Buying a house before probate started

[David Emanuel]

Hello BP,

I found an off market Philly property that I would like to purchase. The owners of the property died in October, and left a will naming a relative as executor of estate. I am dealing directly with the executor named in the will, but because of delays and closings due to covid, she has not put the will through probate yet.

We agreed on a price, so my question is can we sign a purchase and sales agreement before the probate process has begun?

[Mary Cronin]

Chances are that all of them have to consent to the sale. But the attorney will know the rules in PA. In CA, in some instances a public hearing where anyone can bid on the property is required. That could put a kink in your plans to buy.