If, by default or admission, the allegations in the petition are not controverted, the clerk of superior court may summarily order a sale. The procedure for the sale shall be as is provided in Article 29A of Chapter 1 of the N.C. Gen. Stat., entitled “Judicial Sales.” If it is made to appear to the clerk by petition and by satisfactory proof that it will be for the best interest of the estate to sell by private sale, the clerk may authorize a private sale in accordance with the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-339.33 through 1-339.40. (1868-9, c. 113, s. 48; Code, s. 1443; Rev., s. 79; C.S., s. 83; 1949, c. 719, s. 2; 1973, c. 1329, s. 3.)