Probate Real Estate FAQ in Pennsylvania With Shaina McAndrews as Your Guide
What is a probate sale?
A probate sale is a real estate transaction involving property owned by a decedent’s estate and sold under estate and, in some cases, court supervision. In Pennsylvania, these sales often include validating the will, appointing an executor or administrator, notifying heirs and creditors, and following Orphans’ Court rules before title can transfer.
These transactions typically require additional documentation and coordination with attorneys, executors, or administrators compared to a standard home sale.
Why should I use a Realtor experienced in probate?
Probate sales have more moving parts than a typical home sale, including legal timelines, extra paperwork, authority questions, and potential court or attorney approvals. Missing a detail can create delays, contract problems, or even a failed closing.
Shaina McAndrews brings organization, experience, and proactive communication to keep the process running smoothly and protect the estate’s interests. She works closely with your probate attorney and title company so the real estate side supports, rather than complicates, the legal process.
Can a probate home be sold as is?
Yes. Many probate homes are sold as is, especially when they need repairs, updates, or significant clean out. As‑is sales can simplify logistics for the executor and heirs and reduce upfront costs.
Shaina helps you evaluate whether preparing the home first is worth the investment by comparing expected net proceeds, timing, and buyer demand for homes like yours. You will see the trade‑offs between speed and potential sale price clearly before choosing a strategy.
Who makes the decisions in a probate sale?
In most Pennsylvania estates, the executor (if there is a will) or administrator (if there is no will) is the legal decision‑maker for listing, pricing, and accepting offers, sometimes with court review or attorney guidance. That authority generally begins after the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Shaina works with the executor or administrator while keeping attorneys and key family members informed so communication stays clear and expectations stay aligned. Her goal is to support the authorized decision‑maker with data, strategy, and documentation at every step.
Do probate sales take longer?
They often do. Probate and estate administration in Pennsylvania commonly take many months and can extend past a year depending on the size of the estate, disputes, and court schedules, so real estate decisions must fit within that timeline.
A clear plan, proactive communication, and coordination with attorneys, the court, buyers, and title professionals help prevent unnecessary delays. Shaina builds your sale timeline around key probate milestones so you are not caught off guard by legal requirements.
How does Shaina McAndrews help?
Shaina guides executors and families through probate sales by helping confirm who has authority to sell, aligning with your attorney on timing, and setting a strategy that fits your legal and financial goals. She manages pricing, marketing, showings, negotiations, and contract details with the added layer of probate requirements in mind.
From first consultation through closing, Shaina keeps everyone informed, anticipates potential bottlenecks, and helps you navigate a complex process with as much clarity and calm as possible.
What is the first step?
The first step is a focused seller consultation about your probate situation, timeline, and options—not jumping straight into listing. This conversation helps you understand what is possible now, what depends on court or attorney steps, and how to position the property when you are ready.
If you are an executor, administrator, or heir facing a probate property in Montgomery County or the Greater Philadelphia area, you do not have to figure it out alone. Schedule your confidential probate‑real‑estate consultation.
