Do I Own the Mineral Rights to My Property? Here's How to Find Out (And What They're Worth)
- ecmresourcesinc
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
You're not alone if you're asking this question. Most property owners have no idea whether they own the valuable mineral rights beneath their land – and many are shocked to discover what those rights might be worth.
I've been purchasing mineral rights for over a decade, and I've directly helped hundreds of property owners turn their unused mineral rights into immediate cash. I've been involved in thousands of mineral rights transactions across multiple states. Let me walk you through exactly how to determine if you own your mineral rights, and more importantly, what to do if you discover you do.
The Reality Most Property Owners Don't Know
Here's something your real estate agent probably never told you: when you bought your property, you might have only purchased the "surface rights" – essentially the right to use the top of the land. The "mineral rights" – which include oil, natural gas, coal, precious metals, and other valuable resources – could belong to someone else entirely.
Or they could belong to you, sitting there unused and generating zero income, generating unpredictable "mailbox money," or producing dramatic income swings that fluctuate wildly with commodity prices.
As a mineral owner, you may have experienced the challenges of unpredictable income streams, false hope from operators, commodity price fluctuations, and the ongoing drama of the oil and gas environment that don't always align with your current financial priorities.
As a Colorado-based, multi-generational company specializing in oil and gas acquisitions nationwide, ECM Resources offers premium value for mineral rights. We likely already own interests in the same area as yours, receiving the same paperwork, operator calls, and royalty checks that you do. This firsthand experience gives us a true understanding of your property's market value.
How to Determine if You Own Your Mineral Rights
Step 1: Check Your Deed Immediately
Pull out your property deed right now. Look for these specific phrases:
Good signs (you likely own them):
"Together with all mineral rights"
"Including all subsurface rights"
"Fee simple absolute"
Bad signs (you probably don't own them):
"Reserving all oil, gas, and mineral rights"
"Subject to existing mineral reservations"
"Surface rights only"
Unclear (needs more research):
No mention of mineral rights at all
Vague language about "appurtenances"
Step 2: Research Your Property's History
This is where most people get overwhelmed, but it's crucial. You need to trace back through every previous owner to see if anyone ever sold off the mineral rights separately.
I've seen countless cases where mineral rights were sold off 50+ years ago, and current property owners had no clue. Don't let that be you.
Step 3: Check County Records
Visit your county recorder's office or search their online database. Look for:
Previous deeds and transfers
Mineral lease agreements
Oil and gas lease records
Any recorded mineral rights sales
What I've Learned After Buying Hundreds of Mineral Rights
Most property owners make the same mistakes when they discover they own mineral rights:
Mistake #1: They wait too long. While they're "thinking about it," market conditions change, drilling activity shifts to other areas, and opportunities disappear.
Mistake #2: They try to lease instead of sell. Leasing sounds attractive, but most properties never get drilled. You could wait decades for income that never comes, while a sale gives you immediate, guaranteed money.
Mistake #3: They shop around too much. By the time they've gotten quotes from multiple buyers, the best offers are off the table. In this business, timing matters.
Why ECM Resources Pays Premium Prices for Mineral Rights
Unlike companies that lowball property owners, we pay fair market value because we understand something most buyers don't: it's better to do fewer deals at fair prices than to waste time haggling over every transaction.
We also understand the frustrations of owning mineral rights - the unpredictable income, the false promises from operators, and the constant uncertainty.
Here's what makes ECM Resources' approach different:
Fast Decisions: We can make an offer immediately upon reviewing your property information.
Cash Transactions: No financing contingencies or delays. Once we agree on price, we close as quickly as possible.
Fair Valuations: I use the same professional evaluation methods that huge oil companies use, not the lowball tactics some buyers employ.
No Hidden Fees: I pay for the notary, shipping, curating your title, recording fees, and other fees associated with the transfer
What to Do Right Now
If you think you might own mineral rights, don't wait. Here's your action plan:
Check your deed today using the guidelines above
Research your property's history at the county records office
Contact me for a free evaluation if you discover you own mineral rights
I've built my business on quick decisions and fair deals. While other buyers are playing games with lowball offers, I'm closing transactions at fair market prices.
Why Property Owners Choose to Work With Me
Speed: Most of our transactions close as fast as possible - often faster than sellers expect.
Transparency: I'll show you exactly how I calculated my offer.
No Pressure: You'll get my best offer upfront, with time to consider it.
Professional Service: I handle all the paperwork, title work, and closing details.
Local Knowledge: I understand regional markets and can spot value that others miss.
Don't Leave Money on the Table
Every month I deal with property owners who say "I wish I'd known about this sooner." Don't be one of them.
If you've discovered you own mineral rights, the worst thing you can do is nothing. The second worst thing is to get caught up in endless research and comparison shopping while real opportunities pass you by.
I'm currently purchasing mineral rights throughout [your region], and I'm particularly interested in properties with [specific characteristics relevant to your area].
Ready to find out what your mineral rights are worth?
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation evaluation. We'll review your property information and provide a fair market offer as quickly as possible.
720-988-5617
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