Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about selling your mineral rights — from valuation to closing to taxes.
How are mineral rights valued?
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Mineral rights are valued based on several factors: whether the property is currently producing, the royalty rate in any existing lease, monthly or annual production volumes (in barrels of oil equivalent), commodity prices, the quality of the formation, operator activity in the area, and comparable sales in the basin. Non-producing minerals are valued based on geological potential and proximity to active development.
How long does the sale process take?
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From initial submission to receiving payment typically takes 2–6 weeks. We usually deliver a written offer within 24 hours of receiving your information. Once you accept, a title attorney or landman searches the title, which takes 1–2 weeks. Closing and payment follow shortly after.
Will I owe taxes on the sale of my mineral rights?
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In most cases, proceeds from the sale of mineral rights are treated as capital gains rather than ordinary income, which is often a lower tax rate. The specific treatment depends on how long you have held the interest, your cost basis, and your individual tax situation. We strongly recommend consulting a tax professional before closing. This is not tax advice.
What documents do I need to sell my mineral rights?
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You do not need to gather documents before getting an offer. However, to close a transaction you will typically need: a deed or probate documents establishing your ownership, any existing oil and gas leases, recent division orders or royalty statements (if producing), and a government-issued ID. Our team helps gather what is needed through the title process.
What happens to my existing oil and gas lease when I sell?
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An existing lease runs with the land and transfers to the buyer at closing. You cannot cancel a valid lease before its term expires. If you are in a lease, the buyer steps into your position as the lessor and continues to receive royalty payments according to the lease terms.
Can I sell only part of my mineral rights?
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Yes. You can sell a partial interest (for example, 50% of your minerals), a specific formation, or minerals under a defined geographic area. Partial sales are common in estate situations where multiple heirs want to handle their interests differently.
What is a royalty interest vs. a working interest?
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A royalty interest entitles the owner to a percentage of production revenue without bearing any of the costs of drilling or operating wells. A working interest involves both the right to produce and the obligation to share in operating expenses. Most mineral rights owners hold royalty interests, which are what we typically purchase.
How do I know if I own mineral rights?
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Mineral rights can be separated from surface ownership, so owning land does not necessarily mean you own the minerals beneath it. Check your deed — it should indicate whether minerals were reserved or conveyed. You can also search county deed records or hire a landman to do a title runsheet. Royalty statements or lease offers from oil companies are also strong indicators.
What if I inherited mineral rights and am not sure of the details?
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This is very common. We work with heirs regularly and can help you understand what you own. In many cases, we can research the title ourselves. You may need to probate an estate or file a muniment of title to perfect your ownership before selling, which an attorney can handle.
Are there any fees or commissions when selling to you?
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No. We charge no commissions, no listing fees, and no closing costs on the seller's side. The price we offer is the amount you receive at closing. You may choose to have an attorney review the purchase agreement, which we encourage, and those costs are yours to bear.
What if I am already under a royalty-bearing lease?
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Being under an active lease does not prevent a sale. The buyer acquires the minerals subject to the existing lease and begins receiving your royalties after closing. In some cases an active, favorable lease actually increases the value of your minerals.
How long is your offer valid?
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Our offers do not expire. We understand this is a significant financial decision and that you may want time to consult family members, financial advisors, or attorneys. Take as much time as you need. We will honor the offer we put in writing.
Do I need a lawyer to sell my mineral rights?
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You are not legally required to have an attorney, but we recommend having one review any purchase agreement before you sign. The cost is modest and provides peace of mind. We work with sellers who choose to use attorneys and are happy to answer any questions your attorney may have.
What states do you buy mineral rights in?
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We actively purchase mineral rights in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kansas, California, Utah, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Alaska. If your property is in a state not listed, contact us — we may still be able to help.
What is a "non-participating royalty interest" (NPRI)?
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A non-participating royalty interest (NPRI) is a royalty carved out of the mineral estate. The NPRI owner receives a portion of production revenue but has no right to execute leases or participate in drilling decisions. NPRIs are often created by deed and frequently show up in inherited mineral interests. We purchase NPRIs.
Should I sell or keep my mineral rights?
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That depends entirely on your situation. Selling makes the most sense if you want liquidity now, want to simplify your estate, are concerned about future commodity prices, or need cash for another purpose. Keeping makes sense if you believe significant development is imminent, you are comfortable with the income stream, or the tax implications of a sale are unfavorable. We are happy to provide honest information to help you decide — even if you conclude that selling is not right for you.
How is the purchase price paid?
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Payment is made at closing, typically via wire transfer or check. The exact method is agreed upon during the closing process. There are no installment payments or earn-outs — you receive the full purchase price when you transfer title.
Still Have Questions?
Our specialists are happy to answer any question about your specific situation — with no obligation.