant, or “Tenant” Who Won’t Leave)?

Ejectment vs. Eviction in Alabama: Which One Applies After a Real Estate Closing (Holdover Seller, Unauthorized Occupant, or “Tenant” Who Won’t Leave)?

February 2, 2026 atkinson

Closed on a property in Alabama, but someone won’t leave? Whether you need ejectment or eviction depends on the occupant’s legal status—not...

Mail-Away & Remote Closings in Alabama: What’s Allowed & How It Works

Mail-Away & Remote Closings in Alabama: What’s Allowed & How It Works

January 4, 2026 atkinson

Buying or selling property in Alabama can be a headache with all the paperwork and scheduling.  You may live out of state, have a packed...

Corrective Deeds in Alabama: A Complete Guide to Fixing Legal Descriptions and Property Title Errors

Corrective Deeds in Alabama: A Complete Guide to Fixing Legal Descriptions and Property Title Errors

January 4, 2026 atkinson

You notice a mistake in your property deed after closing, and suddenly, things feel a bit shaky. Maybe it’s a misspelled name, a wrong address, or...

Huntsville & Decatur Closing Costs: Complete 2025 Buyer and Seller Fee Guide

Huntsville & Decatur Closing Costs: Complete 2025 Buyer and Seller Fee Guide

December 30, 2025 atkinson

In Huntsville (Madison County) and Decatur (Morgan County), buyers typically pay 2%–5% in closing costs while sellers usually pay 6%–10%, mostly...

Top Questions to Ask a Title Company in North Alabama: Your Essential Guide 

Top Questions to Ask a Title Company in North Alabama: Your Essential Guide 

December 30, 2025 atkinson

Buying a home in North Alabama is thrilling, but the closing process can feel like a maze.  A title company takes care of crucial...

Quitclaim vs. Warranty Deed in Alabama—When to Use Each (with Real Alabama Examples)

Quitclaim vs. Warranty Deed in Alabama—When to Use Each (with Real Alabama Examples)

December 30, 2025 atkinson

Alabama real estate doesn’t play by generic, 50-state rules—your choice of deed here truly changes your legal protection.A warranty deed...

Owner’s vs. Lender’s Title Insurance in Alabama — Do You Need Both?

Owner’s vs. Lender’s Title Insurance in Alabama — Do You Need Both?

December 30, 2025 atkinson

When you buy a home in Alabama, the closing table can get confusing. You might spot two different title insurance policies and wonder if you really...