Inheriting a home can feel overwhelming—especially when you're grieving. Between legal paperwork, property upkeep, and family decisions, it’s hard to know where to begin. At Sure Home Buyers, we help families in Missouri navigate inherited property situations with clarity, compassion, and real solutions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do when you inherit a house in Missouri, including your options and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Step 1: Determine If the Property Must Go Through Probate
Probate is the legal process that validates a will and distributes assets—including property. In Missouri, most inherited homes must pass through probate unless:
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The deed includes a Transfer-on-Death (TOD) or Beneficiary Deed
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The home was held in a trust
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The estate qualifies for small estate procedures
If you’re unsure whether the house is in probate, check with the County Probate Court or contact a local estate attorney.
Step 2: Understand the Financial Responsibilities
Once you inherit a house, you also inherit its financial responsibilities:
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Mortgage payments (if applicable)
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Property taxes
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Insurance premiums
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Utilities and upkeep
Vacant homes can quickly lose insurance coverage and may attract code violations or squatters. Acting quickly protects your inheritance and your peace of mind.
Step 3: Decide What to Do With the House
You have three main options when you inherit a property:
Keep It
You can move in—but be aware of ongoing costs like insurance, maintenance, and repairs.
Rent It Out
This can provide passive income but comes with landlord responsibilities, tenant management, and upkeep.
Sell It
For many families, selling the home offers the fastest path to closure and financial clarity. However, selling traditionally through a realtor can take months and often requires updates, inspections, and a full clean-out.
Step 4: Sell the House Without the Stress
That’s where Sure Home Buyers comes in.
We specialize in buying inherited homes in Missouri as-is—with no cleaning, repairs, or fees required. We can:
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Buy the home directly from you, quickly
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Help you understand and navigate the probate process
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Work with multiple heirs and attorneys
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Close on your timeline—even in just a few days
Real Example: A Family in Joplin
Recently, we helped a woman in Joplin who inherited two rental properties after her father passed away. One was beyond repair. The other was livable but overwhelming to manage. We closed within 30 days, paid all closing costs, and let her leave anything she didn’t want to take.
She walked away with the cash she needed—and peace of mind.
Common Questions
Can I sell the house before probate is finished?
Sometimes. Missouri allows limited sales with court approval, especially when all heirs agree.
What if there are multiple heirs?
We can work directly with all parties or through the estate’s attorney to make the process smooth.
Do I have to clean out the house?
No. We buy houses as-is. You can take what you want and leave the rest.
Need Help With an Inherited Property?
At Sure Home Buyers, we’re not just investors—we’re local professionals who care about making this process easier for you.
Call or text us at (417) 647-4911, or fill out the short form on our website to get a no-obligation cash offer today.
Don’t let an inherited house become a burden. Let us help you turn it into a fresh start.