Thank you all for the responses. I have to say that I didn't expect all the negativity. For the record, no one is getting ripped off. I'm doing exactly what my mom told me we could do with the property....was just looking for advice on what document was needed to accomplish it.
1. That's not entirely clear from your original post, which I just re-read to be sure of my original impression.
2. The possibility exists that down the road, when you've done the work and the house looks great and is worth a lot more than at present, your brother might feel like he got the short end of the stick. Many of us have more experience with the whole estate settlement process and family drama that often ensues. We are freely offering you the benefit of our experience.
3. You specifically asked for "any insight". If the phrase in bold above is what you truly desire and nothing else, I suggest you modify your original post or start a new thread with a more specific question. There are a lot of good people willing to share advice based on their personal knowledge/experience, but they can only see what you write, not what you are thinking.
I'm sorry for the loss of your mom, and I wish you the best of luck as you work through your grief and the settlement of her estate. Keeping your relationship with your brother healthy is the most important thing.