Sell Mineral Rights in Texas

Texas Counties We Buy Mineral Rights In

We purchase mineral rights in all 254 Texas counties. Activity and valuations concentrate in four basins:

Don't see your county? We still buy there. Texas produces across every major region, and even counties without headline activity often have active legacy production or upside potential.

How Texas Mineral Rights Are Valued

No two Texas mineral tracts are the same, but every serious offer starts with the same five inputs:

Two useful rules of thumb for Texas minerals:

Producing minerals typically sell for 3–5× the trailing 12 months of royalty income, though Permian premium acreage can reach 6–8×.

Non-producing (undeveloped) minerals are priced per net mineral acre, ranging from under $1,000 in mature counties to five figures per acre in the Permian core.

Anyone who quotes you a price without first asking for your deed or check stubs is not giving you a real valuation. A deeper look at valuation is here.

The Texas Mineral Sale Process

1. Gather your documents

Pull together: original deed or conveyance, probate orders (if inherited), existing oil and gas leases, division orders, and recent royalty check detail. The more you can provide up front, the faster the title review.

2. Confirm your ownership

Texas mineral ownership is described in decimal form (your fractional interest in the tract) rather than gross acreage. A deed that says "1/2 of the mineral estate" under 640 acres means 320 net mineral acres. Buyers need this number exact.

3. Request a written offer

Submit your property details. A legitimate Texas mineral buyer will provide a written, signed offer within 48 hours. Walk away from anyone offering a verbal-only price or pressuring you to sign on the spot.

4. Review the purchase and sale agreement

The PSA and mineral deed spell out exactly what's being sold. Read the warranty clause, depth limitations, and reservation language carefully. If anything is unclear, have a Texas-licensed attorney review before signing.

5. Close and get paid

The buyer runs title at the county clerk's office, records the mineral deed, and funds closing by wire or check. Most Texas transactions close within 7 to 14 days of an accepted offer.

Three Things to Watch Out For

Low first offers: Unsolicited mail offers from unknown buyers are often a fraction of market value. Getting a second written offer is always free and always worth it.

Broad deed language: Some deeds convey more than the seller intends — additional tracts, adjacent minerals, or depth rights below a certain formation. Read what you're signing.

Verbal-only quotes: "A buddy of mine will pay X" is not an offer. Real Texas mineral buyers put their offer in writing, on letterhead, signed.

Our guide to mineral rights scams covers the most common tactics in detail.

Texas Tax Considerations

Texas has no state income tax, which means a mineral sale by a Texas resident has no state-level income tax consequence. Federal tax treatment still applies:

Capital gains: Sales of minerals held over one year are taxed at long-term capital gains rates.

Stepped-up basis: Inherited Texas minerals typically receive a basis step-up to fair market value at the date of death, which often eliminates most taxable gain on a near-term sale.

1031 exchange: Mineral rights can qualify as like-kind property for a 1031 exchange, deferring tax on the gain if proceeds are reinvested into other real property.

This is general information only — consult a Texas-licensed CPA for advice specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sell mineral rights in Texas?

Gather your deed and lease documents, confirm your county and net mineral acres, request a written offer from a direct buyer, review the purchase agreement, and close. Most Texas mineral sales complete in 7 to 14 days.

Who buys mineral rights in Texas?

Direct buyers (companies that acquire and hold minerals with their own capital), PE-backed mineral funds, and institutional buyers. Direct buyers typically offer the cleanest process — written offer, no broker commission, no middlemen.

How much are Texas mineral rights worth?

It depends on county, basin, production, and royalty rate. Permian Basin minerals in Midland, Martin, Reeves, or Loving County command premium multiples. Mature counties and non-producing minerals sell for less. Any buyer quoting a price without seeing your details is guessing.

Do I need a broker to sell mineral rights in Texas?

No. Texas owners can sell directly to a buyer. Brokers typically charge 5–15% commission. For most owners with clear title and one buyer, direct sale is faster and nets more money.

Can I sell Texas mineral rights if I live out of state?

Yes. Out-of-state ownership is extremely common in Texas. A legitimate buyer will handle the entire transaction by mail and wire transfer. You do not need to travel to Texas to sell.

What taxes do I pay when selling Texas mineral rights?

Texas has no state income tax. Federally, sales held over one year are taxed as long-term capital gains. Inherited minerals often receive a stepped-up basis that reduces taxable gain. Consult a CPA for your specific situation.