Request a cash offer

House in probate · Pennsylvania

Sell a House in Probate in Pennsylvania: Cash, As-Is

Settling an estate with a house in South Central Pennsylvania? Once you have letters, you can request a cash offer on the house as it stands: no repairs, no cleanout and no fees to us.

  • Sell as-is: no repairs or cleanout
  • No fees or commissions to us, no obligation
  • We don't buy every house, and we'll tell you honestly

Request your cash offer

Free, no obligation, no repairs. Takes about a minute.

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The Register of Wills and your letters

Pennsylvania estates start with the Register of Wills in the county where the person lived. The Register probates the will and grants letters testamentary to an executor, or letters of administration when there's no will. The personal representative also has to give notice of the estate, including advertising the grant of letters. A title company will ask for a copy of the letters before closing.

Can the executor sell without court approval?

In many Pennsylvania estates, the personal representative can sell the house without a separate court order. There are exceptions, for example when the will leaves the house to a specific person or limits the power to sell. An estate attorney can confirm before you sign a contract.

Inheritance tax and the house

Pennsylvania's inheritance tax return is filed with the Register of Wills, and the tax can be a lien on the real estate. Expect the title company to make sure it's handled at or before closing. Rates depend on the heir: 0% for a spouse, 4.5% for lineal descendants, 12% for siblings and 15% for most others.

Selling the estate house as-is

Estate houses in Carlisle, Lebanon, Gettysburg and the rest of the region often sit empty while the paperwork moves. An as-is buyer can take the house with repairs and belongings. Expect the price to reflect that, and compare it with listing if the house is in good shape. Read our guide to selling a House During Probate for how this works in all three states.

For a broader explainer that covers Alabama, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, read selling a House During Probate.

Selling in another state? See the Alabama and West Virginia versions of this page.

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Laws and procedures change, so check with a licensed attorney, tax professional or HUD-approved housing counselor about your situation. UglyDuck is a home-buying and lead-generation service: we may buy your house ourselves or share your request with a trusted local buyer.

Common questions

Can an executor sell a house in Pennsylvania before the estate is settled?

Often, yes, once letters are granted. In many estates no separate court approval is needed, but there are exceptions. An estate attorney can confirm.

Where are Pennsylvania wills probated?

At the Register of Wills in the county where the person lived, such as Harrisburg for Dauphin County or York for York County.

Does inheritance tax have to be paid before an estate house sells?

The tax can be a lien on the house, so the title company will want it addressed at or before closing. Ask your attorney how the estate will handle it.

Where we buy houses in Pennsylvania

Other Pennsylvania selling situations

Request a cash offerFree · As-is · No obligation