Selling a Home After the Loss of a Loved One in Pennsylvania: A Complete Guide
A Difficult Time Calls for Compassionate Guidance
Handling a loved one’s home sale is emotional — and often complex. Between legal documents, family decisions, and the weight of grief, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
At The Shaina McAndrews Team, we specialize in helping families through this process with care, clarity, and respect.
Step 1: Confirm Who Has Legal Authority to Sell
In Pennsylvania, the Executor (if there’s a will) or the Administrator (if there isn’t) has the legal right to list and sell the property. Before any real estate action, you’ll need:
A Short Certificate from the Register of Wills confirming your authority.
A copy of the Death Certificate.
Legal identification for signing documents.
Step 2: Determine the Home’s Market Value
We provide a no-obligation market analysis tailored for estate properties. It helps heirs and executors understand what the home could sell for as-is versus after light preparation — empowering informed decisions.
Step 3: Understand the Probate Process
If the home is titled solely in the decedent’s name, it will go through probate before the title can transfer.
In some cases, if there are joint owners or a living trust, probate may not be required.
Step 4: Prepare the Property
Our team can coordinate estate cleanouts, light repairs, or staging through trusted vendors — making sure you don’t carry that burden alone.
“Shaina’s patience and professionalism made it feel manageable when our family couldn’t.” — Executor, Ambler 2025
Step 5: Sell, Settle, and Move Forward
We handle every step, from listing to closing, and work directly with your attorney to ensure funds are distributed properly.
Need compassionate, experienced help selling an estate home?
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