Sell a House in the Probate Process
If you’ve inherited a property and it’s tied up in probate, you don’t have to wait to sell. In Pennsylvania, executors and heirs can sell a house during the probate process as long as the required legal steps are followed. We help guide you through the paperwork, coordinate with the probate court, and handle title issues so you can sell the property smoothly and move forward.
Local PA County Register of Wills Links
Sell a Philadelphia House During Probate
In Philadelphia, probate begins at the Register of Wills office in City Hall. If the deceased left a will, the named executor must file it with the Register of Wills to be formally appointed. If there is no will, a close relative can petition to be appointed as the estate’s administrator. Once appointed, the executor or administrator can handle estate assets, including selling any real estate.
To File Probate with a Will (Philadelphia):
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When a person dies and leaves a will with assets in their name only, the will must go through a probate process. This process proves that the will is valid.If you have been named as the executor of a will, the Register of Wills can help you begin the probate process. If no executor is named, the wording of the will may be used to determine who can administer the estate.
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To File Probate without a Will (Philadelphia):​
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When a person dies without a will, they have died “intestate.” In cases where someone dies intestate, the Register of Wills will appoint someone to administer the estate. Usually, the estate administrator is a spouse or child of the person who died.To be recognized as the estate administrator, you must file the petition for grant of letters of administration with the Register of Wills. You’ll also need to pay the estate administration fees.
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Use this link to file Probate without a Will in Philadelphia.
How to Sell a Philadelphia House During Probate
(Without a Will)
1. Contact the Philadelphia Probate Department to schedule an appointment.
Contact (215) 686-6255 or ProbateAppt@phila.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
City Hall
Room 180
Philadelphia, PA 19107
2. Prepare your documentation and payment.
You’ll need to bring:
- An original death certificate.
- An estimate of the estate’s value.
- A valid, current form of ID.
You’ll also need to pay the estate administration fees. You can use Visa, Mastercard, a certified check, or a money order. View the Fee Schedule here.
3. Complete the petition for grant of letters of administration at your appointment.
The Register of Wills will help you complete your paperwork, but they cannot provide legal advice. It may be helpful for you to hire an attorney to provide advice, answer legal questions, and help you through the process.
How to Sell a Philadelphia House During Probate
(With a Will)
1. Contact the Philadelphia Probate Department to schedule an appointment.
Contact (215) 686-6255 or ProbateAppt@phila.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
City Hall
Room 180
Philadelphia, PA 19107
2. Prepare your documentation and payment.
You’ll need to bring:
- The original will.
- An original death certificate.
- An estimate of the estate’s value.
- A valid, current form of ID.
You’ll also need to pay the estate administration fees. You can use Visa, Mastercard, a certified check, or a money order. View the Fee Schedule here.
3. Complete the petition for grant of letters of administration at your appointment.
The Register of Wills will help you complete your paperwork, but they cannot provide legal advice. It may be helpful for you to hire an attorney to provide advice, answer legal questions, and help you through the process.
Cost to Sell a Philadelphia House During Probate
Fees depend on the size of the estate.
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Use this link to view the Philadelphia Register of Wills Fee Schedule.
Sell Your House During Probate
If you’re navigating the probate process and want a faster, stress-free option, Sawmill Homes can help. We buy properties in any condition directly from estates in Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Philadelphia Counties. By selling to us, you can avoid repairs, showings, and long listing timelines—allowing you to settle the estate more quickly and move forward. Interested in a cash offer? Get your cash offer today!
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Sell A House As-Is,
For Cash
We buy PA properties for cash in as-is condition. 'As-is' condition means no repairs, showings, or clean-outs needed. We provide proof of funds and earnest money upfront, and can close quickly on your timeline.
Sell Land As-Is,
For Cash
We buy raw land as-is, whether it's buildable, overgrown, or undeveloped. No need for cleanup or prep—just a straightforward sale on your timeline. Have unused land? We help with the subdivision process.