Who's actually in charge: trustee, executor, administrator

Successor trustee — named in a living trust. Takes authority the moment the trust-maker dies (or is incapacitated), without court appointment. Duties: inventory assets, notify beneficiaries and heirs, pay debts, follow the trust's instructions.

Executor — named in a will, but has no power until the probate court appoints them and issues letters testamentary.

Administrator — appointed by the court when there's no will (or no usable executor). Same job as an executor.

Why it matters for the house: only the person with authority can sell it, borrow against it, or transfer it. If you're an heir but not the trustee/executor, decisions run through them — and if nobody has been appointed yet, the house is in limbo until someone is.

General education, not advice — verify anything you’ll rely on with a CPA or estate attorney.