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Received an Unsolicited Mineral Rights Offer?

Understanding why you're getting offers, how to evaluate them, and what to do next. A guide for mineral owners who've received unexpected purchase offers.

Why You're Receiving These Offers

If you've received an unexpected letter or call about buying your mineral rights, you're not alone. This happens because:

Public records: Mineral ownership is recorded in county deed records—anyone can look it up

Development activity: When operators file drilling permits, buyers research nearby mineral owners

Market interest: Active oil and gas markets attract buyers looking for acquisition opportunities

Inheritance records: Probate filings alert buyers to newly inherited minerals

Receiving an offer doesn't mean you have to sell—but it does suggest your minerals have value worth understanding.

Types of Unsolicited Offers

Legitimate Offers

Clear company identification

Specific property description

Written offer amount

Professional communication

No pressure to decide immediately

Red Flag Offers

Vague company information

Extreme urgency or deadlines

Requests for upfront payment

Unwillingness to put offer in writing

Pressure tactics or scare language

How to Evaluate an Unsolicited Offer

Step 1: Verify the Buyer

Search the company name online

Check for a professional website

Look for reviews or references

Verify they have a physical address and phone number

Step 2: Understand Your Minerals

Review any documents you have (deeds, royalty statements)

Know your net mineral acres and royalty interest

Understand current production levels

Step 3: Get Multiple Offers

Don't accept the first offer without comparison

Request valuations from 2-3 reputable buyers

Compare offers based on price per net mineral acre or revenue multiple

Step 4: Take Your Time

Legitimate buyers will give you time to decide

Don't be pressured by artificial deadlines

Consider consulting with family or advisors

Common Lowball Tactics to Watch For

Some buyers send mass mailings hoping a few owners will accept without doing research:

"Limited time offer" - Creates false urgency

"Market is declining" - Fear-based pressure

"This is our best offer" - Discourages negotiation

"Other owners have accepted" - Social pressure

Round number offers - ($5,000, $10,000) suggest no real analysis

What Should You Do?

If You're Interested in Selling

Research the buyer's reputation

Get at least 2-3 competing offers

Ask how they calculated the offer

Request everything in writing

Take time to make your decision

If You're Not Interested

Simply don't respond

You're under no obligation

Keep the letters for reference

Consider getting a valuation anyway

You can always sell later if you change your mind

Frequently Asked Questions

Mineral ownership is public record, filed with the county clerk or recorder. When buyers research an area, they pull ownership records from county databases. Your name appears on your deed, division orders, and possibly probate records if you inherited.
Possibly, but you won't know without comparison. Many unsolicited offers are below market value—buyers profit by finding owners who don't shop around. Get at least 2-3 offers from different buyers before deciding. A 20-50% difference between offers isn't unusual.
Non-producing minerals can still be valuable. Buyers may know about drilling permits, lease activity, or geological potential you're unaware of. If someone's offering money for minerals with no current production, there's likely development potential they've identified.
Because your ownership is public record, you can't prevent all mailings. However, most legitimate buyers will remove you from their list if you respond saying you're not interested. Be aware that new buyers may still contact you as they research the area.

Want to Know What Your Minerals Are Really Worth?

Get a free evaluation from Buckhead Energy. We'll research your minerals and provide a written valuation you can compare against any offers you've received.

Get Your Free Evaluation

Or call us at (404) 604-6364

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