When you're ready to sell your Texas land note and convert those future payments into cash today, the process moves much faster — and your offer is often higher — when you have the right documents ready.
Direct buyers like Longhorn Money Services review hundreds of notes every month, and the #1 delay we see is incomplete documentation. This guide gives you the complete 2026 checklist, explains why each document matters, where to find them if they're lost, and pro tips to avoid delays.
For the big-picture view, start with our complete guide to selling your land note in Texas.
Why Documentation Is Critical When Selling a Land Note
Note buyers aren't just purchasing your payment stream — they're purchasing a secured real estate interest. To protect their investment (and yours), they must verify:
- The note exists and is legally enforceable
- The underlying security (deed of trust or contract for deed) is properly recorded
- Payments are current (or the status is clear)
- Title is clean and transferable
- Taxes and insurance are handled appropriately
Complete documents reduce risk → better pricing (lower discount) and faster closing.
Core Documents Every Seller Should Have
1. The Original Promissory Note
The signed promissory note is the foundation — it details principal, interest rate, payment amount, term, and due dates. A legible copy is usually sufficient if the original is lost.
2. Deed of Trust or Contract for Deed
This is the security instrument that gives the note holder the right to foreclose if payments stop. In Texas, most land notes use a Deed of Trust (non-judicial foreclosure) or Contract for Deed (executory contract under Chapter 5).
Related reading: selling a contract for deed in Texas.
3. Recorded Assignment (if applicable)
If the note was previously assigned or you're not the original seller, we need the chain of assignments.
4. Payment History Ledger
A simple spreadsheet or bank statements showing every payment received, date, and amount. This proves seasoning and current status — critical for valuation and discount.
5. Original Closing Statement (HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure)
Shows original sale price, down payment, and terms. Helps verify LTV and original basis for tax implications.
Property-Related Documents Buyers Review
6. Warranty Deed from Original Sale
Confirms you transferred title properly.
7. Current Title Policy or Title Commitment
We order a fresh title search, but having a recent policy speeds things up.
8. Property Tax Receipts or Statement
Proof taxes are current. Delinquent taxes can delay or reduce offers.
9. Insurance Declaration Page (if improved property)
For notes secured by homes or structures.
10. Survey or Plat (optional but helpful)
Especially for rural land — confirms acreage and boundaries.
Common Documentation Issues and How to Fix Them
- Lost original note? We can often use a Lost Note Affidavit.
- Unrecorded deed of trust? This is a big red flag — may require corrective recording before sale.
- Modifications or extensions? Provide all amendments.
- Buyer changed payment method? Include updated instructions.
See our guide on common mistakes to avoid for more pitfalls.
How Documents Affect Your Closing Timeline
With everything ready: 2-3 weeks from offer to funding.
Missing key items: 4-8 weeks (or longer if corrective work needed).
Compare full vs partial sales — partials sometimes require fewer documents.
Your Printable 2026 Document Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Promissory Note | Yes | Copy OK |
| Deed of Trust / Contract for Deed | Yes | Recorded copy |
| Payment History | Yes | Spreadsheet or statements |
| Closing Statement | Yes | HUD-1 or CD |
| Tax Statements | Yes | Current year |
| Title Policy | Helpful | Recent if available |
| Insurance | If applicable | Improved property |
What Longhorn Money Services Handles for You
We pay for title search, credit reports, appraisal (if needed), and closing costs. You don't pay anything out of pocket. Sandy Henderson personally reviews every file to make sure nothing is missed.
Ready to get started? Call (210) 828-3573 or submit your note details — even if documents are incomplete, we can guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't find the original promissory note?
A clear copy plus a Lost Note Affidavit is usually sufficient. We help prepare the affidavit.
Do I need to provide the buyer's credit report?
Not required, but if you have it, it can improve your offer by reducing perceived risk.
Will missing documents lower my offer?
Yes — incomplete files increase buyer risk, which typically increases the discount. Complete files get the best pricing.
How long do you keep my documents?
We securely store them only as long as needed for the transaction, then destroy per privacy policy.
Can I sell my note with delinquent property taxes?
Possible, but the buyer may escrow funds to bring taxes current, reducing your net proceeds.
Are digital copies acceptable?
Yes — high-quality scans or PDFs are fine for everything except recorded instruments (we verify recording separately).
What about contracts for deed under Texas Chapter 5?
Additional disclosures may be required. We specialize in Texas executory contracts and handle compliance.
Don't let missing paperwork hold you back. Contact Sandy today for a free document review and cash quote.