Quick answer: the executor generally has no court approval to seek and no sale authority at all unless the will specifically directs the sale. Where it does, no separate court order is typically needed either. Run your own numbers in the Virginia probate real estate sale calculator.
The house vests in the heirs, not the estate
Multiple heirs handle a sale themselves
When several heirs inherit the house together, they handle any sale as co-owners, entirely outside the estate's probate administration — the personal representative typically has no role in that transaction at all.
An administrator with the will annexed can step in
If no named executor ever qualifies, or those who did have died, resigned, or been removed, an administrator with the will annexed generally has the same power to sell and convey the real estate the will devised for sale — unless the will clearly shows a contrary intent.
Nothing happens before qualification
A person named as executor has no power to act — beyond arranging the burial and paying reasonable funeral expenses — until they qualify by taking an oath and giving bond before the Circuit Court Clerk where the will is admitted to record.
Non-residents face a stricter bond rule
If the personal representative isn't a Virginia resident, bond with surety is generally required regardless of what the will says about waiving it, and a Virginia resident must be designated as a statutory agent for service of process.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
Fairfax, Virginia Beach, and Richmond each qualify personal representatives through their own Circuit Court Clerk's Office, but the vesting rule under §64.2-521 applies identically statewide.