An executor is the person named in a will to carry out its terms, including gathering the estate's assets, paying its debts, and distributing what remains. If the will grants the fiduciary powers Tennessee law lists, the executor can sell real property without going back to court for permission each time.
Why it matters
Whether the will gives the executor power to sell without a separate court order can add weeks to selling an estate's house.
In Tennessee: Tenn. Code Ann. § 35-50-110. This can work differently in another state.
General information, not legal or tax advice.