Short answer
Yes, in a limited way. The state's form has a signature block for an executor, administrator or trustee that says the signer has never occupied the property and lacks the personal knowledge needed to complete the statement. The form also lets sellers name the person whose credible representations they relied on.
The executor block on the form
At the end of the New Jersey Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement, there is a section titled Executor, Administrator, Trustee, if applicable. It states that the undersigned has never occupied the property and lacks the personal knowledge necessary to complete the statement. That language is for a personal representative who never lived there, which is common when an out-of-town heir is handling a parent's estate.
The acknowledgment still applies
The form's seller acknowledgment says the information is accurate and complete to the best of the seller's knowledge, is not a warranty, and that the seller alone is the source of all information. It adds that if the seller relied on credible representations of another, the seller should state the names of the people and describe the information relied on. An executor can use that for a neighbor, a caregiver or a prior inspector.
What an executor can still do
Even without personal knowledge, gather what exists: prior inspection reports, utility bills, receipts for roof or heating work, a survey, tank closure papers, and any town notices. Attach them. Walk the property and note what you see. Write down who told you about any problem. The form says the seller is under an obligation to disclose known material defects, so what you learn from records counts as knowledge.
Authority comes first
Before anyone signs a disclosure or a contract, the estate needs someone with authority. County Surrogate offices issue letters, and the Division of Taxation's executor guide says real estate transfers always require a Form 0-1 waiver. An estate attorney can confirm who signs each document, including the disclosure statement.
Occupancy and history questions
The first section of the form asks whether the seller currently occupies the property and, if not, how long it has been since the seller occupied it. It asks what year the seller bought the property and whether you have the original deed or a copy, which you are asked to attach. For an estate, the purchase year and a copy of the deed can often be found in the county records or among the decedent's papers. Where the form offers an unknown box, use it instead of guessing.
An estate house sold as-is
Kaizen Home Buyers makes cash offers on New Jersey houses as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. We can give an offer within 24 hours and close in 14 to 30 days or on the date you choose. Call 267-329-0084. Executors often like that they do not have to fix up or live with a house they never lived in. Listing with an agent is also an option, and an attorney can help you weigh them.