Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

Re: probate

It will depend on the lender. However, until the estate is settled the loan can't be binding on the estate only on you as a recipient.

Your sister can make partial distributions once the time period for claims has passed, or if she is feels reasonably safe to make some distributions before completing the final accounting and tax returns. She only need be sure she has retained enough cash to meet the expenses claims and the taxes of estate.