How to Sell a Deceased Loved One’s Home in Montgomery & Bucks Counties
Selling a Loved One’s Home: Where Compassion Meets Clarity
Losing someone you love is overwhelming. When that loss includes a home to manage or sell, it can feel like a full-time job you never asked for. Between estate paperwork, family coordination, and legal procedures, most executors don’t know where to start.
That’s where The Shaina McAndrews Team comes in — guiding families throughout Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Greater Philadelphia through estate home sales with care, structure, and transparency.
Step 1: Determine Who Has Legal Authority
Before listing or even cleaning out the home, confirm who is legally authorized to make decisions.
If there’s a will, the Executor named must obtain a Short Certificate from the county’s Register of Wills (e.g., Norristown for Montco, Doylestown for Bucks).
If there’s no will, the court appoints an Administrator.
This certificate gives the authority to sign listing agreements, disclosures, and closing documents.
💡 Pro tip: Bring multiple copies of the Short Certificate and Death Certificate; attorneys, banks, and title companies often require originals.
Step 2: Order a Market Analysis and Decide on “As-Is” vs. Repaired Sale
Every estate sale is different. Some homes in Ambler, Blue Bell, or Yardley sell beautifully as-is; others benefit from a few light updates.
We’ll complete a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and walk you through realistic options:
As-is sale: Fast and simple, fewer upfront costs, ideal when the home is dated or full of personal items.
Light prep: Cleaning, fresh paint, minor landscaping, and photography — typically increases proceeds 5-15%.
Step 3: Handle Probate Requirements
If the home was in the deceased’s sole name, it will pass through probate court.
Here’s how the process usually flows:
File the will and obtain the Short Certificate.
Notify heirs and creditors.
Receive court clearance to sell.
List and sell the property.
Deposit proceeds into the estate account for final distribution.
Homes held jointly or in a living trust often skip this step entirely, simplifying the sale.
Step 4: Manage the Cleanout and Preparation
We partner with trusted estate cleanout, donation, and disposal vendors across Montgomery and Bucks Counties. We also coordinate:
Lock changes to secure the property.
Winterization if the home will be vacant.
Staging or light repairs via our ReadyHome Solutions partners.
Our clients love that they don’t have to chase multiple contractors — we handle it.
Step 5: Market and Sell the Home
Your loved one’s home deserves more than a “For Sale” sign.
Our listings feature:
Professional photography highlighting the home’s character.
Drone footage for larger properties.
Detailed storytelling that celebrates the home’s history and care.
Distribution across Zillow, Realtor.com, social media, and local networks.
Our goal: respect the legacy, maximize the value.
Step 6: Closing & Distribution of Funds
At closing, proceeds are sent to the estate account. We work directly with your estate attorney or accountant to ensure proper documentation for probate court and tax filings.
“Shaina helped me sell my parents’ Ambler home without stress. Every detail was handled with empathy and precision.” — Executor, Montgomery County 2025
Local Knowledge Matters
From Abington to Doylestown, Chestnut Hill to Hatboro, every municipality has different inspection, Use & Occupancy, or sewer-certification rules. The Shaina McAndrews Team knows them all — saving executors time, fines, and frustration.
If you’ve lost a loved one and need a trustworthy Realtor to handle the estate sale with care and expertise —
👉 Schedule a Private Consultation
