Detailed answer — overview and step‑by‑step process

1. Confirm who actually owns the house now

First, determine how title was held. Common possibilities:

• Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — the surviving joint tenant(s) automatically own the property on a decedent’s death.
• Tenancy in common — each heir owns a fractional share that can be sold or transferred.
• Owned by the estate (the decedent’s name only and a will or intestacy applies) — the personal representative must handle transfers during probate.

Get a copy of the deed from the county recorder’s office and a certified copy of the death certificate to verify the effect of death on title.

2. If title already passed by survivorship, you may not need probate

If the deed named joint tenants with survivorship, ownership likely passed automatically to the surviving tenant(s) without probate. If not, the property may be part of the probate estate.

3. If the property is part of probate (or if heirs own as tenants in common), you have two main paths

1. Voluntary buyout (preferred if heirs agree):
   • Agree on price or method (appraisal, market value, formula).
   • Obtain a professional appraisal to support a fair price.
   • Prepare a buyout agreement and have the siblings sign a deed (quitclaim or warranty deed) transferring their interest to you once you pay the agreed amount.
   • If the property is in probate, have the personal representative (executor/administrator) approve the transaction or seek court approval if required by the probate court rules or the will. The representative’s authority and required court approval are governed by Missouri probate rules and statutes.
   • Record the signed deed in the county where the property is located. If there is a mortgage, coordinate payoff, assumption, or refinance to clear the lender’s lien.
2. Forced resolution if heirs disagree — partition action:
   • If co‑owners will not agree to sell or be bought out, any owner can file a partition action in Missouri circuit court asking the court to divide the property physically (partition in kind) or order a sale and divide the proceeds (partition by sale).
   • Missouri courts will attempt partition in kind when feasible. If that is impractical or unfair, the court orders a sale and divides proceeds among owners based on their ownership shares.
   • Partition suits can be costly and time consuming; they are a last resort when voluntary buyout fails.

4. Practical steps to complete a voluntary buyout

• Get a title search to uncover liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances.
• Hire a licensed real estate appraiser for a market value opinion.
• Make a written offer that explains price, timing, and how you will pay (cash at closing, lender financing, promissory note, etc.).
• Use a written purchase agreement and consider escrow for funds until the deed is recorded.
• Have deeds prepared by an attorney or title company. Common deeds are quitclaim (faster, fewer promises about title) or warranty deed (provides seller warranties). Consider title insurance to protect your ownership after purchase.
• Address taxes and closing costs. Missouri generally has no state estate tax, but federal estate tax may apply only in very large estates. Check with an accountant or attorney on tax implications of the buyout.
• Record the deed with the county recorder’s office to make the transfer public.

5. If the property is in probate — work with the personal representative

If someone has been appointed personal representative (executor or administrator), that person controls estate property until proper distribution. You can:

• Make an offer to the personal representative to purchase the house from the estate. The representative must follow statutory duties to get a fair price for estate assets and may need court approval depending on the circumstances and estate size.
• If heirs are entitled to the property under the will or by intestate succession but prefer to keep the house, the personal representative can execute transfers consistent with the will or with agreement of heirs and, if necessary, the probate court.

6. What if you need to finance the buyout?

If a mortgage exists, you can try to:

• Assume the mortgage (if lender allows),
• Refinance the property into your name to pay off co‑owners, or
• Use personal funds or seller financing (a promissory note from you to the heirs).

Lenders will require clear title and may require the probate estate’s obligations be satisfied before refinancing.

7. When to consider a partition action instead of negotiating

Consider filing for partition if co‑owners flatly refuse to sell, buy you out, or cooperate. Partition actions can force sale, but they carry court costs, legal fees, delay, and uncertain outcomes about whether the court will physically divide the land or order a sale.

8. Key Missouri laws and resources

Missouri law governs probate, descent, and partition. For statutory text and details, see the Missouri Revised Statutes and the Revisor of Statutes:

• Administration of estates and probate rules: Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapters on probate and administration — see the Revisor at https://revisor.mo.gov/.
• Descent and distribution (how property passes on intestacy) and related sections are in the Missouri Revised Statutes — see the chapter listing at https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=474.
• Partition actions (procedure to divide or sell property among co‑owners): see the statutes at https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=525.

Helpful Hints

• Get a title search early to reveal liens, mortgages, taxes, or judgments that affect value and transferability.
• Order a professional appraisal to support your buyout offer and to reduce disputes over price.
• Use clear, written offers and keep records of all communications with siblings and the personal representative.
• Consider mediation if negotiations stall — mediation can be quicker and cheaper than court.
• Work with a Missouri real estate or probate attorney when drafting deeds, closing the buyout, or dealing with a probate court. Attorneys can ensure the transaction complies with Missouri statutes and local court rules.
• Check for homestead rights, spousal rights, or specific bequests in a will that may affect heirs’ ability to convey property.
• If financing, coordinate with lenders early; title issues or probate requirements can block refinancing.
• Record the deed at the county recorder to protect your newly acquired interest; unrecorded deeds risk third‑party claims.
• Be mindful of tax consequences — seek tax advice about capital gains, gift taxes, or estate tax issues if relevant.