Estate Planning When Buying a PA Home

Closing day is the easiest time to take title correctly. Fixing it later requires a new deed, recording fees, and sometimes realty transfer tax.

Married couples

Pennsylvania tenancy by the entireties protects against individual creditors and avoids probate at the first death. Use it.

Single buyers with a trust

If you already have a revocable trust, take title directly in the trust. Avoids a later transfer deed.

Co-buyers (non-spouse)

Default joint tenancy creates issues — see joint tenancy risks. Consider tenancy in common with cross-survivorship via wills.