An executor’s role is to administer the estate, not to treat estate property as personal property. In a formal Texas administration, the executor or administrator generally collects estate assets, handles debts and taxes, and distributes the remainder under the will or Texas law. Court-issued letters commonly show the representative’s authority; the exact duties and timing depend on the estate and court process.
Begin with protection and records
For a home, document the condition with dated photos, secure keys and access, locate insurance information, identify mortgage, tax, HOA, utility, and maintenance obligations, and keep a running expense log. Preserve the latest deed, will, trust documents, property-tax notices, leases, and current vendor contacts. Do not mix estate money with personal funds or distribute personal property before the authorized process is understood.
Texas State Law Library notes that letters testamentary or letters of administration are court documents that give an executor or administrator authority to manage the estate. Institutions commonly ask to see them. A family member’s relationship to the decedent, or a name in an unprobated will, is not a substitute for checking the authority actually issued.
Work with the estate’s professionals
The representative may need help from a probate attorney, tax professional, insurance representative, title professional, appraiser, property manager, or real-estate agent. The scope and order of work should follow the attorney’s guidance and the representative’s authority. Bexar County’s Probate Division cautions that an executor represents the interests of beneficiaries and creditors, and it directs people seeking to probate a will to consult an attorney.
Keep beneficiaries informed with consistent, factual updates about documents gathered, bills paid, property condition, and pending professional review. Do not promise a price, timeline, distribution, or court result before it is supported by the authorized process.
Real-estate help comes after the boundary is clear
Once authority is confirmed, EstatePath can help the authorized representative assess condition, compare preparation paths, coordinate sale-readiness work, and market a property if engaged. We cannot appoint an executor, resolve claims, provide legal advice, or provide title underwriting.
Official resources
Texas State Law Library: Formal AdministrationBexar County Clerk: Probate DivisionTexas State Law Library: Before ProbateSources inform this educational content; they do not endorse EstatePath. Content reviewed October 5, 2026. Not attorney-reviewed.