PS: Your title company will also be reviewing recorded mineral leases and listing them your title policy as as exceptions. I was under the impression that you were concerned about protection on the surface rights. The title company must furnish you copies of all Schedule "B" exceptions. Your Earnest Money Contract should be on the promulgated form which has many requirements regarding your acceptance of the exceptions. This is all a service of the the title company. The Seller pays for the Owner's Title Policy under "normal" closing costs in Texas with the rate based on the sales price. (rates are set by the State Department of Insurance) And, since you are concerned about protection, that is what they do. (retired Escrow Officer)