guess she inherited from my dad who passed 7 yrs ago. They first offered 1500 then sent a letter offering 1100. she just told me they gave her until Tuesday to respond. I have no idea what to do. It’s a little over an acre flat run 12-18-14. is this a good offer? thanks
You also should google “Mineral Buyers in West Virginia” and you will better know if that is a good offer if you get another potential buyer in the mix
And yes there is NO RUSH at making a decision like this. There isnt a lot of development yet in that area of Marion, so I GUARANTEE you they will make an offer if you tell them you need more time to decide
@user68 The best way to find out if its a good offer is to find another potential buyer. Your area is a ways away from development, so trying to rush you into a deal is really just a sales tactic so you dont think about the offer - you’ll find tons of companies willing to pay that price in Manington
Thanks for quick response - - I have so many questions. she said the rights were ‘non-leaseable’ … what does that mean? Also they sent a general warranty deed for my mother to sign (that I was just informed of a minute ago). That should help me with the heir designation, shouldn’t it? It looks like the mineral company wants the rights 50% along with an agriculture company 50%. Does that mean they want the water rights? I see also where they say 0 net oil/gas acres and 1.12 net oil / gas royalty acres. does that mean there are wells on the land?
RUN from this offer. It sounds bad on its face, but regardless of the price do not sign a general warranty deed. With a general warranty deed the Grantor (your mother) is guaranteeing forever that she has legal title to the property conveyed. I never sell mineral rights, but if I did it would be via a Quit Claim deed.
You probably have just the royalty rights (called an “NPRI interest”) and you can probably google it to get all the information on what that means.
But again I would advise your mom to get more offers - mineral companies HATE that but it will almost certainly get you a better price. I cant tell you how many people we run into that get ripped off b/c they didnt take the time to check around and get other offers
this has now become so interesting that she doesn’t want to sell because here is an actual part of not only family history but American history as well. Thanks for your help!
Thanks for the info … it’s just so strange that this happens after my dad passed. He was an engineer for one of the big oil/gas companies his whole life, retired from there. That’s why we were so caught off-guard when this person called with an offer for her ‘mineral rights’. My dad would have known exactly how to get the info needed, it’s weird but he obviously wasn’t aware of this because he would have done whatever was necessary to make life easier for my mom but thanks to you guys, we’re okay. Now we just have to figure out how to go about putting in this in her name so the inheritance can continue through the family like it is now. any suggestions? I suppose we start with the county clerk? so I guess this originated with my great great (great?) grandfather and has been passed along since 1903 or thereabouts. Now that we’re not on a deadline I’m a bit chatty … ! I sincerely appreciate your help (standing in my dad’s shoes so-to-speak). Obviously, I miss him but glad to know there are other good people in this world.
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Good Morning, User 68,
Non-Participating Royalty Interests (NPRI) often fly under the radar since they don’t include the right to lease or collect bonus payments — they only entitle the owner to their proportionate share of royalties when the tract is developed.
A few key things I would want to know:
- Who holds the executive rights — i.e., who has the right to lease and collect bonuses for this interest?
- If the tract is under lease, what royalty percentage applies to your NPRI?
- If unleased, is there active leasing in the area?
I’ve bought and sold plenty in Marion County over the past ten-fifteen years. From what I’ve seen, CR typically tries to acquire the executive rights (and any royalty interest they can) and then goes after the NPRIs once they get title back. CR does not sign leases for less than 18% gross royalty — and often aims for 20% gross, and they get it. I personally own NPRI interests in tracts where CR holds the executive rights, and I won’t consider selling those, because I know those NPRIs are backed by good leases. For reference, I’ve received immediate close offers from CR on NPRI’s controlled by a 18%-20% lease in the $6k-$8.5k/ac range. These were near term/permitted properties, and I declined. Your interest is right on the Marion/Monongalia County border @ the headwaters of Flat Run, there are no active permits but, there is some leasing in the area.
Regarding Tax Map Parcel 12-18-14: it was leased by Marion Natural Energy on January 30, 2025. The owner is listed as an individual (LO). I’m seeing just that one lease so far, but I doubt she owns the entire interest. I don’t wish to post their name publicly, but with a little research you can easily find out who it is, or message me, if that is possible on this site. I have reached out to numerous executive owners over the years and for the most part they are willing to share some details on the lease that controls my NPRI.
As far as getting it on record; an NPRI is supposed to be treated as personal property in WV, vs. Executive/Royalty rights being treated as real property. When an area is developed, and royalties are paid, the county will generate a tax ticket in the name of the royalty payee.
Good Luck!