Short answer
Yes. Heirs do not have to live in Pennsylvania. What matters is that someone is appointed personal representative by the Register of Wills and can sign. Out-of-state heirs can work through that representative, an attorney, or a power of attorney, though each needs the right paperwork.
Where you live does not stop a sale
A house in Pennsylvania is governed by Pennsylvania's estate process, wherever the heirs live. The estate code gives the personal representative authority over the decedent's real property. So the question is not where the heirs live. It is who holds letters, and whether that person can attend closing or sign remotely with the title company's approval.
Getting letters from far away
In Philadelphia, the Register of Wills describes an in-person process at City Hall, Room 180, with an original death certificate, an estimate of the estate's value and a valid, current ID. If there is no will and several heirs, they must renounce to a sole administrator or act together as co-administrators. For an out-of-state family, picking one local or willing person may be the simplest approach. Call (215) 686-6255 for the current options if you cannot travel. Time zones and travel schedules are the main hurdle, not the law. Ask the Register of Wills what it can do by phone or mail and what must be done in person, and ask your attorney whether they can handle the court filings so you do not have to travel. If you do need to appear, plan one trip and bring every document at once. Photographs of the house and a short video of each room help absent heirs make decisions without flying in.
Using a power of attorney
A power of attorney from a living heir can let an agent sign for that heir. Pennsylvania's power of attorney chapter allows powers to be granted in writing to an agent. An heir's agent generally acts for that heir. Whoever signs for the estate still needs to be the personal representative. Title companies have their own rules for out-of-state signers, so ask early.
A checklist for long-distance heirs
Choose one person to be the contact with the attorney, the title company and the buyer. Make sure someone local checks the house on a schedule, since a vacant house needs attention. Tell the homeowner's insurer that the owner has died and ask what coverage applies to a vacant house. Photograph the house and its contents. Gather the death certificate, the will if there is one, mortgage statements and tax bills. Ask the title company early whether it accepts remote or mobile notary signing for out-of-state parties. Rules and practices differ, so get the answer before you pick a closing date.
Closing without flying in
Out-of-state heirs often want the quickest, simplest path. Kaizen Home Buyers buys houses as-is for cash, with no repairs and no agent commission. We make an offer within 24 hours and can close in 14 to 30 days or on the date you choose. That can mean fewer trips to check on a vacant house. Call 267-329-0084. You can also list with a local agent if you are comfortable managing showings from a distance.