The Central PA Property Talk Podcast from 717 Home Buyers

Probate & Pennsylvania Real Estate: What Heirs Need to Know (Central PA Guide)

Probate can feel intimidating—especially when there’s a house involved. In this episode, Brian and Chris break down how probate works in Pennsylvania, what the Orphans’ Court actually does, and when (and how) a probate property can be sold. We keep it practical and local to Central PA—Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, Reading, and Lititz.
You’ll learn why probate sales aren’t “shady,” why PA doesn’t allow Transfer-on-Death deeds, how letters of administration/testamentary work, and what heirs should do first. We also cover timelines, taxes, and selling a home as-is without repairs.
How to Spot/Do (Quick Hits):
“Court approval required” in a listing = likely probate
Letters of Administration/Testamentary = legal authority to act
Notify beneficiaries/creditors before distributing proceeds
PA inheritance tax is due 9 months after death (discount if paid early)
You can sell a house during probate (often with court approval)
Consider as-is cash offers to avoid repair costs and delays
Recap:Probate sounds complex, but in Pennsylvania it’s a routine legal process to manage someone’s estate after they pass—including any real estate. Brian and Chris start by clearing a big misconception: probate sales are not shady. When a homeowner dies, their assets—including a house—enter the estate. The court’s role is to ensure debts and taxes are handled and the remaining value is distributed properly to heirs.
In PA, you’ll often hear about the Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court. If there’s a valid will, the named executor applies for Letters Testamentary; without a will, an administrator applies for Letters of Administration. Those letters give the legal authority to act for the estate: notify heirs and creditors, manage assets, and, when appropriate, sell the property. Pennsylvania doesn’t allow Transfer-on-Death deeds, so planning tools like revocable trusts are commonly used to avoid probate.
The representative (executor/administrator) generally can sell estate property without getting every beneficiary’s written consent, but they must honor the will and their fiduciary duty—always acting in the beneficiaries’ best interests. Beneficiaries can request information and ask the court to review actions if they’re concerned. Financially, PA’s inheritance tax applies in most non-spouse situations (with a small discount for early payment), while there’s no separate Pennsylvania estate tax and federal estate tax affects only very large estates.
Timelines vary by county and complexity; expect several months and build in time for notices, creditor periods, and title work. You don’t have to make repairs to sell—many heirs choose as-is sales to move forward quickly, especially when homes in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, Reading, or Lititz need updates. The cleanest first step is to talk to a local probate attorney, then explore selling options, including reputable Central PA cash buyers who understand court timelines and can structure contracts contingent on approval. The bottom line: with the right guidance, probate real estate in Central PA can be navigated clearly, ethically, and with far less stress.
 
 Need to discuss a probate property in Central PA? Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) for a no-pressure conversation.

Foreclosure in Central PA? Questions & Solutions with 717 Home Buyers

In this episode of Central PA Property Talk, Brian and Chris from 717 Home Buyers in Lancaster share the story of “Stan,” a local homeowner facing foreclosure. His situation is one many in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, and across Central PA can relate to—behind on payments, house in need of repairs, and a looming foreclosure auction.
Brian and Chris walk through the six key decisions homeowners face in foreclosure, from whether to repair the property to choosing between listing with a realtor or selling directly to a trusted local buyer. This episode shows how working with 717 Home Buyers helped Stan stop foreclosure, sell his home quickly, and move on with less stress.
How to Spot/Do (Key Decisions in Foreclosure):
Catch up on payments vs. sell the property
Traditional listing vs. direct sale
Repair costs vs. sell “as is”
Waiting for the market vs. acting quickly
Multiple buyers vs. one trusted buyer
Handling legal/financial complexity vs. letting experts help
Summary and Overview:In this episode of Central PA Property Talk, Brian and Chris from 717 Home Buyers highlight the real-world challenges many Central PA homeowners face when foreclosure looms. They share the story of “Stan,” a Lancaster resident who had fallen behind on mortgage payments after job loss during the pandemic. With repairs piling up, the bank moving forward with foreclosure, and no realistic way to catch up, Stan had tough choices to make.
Brian and Chris outlined six key decisions homeowners like Stan must consider. First, whether to try catching up on missed payments—though in Stan’s case, that wasn’t realistic. Second, whether to list with a realtor or sell to a local cash buyer. With only weeks before foreclosure, waiting months for a traditional sale wasn’t an option. Third, deciding if repairs were worth the cost. For Stan, selling as-is was the only practical route. Fourth, the choice of waiting for the market to improve versus selling right away—delaying meant more fees and worsening credit. Fifth, choosing between juggling multiple buyers or working with one trusted company. And finally, deciding whether to tackle the legal paperwork alone or let a team of professionals handle the details.
Ultimately, Stan chose 717 Home Buyers because of their fair cash offer, ability to close in just 18 days, and transparent process with no commissions or hidden fees. They even allowed him to leave belongings behind, taking one more burden off his shoulders. The outcome was life-changing: Stan avoided foreclosure, preserved his credit, and was able to move into a smaller, affordable home. He was so relieved that he referred neighbors to the company.
For Central PA homeowners facing foreclosure—whether in Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Reading, or Lititz—this story shows that there are alternatives. 717 Home Buyers provides a local, no-pressure option to sell fast, handle repairs, and stop foreclosure stress.
📞 Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) for a confidential, no-pressure consultation.

Cash Home Sales Explained in Central PA: Step by Step with 717 Home Buyers in Lancaster, PA

Show Notes:Selling a house can be stressful and time-consuming, but there’s another path. In this episode, Brian and Chris break down what it really means to sell directly to a cash home buyer. From the 4-step process to how offers are calculated, we cover what sellers in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, and across Central PA need to know. Heather from 717 Home Buyers in Lancaster, PA explains the process step by step with questions you should ask yourself along the way if you're weighing the options.  
You’ll learn:
Why selling for cash often closes in 7–14 days
How “as-is” really works (no repairs or cleaning)
The truth about hidden fees (or lack thereof)
What you trade when choosing speed and certainty over listing traditionally
Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) or visit 717homebuyers.com if you’re considering selling your home fast in Central PA.
Recap:Selling a house the traditional way in Central Pennsylvania can often feel overwhelming—between agent commissions, staging, showings, repairs, and long wait times, the process can stretch for months. In this episode, Brian and Chris explain an alternative: selling directly to a cash home buyer. This model is built for speed, convenience, and certainty.
The conversation highlights how simple the process can be. First, it starts with a quick call. If the property qualifies, a brief walk-through follows. Within 48 hours, sellers often receive a written, no-obligation offer. From there, a reputable local title company manages the closing, sometimes completing the sale in as little as a week. For homeowners in Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Lebanon, and other Central PA towns, this means cash in hand in as little as 7–14 days.
A major benefit is selling “as-is.” Unlike traditional listings that require costly repairs or deep cleaning, cash buyers handle everything after the purchase. That leaky roof, outdated kitchen, or even pet damage isn’t your problem—it becomes theirs. The goal is zero stress, zero fees, and zero surprises.
Naturally, the big question is about the offer itself. Brian and Chris explain that buyers calculate offers by estimating the home’s after-repair value, then subtracting renovation expenses and selling costs. What’s left is the offer to the homeowner. Importantly, the number you see is the number you get—without hidden fees.
Of course, there’s a trade-off. Sellers may not capture full “top dollar” as they would in a longer, traditional sale. But in return, they gain three valuable advantages: speed, certainty, and convenience. For many Central PA homeowners—whether facing foreclosure, relocation, or simply wanting a clean break—that trade-off is worth it.
If you’ve ever wondered about selling your home quickly and as-is in Lancaster, Harrisburg, or York, this episode offers a clear, local guide to how cash home buying really works.

Selling Your Home Fast for Cash in Central PA: What to Expect

hinking about selling your home quickly in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, or anywhere in Central PA? In this episode, Brian and Heather unpack how 717 Home Buyers helps sellers with a simple, four-step cash offer process. From the first phone call to closing at a reputable local title company, you’ll learn how speed, convenience, and transparency come together when you choose a direct cash sale.
We also talk about trade-offs—why some sellers accept a lower price in exchange for avoiding repairs, commissions, and uncertainty, and how peace of mind often matters as much as dollars.
What You’ll Learn:
The 4-step cash offer process (call, appointment, offer, close)
Why selling “as-is” saves time and money
How offers are calculated—and why they may be lower than traditional sales
Situations where speed and certainty matter most
What non-financial benefits sellers often value
Recap:Selling your home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling repairs, showings, or a tight timeline. This episode breaks down how 717 Home Buyers, a trusted local company in Lancaster and across Central PA, simplifies the process into four clear steps: a quick call, a short appointment, a written offer, and a fast closing through a local title company.
What makes this approach unique is the ability to sell your home as-is, without worrying about cleaning, repairs, or agent commissions. For many sellers, especially those facing relocation, inherited properties, or homes needing major updates, this model provides real relief. Offers are calculated by considering the after-repair value of your property, minus the costs of renovations, holding, and resale. While this typically results in a lower price than a traditional listing, sellers gain something equally valuable—speed, certainty, and peace of mind.
Beyond the numbers, we explore the personal benefits: avoiding weeks of strangers touring your home, moving on from stressful situations, and knowing exactly when closing will happen. Whether you’re in Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, Reading, or right here in Lancaster, this episode will help you decide if a fast, as-is sale aligns with your priorities.

Avoiding Scam Home Buyers in Central PA: How to Spot the Red Flags

When it comes to selling your home, not all buyers are created equal. In this episode, Brian and Chris break down the warning signs of scam home-buying companies and share how you can protect yourself, your family, and your property. From high-pressure tactics to shady basement closings, we cover the red flags every homeowner in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, and across Central PA should know.
You’ll also hear a real-life story from California that shows how these scams work—and how to avoid becoming the next victim.
What you’ll learn:
Why scammers target seniors and grieving homeowners
The “lowball + pressure” trick and how to spot it
How reputable home buyers in Central PA operate
Simple steps to verify a company before signing anything
Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) today for a fair, no-pressure cash offer on your home.
Recap:In this episode of The Central PA Property Talk Podcast, Brian and Chris dive into a critical topic for homeowners in Central Pennsylvania—how to spot and avoid scam home-buying companies. Using a real case from California, where a widow was pressured into selling her $1.5 million home for just $750,000, they highlight how predatory buyers use lowball offers and high-pressure deadlines to trap vulnerable sellers.
They then translate the lesson closer to home, imagining a widow in Lancaster targeted by a fast-talking buyer who devalues her house and demands she sign immediately. This type of situation, unfortunately, happens all too often. The difference between scammy operators and trusted buyers comes down to transparency, track record, and professionalism.
Brian and Chris outline a clear checklist for homeowners:
Check reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau.
Look for transparency—no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Insist on reputable title companies, not backroom closings.
Avoid pressure tactics—a real buyer gives you time.
Confirm local presence—you should meet a real team, not just a phone number.
717 Home Buyers, based right here in Lancaster and serving all of Central PA, takes pride in operating differently. With fair offers based on facts and data, a no-pressure approach, and a commitment to local communities, the company ensures that homeowners never feel rushed or misled.
If you’re considering selling in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, or Reading, this episode offers practical advice to protect yourself while exploring options. Whether downsizing, handling an inherited property, or simply moving on, homeowners should have peace of mind knowing that real solutions—not scams—are available.
Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) today to talk with a trusted local team.