When someone you love passes away, the house they leave behind often comes with a lot of feelings and a long to-do list. There may be decades of belongings, repairs nobody’s gotten to, bills arriving in the mail, and family members with different ideas about what to do. If you’re the one handling it, take a breath. You don’t have to figure everything out at once.
This page covers the basics of selling an inherited house in Pennsylvania, how probate generally works, and how a cash sale can take some of the weight off. It’s general information, not legal or tax advice. For your situation, an estate attorney is the right person to ask.
In Pennsylvania, estates are opened through the Register of Wills in the county where the person lived. In our area that means:
If there’s a will, the person named as executor applies to the Register of Wills and, once approved, receives “Letters Testamentary.” That document gives them authority to act for the estate.
If there’s no will, a family member (usually a spouse or next of kin) can apply to be the administrator and receive “Letters of Administration.”
After letters are granted, Pennsylvania law requires the personal representative to advertise the estate so creditors have notice. In many cases, once the personal representative has letters, they can sign an agreement to sell the house for the estate even though the estate isn’t closed. Some situations need heirs to join in or court approval, so check with your attorney.
The house is in New Jersey? NJ probate works differently, through the county Surrogate. See our South Jersey page.
Every family is different. Common paths include:
None of these is right for everyone. If the house is in good shape and the heirs aren’t in a hurry, listing it may make the most sense.
As Is Home Buyers, based at 1110 Pine St in Philadelphia, buys inherited houses across the city and the surrounding counties in whatever condition they’re in:
We’re happy to talk early, before letters are granted, so you know your options. Our How It Works page explains each step, and if the house is in the city, see selling a Philadelphia house as-is.
In many cases, yes. Once the personal representative has been granted letters by the Register of Wills, they can usually sign a sale agreement for the estate. Some situations require heirs’ consent or court approval, so confirm with an estate attorney.
That’s very common. A written offer gives everyone the same concrete number to look at. If you can’t reach agreement, an estate attorney or mediator can help.
No. Take whatever you want to keep. We handle everything left behind after closing. If a relative is still living in the house, we can assist with relocation and moving.
It’s generally the responsibility of the estate and the heirs, and it’s often paid from estate funds or sale proceeds. Your attorney or accountant can explain how it applies to you.
Maybe not much, because inherited property usually gets a stepped-up basis. But the details depend on timing, the sale price, and the estate, so check with a tax professional.
If you’re handling an inherited house in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, or Chester County, call (215) 515-0702 or email info@asishomebuyersphilly.com. You can also request an offer on our Sell My House Fast page. We’ll listen, explain how a sale could work, and give you a no-obligation offer when you’re ready.
As Is Home Buyers · 1110 Pine St, Philadelphia · (215) 515-0702 · info@asishomebuyersphilly.com · See or leave a Google review
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