Executor’s Checklist: How To Sell A Loved One’s Home In Pennsylvania (And How Shaina McAndrews Guides Every Step)
If you are the executor (or personal representative) of a Pennsylvania estate, selling a loved one’s home is one of your biggest responsibilities. State law expects executors to safeguard assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute what remains—which means the sale has to be done correctly.
What the executor is legally responsible for
Executors in Pennsylvania must file the will (if there is one), open probate, notify heirs and creditors, inventory assets (including real estate), pay valid debts and taxes, and then distribute the remaining property according to the will or state law. When a home will be sold, the executor is typically the one who signs the listing agreement, seller disclosures, sales contract, and deed on behalf of the estate.
Courts and estate attorneys expect executors to act as fiduciaries, which means acting in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, managing assets carefully, and avoiding self‑dealing. That includes choosing professionals—like the real estate agent—who will help you get fair market value and a clean, timely closing.
Documents and information you should gather before listing
Before you can confidently list the property, Pennsylvania guides recommend gathering several key items: the death certificate, Letters Testamentary or Administration, the deed or title information, recent mortgage and tax statements, utility information, and any known warranty or repair records. You will also need to work on the seller’s property disclosure to the best of your knowledge, even if you did not live in the home, often relying on records, inspections, and any information family members can provide.
There may be liens, unpaid city taxes, or water/sewer charges on the property that will need to be cleared at closing, and Pennsylvania inheritance tax will typically apply to transfers at death, calculated as a percentage of the value passing to each class of beneficiary. Shaina will coordinate with the title company to surface these issues early so you are not surprised right before settlement.
How Shaina McAndrews supports executors from first call to closing
Executors often have full‑time jobs and families of their own, so trying to manage probate, property clean‑out, and a real estate sale alone can be exhausting. This is where having an experienced, estate‑savvy Realtor makes a big difference. Shaina McAndrews has built a reputation in Greater Philadelphia for being organized, communicative, and skilled at guiding families through estate and inherited‑property sales with empathy and professionalism.
From day one, she will help you map out a timeline that respects probate requirements, coordinates with your attorney, and keeps heirs informed. She will also:
Provide a detailed pricing and net‑proceeds estimate tailored to current market conditions.
Recommend cost‑effective prep and coordinate vendors.
Handle marketing, showings, and negotiations so you can focus on your executor duties and family.
With Shaina as your listing agent, you are not just checking a box—you are fulfilling your executor responsibilities with the support of a trusted professional committed to protecting the estate’s financial outcome.
