A mineral buyer reached out. Before you respond, understand this: they have already researched your property, calculated their profit margin, and drafted a deed written to protect them — not you. Here is what every Texas landowner needs to know before signing anything.
A mineral deed is one of the most powerful documents in Texas property law. It permanently changes who owns what beneath the surface. Once signed and recorded, there is no magic. That might not seem like a big deal right now. Maybe you are thinking about transferring minerals to your
You finished probate. The court recognized you as heir. Everything should be settled now, right? Not quite. Probate establishes your legal ownership. What it does not do is put money in your account. Between probate and your first royalty check sits a process most heirs never hear about. Months pass
Are you aware of what operators typically include in surface use agreements? While their initial offers may seem comprehensive, they often prioritize their own interests, leaving landowners at a disadvantage. From vague damage provisions to minimal restoration commitments, understanding these gaps is crucial for protecting your property. However, negotiation can lead to significant improvements, such as specific damage payments and concrete restoration requirements. Discover how to navigate these agreements effectively and ensure that your land’s surface is safeguarded. Don’t settle for what operators want—learn how to advocate for your interests and secure a fair agreement.
The notice arrives without warning. An oil company intends to drill on your property. They either own the minerals beneath your land or leased them from someone who does. Surface owners in this position often ask the same first question: can they really just show up? The answer is more
Many mineral owners receive regular royalty checks. Payments arrive monthly like clockwork. Everything seems fine on the surface. But regular payments often mask serious problems. Getting paid consistently doesn’t mean you’re getting paid what you should. Operators pay accurately under bad lease terms all the time. Those bad terms cost
Your client just inherited mineral rights in Texas. They live in Ohio, Illinois, or California. The estate is straightforward, the will is clear, and administration is proceeding smoothly in your jurisdiction. Then you see it: “1/32 mineral interest in Reeves County, Texas.” Now you have questions. Will this require ancillary
We often receive calls from mineral owners with similar queries: ‘I want an audit to improve my lease terms. Maybe I can work with better operators too.’ Sharing this news is difficult for me. Audits can’t do any of that. Hoping an audit will fix lease problems means you’ve already
When it comes to oil and gas lease negotiations, the playing field isn’t level. Operators enter negotiations with years of experience, detailed production data, and a deep understanding of what makes land profitable. Many landowners, by contrast, are signing their first lease, armed with little more than hope and a
I Spent 10 Years as an Oil Company Landman Here’s Why You Can’t Negotiate Your Own Lease Look. For a decade, I worked as a landman negotiating leases and other agreements for major oil companies and independent operators. I negotiated with hundreds of landowners across Texas. And I’ll tell you
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