Probate Real Estate FAQ in Pennsylvania With Shaina McAndrews as Your Guide
What is a probate sale?
A probate sale is the sale of a property that is part of a deceased person’s estate and must follow estate and, in some cases, court rules. In Pennsylvania, these sales often involve an executor or administrator, notification of heirs and creditors, and, at times, Orphans’ Court oversight before the property can transfer to a buyer.
Because of these extra steps, probate sales usually require more documentation, coordination, and timing than a traditional real estate transaction.
Why should I use a Realtor experienced in probate?
Probate sales have more moving parts, more paperwork, and more risk if details are missed, especially around authority to sell, disclosures, timelines, and court or attorney requirements. An inexperienced agent can accidentally create delays, contract issues, or even a failed closing if they do not understand the probate process.
Shaina McAndrews brings structure, organization, and clear communication to keep the process moving while protecting the estate’s interests. She coordinates closely with your attorney or title company, keeps executors and heirs updated, and manages the real estate side so you can focus on the legal and family decisions.
Can a probate home be sold as is?
Yes. Many probate properties in Pennsylvania are sold as is, especially when they need repairs, updates, or a full clean out. As‑is sales can make sense when the estate wants a simpler path with fewer upfront costs and less project management.
Shaina helps executors and families compare what an as‑is sale is likely to net versus what strategic cleaning, repairs, or updates might return, so your choice is based on real numbers, not pressure. She then designs a marketing and pricing strategy that sets clear expectations for buyers from the start.
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) has legal authority to make decisions about listing, pricing, and accepting offers, sometimes with court or attorney oversight. That authority usually begins once Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration are issued by the Register of Wills.
Shaina works directly with the executor or administrator while keeping heirs and attorneys in the loop, so communication stays clear and documented. Her role is to support the authorized decision‑maker with data, strategy, and coordination so the estate can move forward confidently.
Do probate sales take longer?
They often do. The probate process in Pennsylvania can take several months to a year or more, depending on the size of the estate, whether there is a valid will, and whether anyone contests it. Even once the home is under contract, court timelines, creditor periods, and title work can extend the overall process compared to a typical sale.
A clear plan and proactive management can help reduce avoidable delays. Shaina builds your real estate timeline around the legal steps, coordinates with your attorney and title company, and prepares buyers for any necessary court or estate milestones so expectations are aligned from the beginning.
How does Shaina McAndrews help in probate sales?
Shaina helps coordinate with attorneys and estate professionals, confirm who has authority to sign, and make sure the real estate process aligns with probate requirements. She sets a data‑driven pricing strategy, manages marketing, showings, and buyer expectations, and negotiates terms that respect both the estate’s goals and legal constraints.
From first consultation through closing, Shaina provides step‑by‑step guidance so executors and heirs know what comes next, what documents are needed, and how offers and timelines fit into the overall probate picture. Her combination of local market expertise and structured communication helps keep a complex process as calm and organized as possible.
What is the first step?
The first step is not listing the home—it is getting clarity about the estate, the property, and the timeline. A confidential strategy call with Shaina will help you understand what is possible now, what depends on probate milestones, and how to position the property so you are ready when the legal green light appears.
If you are an executor, administrator, or heir facing a probate property in Montgomery County or the Greater Philadelphia area, do not wait for problems to arise. Schedule your confidential probate‑real‑estate strategy call.
