Start with the county Register of Wills
Each Pennsylvania county has a Register of Wills that probates wills and grants letters to executors and administrators. For South Central PA, that's the county seat: Harrisburg for Dauphin, Carlisle for Cumberland, York for York, Lancaster for Lancaster, Lebanon for Lebanon, Chambersburg for Franklin and Gettysburg for Adams County. A title company will ask for the letters before closing.
Pennsylvania inheritance tax
Pennsylvania has a state inheritance tax, and the rate depends on the heir's relationship to the person who died: 0% for a surviving spouse, 4.5% for children and other lineal descendants, 12% for siblings and 15% for most other heirs. The return is generally due nine months after death, and paying within three months earns a 5% discount. The tax can be a lien on Pennsylvania real estate, so the title company will want to see it handled. Ask an estate attorney or tax professional about your case.
Heirs who live elsewhere
When several heirs share the house, all of the right people need to sign. Many closings can be handled by mail through a title company, so out-of-state heirs usually don't need to travel. If the heirs can't agree on selling, talk to an attorney before signing anything.
Selling as-is
Inherited row homes in Harrisburg, York and Lebanon, and older farmhouses and twins around Chambersburg and Hanover, often need updates. You don't have to fix or empty the house. Take out documents and anything of value first. If the house is in good shape and you have time, listing may bring more, and we'll tell you.
For a broader explainer that covers Alabama, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, read how to Sell an Inherited House.
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.