The Role of the Executor in a Real Estate Sale: A Plain-English Guide for Philadelphia Families
What Does an Executor Actually Do When Selling a Home?
If you’ve been named Executor (or Administrator), you might be wondering what exactly your job entails. You’re juggling grief, paperwork, family expectations, and now — real estate.
This guide breaks it all down, step by step, so you know exactly what’s expected of you and how The Shaina McAndrews Team helps make it easier.
Step 1: Secure Legal Authority
Before you can make any decisions about the home, you need legal documentation confirming your role.
That means obtaining a Short Certificate from the county Register of Wills after submitting the will and Death Certificate.
With this document, you can:
Hire a Realtor and sign the listing agreement
Authorize the sale contract
Access estate bank accounts
💡 Note: If you’re co-executors, both parties must approve major actions.
Step 2: Protect the Property
Executors have a fiduciary duty to protect estate assets. That includes the house.
You must ensure:
Insurance remains active
Utilities stay on
Property is secured and maintained
Failing to do so could expose the estate to financial loss or liability.
We help executors set up maintenance schedules, cleanouts, and lock changes so nothing is overlooked.
Step 3: Hire a Realtor Experienced in Estate Sales
An executor’s job is not to sell the home themselves—it’s to choose professionals who can.
Your Realtor will:
Provide a Comparative Market Analysis
Recommend pricing
Handle township compliance and inspections
Coordinate marketing, showings, and negotiations
You remain the final decision-maker—but with guidance at every turn.
“They handled everything with such organization that I could focus on family matters while they managed the sale.” — Executor, Fort Washington 2024
Step 4: Manage Offers and Sale Proceeds
As executor, you’re responsible for:
Reviewing offers
Signing the Agreement of Sale
Coordinating with the estate attorney and title company
Ensuring proceeds are deposited into the estate’s bank account, not a personal one
You’ll also review the final ALTA settlement statement to confirm expenses before closing.
Step 5: Distribute Proceeds Fairly
Once debts, taxes, and fees are paid, the executor oversees distributing funds per the will or intestate law.
Transparency is crucial—provide heirs with closing summaries and documentation from your attorney.
Step 6: Maintain Records
Keep copies of all:
Listing and sales agreements
Settlement paperwork
Correspondence with attorneys
Receipts for repairs or estate expenses
You may need these for inheritance tax filings or probate audits.
Executor FAQs
Q: Can an executor sell the home before probate is complete?
👉 Often yes, once the Short Certificate is issued. The sale can close after probate clears if the court requires oversight.
Q: What if heirs disagree on the sale?
👉 The executor has the final authority to act in the estate’s best interest. A skilled Realtor helps maintain neutrality and documentation.
Q: Can an executor earn a commission?
👉 Typically no, unless appointed as a professional fiduciary or authorized by the court.
Why Philadelphia Families Trust The Shaina McAndrews Team
Experienced in multi-heir and multi-county estates
Familiar with local probate courts and township requirements
Compassionate communication that keeps everyone calm and informed
A step-by-step process from Short Certificate to closing
“They treated my parents’ home like it mattered — because it did.” — Executor, Chestnut Hill 2025
If you’ve been named executor and need guidance on how to handle the sale of a loved one’s home, we’re here to help.
👉 Book a Private Consultation
