Case Studies

How a Cell Tower Land Sale Secured Retirement

Apr 01 — 2025

By Nixon Daughtrey

The Daughtrey Law Firm, based in Houston, Texas, recently represented an elderly landowner in the sale of their rural property to a cell tower company. The client owned a large parcel of country land, part of which was leased to a telecommunications company for a cell tower. As the client approached retirement age, they sought to sell the entire property, including the tower site, to secure the necessary funds for a comfortable and financially stable retirement.

Client Background

The client was a retired landowner who had lived on their rural property for most of their adult life. The land had been in the family for generations, and a portion of it was leased to a telecommunications company for a cell tower. Over time, the income from the lease helped cover some household expenses. However, as the client approached full retirement, they started thinking about the big picture—healthcare costs, daily living, and making sure they would not run out of money later in life.

While the property itself held sentimental value, the client realized that its true financial potential was largely untapped. The presence of a functioning cell tower made the land more valuable than most people might guess. But selling land with a lease is not like selling a regular home—it requires careful handling to get the most out of the deal. That is why the client reached out to The Daughtrey Law Firm, a trusted name in real estate and lease negotiation.

The Legal Challenge

Selling rural land with an active cell tower lease can be tricky. There are more steps, more paperwork, and more people involved. In this case, the biggest challenges were:

Getting top dollar for the property: The client wanted to sell the land for the highest possible price, including the value of the tower lease.
Making sure the lease transferred smoothly: The telecommunications company had to agree to let the lease be passed on to the new owner without delays.
Building a secure financial future: The client needed the sale to support their retirement—this meant lump sum payouts, tax-smart structuring, and confidence that the money would last.

Without the right legal help, these types of sales can fall through or lead to unexpected problems. For example, if the lease transfer is not done properly, it can delay the deal—or worse, cause the buyer to walk away. That is why The Daughtrey Law Firm took a very hands-on, step-by-step approach to make sure nothing got missed.

Conducting a Comprehensive Property & Lease Valuation

The first thing the firm did was help the client understand exactly how much their property was worth. This was not just about the land—it was about the future income from the cell tower. The team brought in real estate appraisers and telecom experts to break everything down.

Valuing the land: The appraisers looked at location, nearby development trends, and how the land could be used in the future—for farming, homes, or commercial purposes.

Valuing the lease: Here is where many property owners miss out. The lease with the telecom company provided monthly payments and had years left on the contract. That future income had real value—kind of like selling a small business along with the land. The Daughtrey team used this to show buyers why the property was worth more than it looked on paper.

By combining the physical land value with the revenue stream from the lease, the team built a strong foundation for pricing the deal. And with clear numbers in hand, they could confidently move into negotiations with buyers.

Creating a Competitive Bidding Environment

With the property’s value clearly defined, The Daughtrey Law Firm focused on supporting the client in evaluating offers from interested buyers. Because the land included a cell tower lease, it had unique appeal to buyers looking for income-generating assets.

Multiple parties expressed interest, including the telecommunications company leasing the tower and land investors familiar with infrastructure assets. The firm worked closely with the client to organize and review the documentation needed for buyers to assess the property’s full potential.

By providing transparent details—such as lease terms, payment history, and projected income—the firm helped the client present their property in a clear, accurate light. This approach allowed for a smoother negotiation process and gave the client more confidence in selecting the right buyer.

Negotiating a Premium Sale Price

Once the buyers were at the table, The Daughtrey Law Firm went to work on negotiations. Their goal was simple: get the client the highest possible price. But price is not just a number—it is a reflection of how well the value of the land and lease are communicated to the buyer.

The team emphasized that this was not just a piece of land—it was a cash-producing asset. Monthly payments from the cell tower lease were consistent and backed by a major telecom provider. That made the property much more appealing to investors who wanted a reliable return over time.

By highlighting the long-term revenue potential and minimizing the perceived risk, the firm was able to push the sale price higher. They also used buyer competition as leverage, making it clear that other offers were on the table. This negotiation approach ultimately led to a deal that exceeded the client’s initial expectations—putting more money in their pocket and giving them confidence heading into retirement.

Managing the Lease Transfer Process

One of the most important parts of this transaction was making sure the existing cell tower lease transferred smoothly to the new owner. This might sound like a simple detail, but it is often one of the biggest sticking points in deals like this.

The lease agreement included clauses about ownership transfer, rights and obligations, and telecom company approval. If these were not handled carefully, the lease income could be delayed—or even lost. The Daughtrey Law Firm knew this, so they took the lead in coordinating between the buyer and the telecom provider.

They reviewed every word of the lease to ensure it was transferable. Then, they contacted the telecom company, explained the upcoming sale, and worked with them to make sure all paperwork and approvals were in order. On the other end, the firm kept the buyer informed and confident that they would continue receiving lease payments without interruption.

Thanks to this detailed oversight, the lease transfer went through without a hitch. The buyer was satisfied, the telecom company had no issues, and the client could walk away from the sale knowing everything had been handled the right way.

Structuring the Deal for Retirement Security

For this client, the goal was not just to sell land—it was to fund a peaceful and secure retirement. The Daughtrey Law Firm understood this and made sure the financial structure of the deal supported that goal. First, they negotiated for a large lump-sum payment rather than smaller installments over time. Why? Because the client needed immediate access to funds for medical care, home expenses, and peace of mind.

But that was only part of the plan. The firm also brought in financial planners and tax advisors to look at how the sale would affect the client’s tax situation. Real estate transactions, especially those involving income-generating leases, can create unexpected tax bills. The team’s job was to make sure as much of the sale proceeds stayed in the client’s hands as possible.

The final structure provided the client with both upfront cash and long-term financial protection. It was not just about making a sale—it was about setting the client up for a retirement without worry.

Overseeing a Smooth Legal Closing

Even the best deal can go sideways if the closing process is not handled properly. That is why The Daughtrey Law Firm paid close attention to every document, signature, and deadline. Their legal team reviewed the purchase agreement line by line, double-checked lease transfer clauses, and worked directly with the buyer’s attorney to keep everything on schedule.

They also kept the client informed every step of the way. There were no surprises, no last-minute scrambles, and no missed emails. Everything was handled professionally, and most importantly, transparently. When closing day arrived, the client felt fully prepared and supported. The final paperwork was signed without delay, and the funds were released on time.

For the client, this smooth closing was more than just paperwork—it was the finish line of a carefully planned process that respected their time, goals, and future.

Results: Retirement Secured with Confidence

The outcome was exactly what the client had hoped for—and more. The property sold for a price higher than they ever imagined. The cell tower lease was successfully transferred without any issues. And the money from the sale gave the client the freedom to retire comfortably, knowing their financial future was protected.

This was not just a transaction. It was a turning point. The Daughtrey Law Firm made sure the client was not only taken care of during the sale—but also prepared for life after it. They combined legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and real-world financial insight to make sure every detail was covered.

For other property owners in similar situations, this case is a great example of what is possible with the right team. Whether you are retiring, reinvesting, or just trying to make the most of your assets, having an experienced legal partner can make all the difference.

Why This Case Matters

Many landowners across the country are sitting on properties with hidden value—just like this client. A working cell tower lease, for example, is not something every buyer will understand, but for the right investor, it can be a goldmine. That is why it is important to work with professionals who know how to present that value and protect your interests in the process.

This case shows that with the right guidance, even a complicated real estate sale can be turned into a financial win. It is a great reminder that your land may be worth more than you think—especially if it comes with built-in income. The Daughtrey Law Firm helped this client uncover that hidden value and made sure they walked away with the full benefit.

Daughtrey Law Firm Advantage

The Daughtrey Law Firm stands out because they do more than close deals—they build outcomes that support your long-term goals. Their team combines deep experience in real estate, lease law, and financial planning. Whether you are working with a cell tower lease, commercial tenants, or just want to maximize your property’s value, they know what steps to take.

From negotiation and contract review to tax guidance and closing coordination, their service is comprehensive. But more importantly, they take the time to explain each step, answer your questions, and keep you informed. This is what makes their clients feel confident, not just during the sale—but after it, too.

If you are a property owner thinking about selling land with a cell tower lease or other income-generating agreements, The Daughtrey Law Firm is ready to help. Their experienced real estate attorneys can guide you through every step—from property valuation to final closing—while making sure your financial future is protected.

Do not leave money on the table. Let experts help you get the most out of your land sale. Contact The Daughtrey Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward a more secure financial future.

FAQ Section

What should I consider before selling land with a cell tower?

Make sure you understand the lease terms, the income potential, and how the lease affects your property’s value. Talk to a real estate lawyer who has experience with these deals.