But the internet is free. You just made the prospect of buying just about any house on land somewhat daunting.

I get what you're saying about a lawyer but I'm guessing that means I would need someone on retainer to review every property we might be interested in since, like water rights, none of smaller lots we've looked at have come with mineral rights.

Anyone know if there's a bunch of drilling in the Elizabeth area? The area is zoned as a residential subdivision but I'm not sure if that means anything or if they could just go into the middle of the city and drill as long as they met the required distances.

Quote Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo View Post
1st thing is consult an atty who deals with this and not the internet

2nd
If you don't own mineral rights they can park a well 50yds off your back door and you can't do squat about it. Complete with a fire tube if required.

The O&G company can drill as close as the contract says they can & local (city, cty state) laws for said distance applies. Up here you see then an easy 50' from homes. Even if you did own them where they decide to drill is up to them, again following local law.

The owner probably received (as everyone in this area) a few letters / contracts saying they would be paid $XX for lease rights. They are probably hoping said letter or rights has a big payday down the road.

For us in a residential area they would come in from a drill site maybe 1mi away and angle? drill for access. I looked in to signing the contract for $$ and it's a real in depth deal once you sign regarding rights, collecting for damage etc.

OT: we have a non-potable well, one of the few in town. If we signed one of the O&G contracts we could list the house saying WATER & MINERAL RIGHTS INCL. It sounds silly since we're in an older residential area. BUT those extra perks in a sale can add $$ for the seller