

Joe Thomas
Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist
Probate comes with complex decisions, tight timelines, and responsibilities you may not have expected. My role is to make this process easier for you. From start to finish, I provide clear communication, reliable guidance, and hands-on support so you never feel unsure about what to do next. When the estate property needs attention, I coordinate and schedule trusted professionals—cleanout teams, appraisers, contractors, and other specialists—who deliver high-quality service with compassion and respect for your situation.
Having supported many Pennsylvania executors, I understand how challenging it can be to manage the details of a loved one’s estate while balancing your own life and emotions. Whether you’re handling the initial paperwork, preparing the home for sale, or moving toward final settlement, my goal is to guide you through each step, explain your options clearly, and help you make confident decisions that honor both your responsibilities and your family’s needs.

Sometimes you need quick, reliable answers about how to settle a probate estate legally, efficiently, and with confidence - without spending a fortune or trying to interpret complex laws on your own. Most Pennsylvania executors unknowingly make the same seven costly mistakes during probate, and these errors can delay the estate, increase expenses, or create avoidable legal issues. My free e-book gives you a clear, step-by-step explanation of what those mistakes are and exactly how to avoid them. You can read it in under 10 minutes and walk away with practical guidance that helps you move forward quickly, calmly, and in full compliance with Pennsylvania probate requirements.

A Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES) guides executors through the real estate steps of the probate process. This includes explaining your options, preparing the property for sale, coordinating trusted service providers, and helping you meet Pennsylvania’s legal requirements so the estate can move forward smoothly.
I simplify probate by breaking everything down into clear, manageable steps. I help you understand what needs to be done, coordinate the professionals you’ll need, guide you through selling the property, and keep you informed so you always know what to expect next.
Yes. A probate attorney handles the legal requirements of the estate, and a CPRES handles the real estate responsibilities. Together, we make sure the estate follows Pennsylvania law, stays on track, and avoids costly mistakes.
Probate sales involve additional legal steps, notice requirements, timelines, and documentation that traditional home sales do not. A CPRES understands these rules and helps executors avoid delays, mistakes, and financial risk.
I can connect you with vetted professionals who understand probate—including cleanout crews, appraisers, contractors, estate liquidators, tax advisors, attorneys, landscapers, photographers, and property care specialists. Each one is selected to help prepare the home efficiently and respectfully.
Timelines vary based on the condition of the home, documentation requirements, and court needs. However, with proper preparation and a CPRES handling the real estate steps, most probate sales move forward faster and with fewer obstacles.
Common mistakes include rushing decisions, not securing the property, missing important deadlines, mismanaging personal property, avoiding professional guidance, and underestimating tax obligations. My free eBook explains all seven mistakes and how to avoid them.
The eBook gives you quick, clear explanations of the probate steps, the biggest pitfalls to avoid, and how to make informed decisions. It’s designed to help you gain clarity in under 10 minutes—without needing legal training or unnecessary expenses.
Yes. I coordinate with your attorney to ensure every real estate decision aligns with the estate’s legal requirements. This helps protect you, reduces the chance of errors, and keeps the probate timeline moving efficiently.
Your first steps should be: secure the property, locate the will, contact a probate attorney, gather basic documents, and avoid making any changes until you understand your legal responsibilities. Then contact a CPRES so we can help you understand your options and create a clear plan.

