regional16 min read

    Sell Land Note Piney Woods Texas: Get Cash for Your Note Today

    George Mack

    Operations, Longhorn Money Services

    February 17, 2026

    If you're holding a seller-financed land note in the Piney Woods of East Texas and considering converting those monthly payments into a lump sum of cash, you've come to the right place. The Piney Woods — stretching from the Oklahoma border south to the Gulf Coastal Plains and from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex east to the Louisiana border — represents one of Texas's most distinctive regions for land ownership. Whether your property sits on timbered acreage near Lufkin, lakefront land at Toledo Bend, or rural homesteads outside Tyler, your land note has value that can be converted to immediate cash.

    The Piney Woods encompasses over 23 million acres of forests, lakes, and rolling hills that set it apart from the rest of Texas. This region has long attracted those seeking affordable land, recreational properties, and escape from urban congestion. Many of those land purchases involved seller financing, creating notes that property sellers now hold. Longhorn Money Services has been purchasing land notes throughout the Piney Woods for over 42 years, giving us deep understanding of this unique market. For a complete overview of the selling process, see our comprehensive guide to selling your Texas land note.

    Understanding the Piney Woods Land Market

    The Piney Woods region occupies the eastern portion of Texas, forming the western edge of the great Southern Pine forests that stretch to the Atlantic Ocean. Understanding this distinctive landscape helps you appreciate why your land note has value and what makes Piney Woods properties different from those in other parts of Texas.

    Timber production has historically anchored the Piney Woods economy. The loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and hardwood forests that cover the region support a substantial forest products industry. Many land parcels include merchantable timber that adds significant value. Whether your note is secured by a working timber tract or recreational woodland, the underlying land has value driven partly by its timber potential.

    Lake properties represent another major Piney Woods land category. Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Lake Palestine, Cedar Creek Lake, Lake Fork, and dozens of smaller lakes dot the region. Waterfront lots and lake-access properties command premium prices and have frequently been sold with owner financing. These notes often have higher balances reflecting the desirability of water-oriented properties.

    Rural residential acreage appeals to buyers seeking space, privacy, and affordable land ownership. The Piney Woods offers wooded tracts, pasture land, and mixed-use properties at prices well below those near major Texas cities. Seller financing enables buyers to acquire these properties when traditional lending isn't available or practical. These transactions create the land notes you may now be holding.

    Recreational land — hunting properties, fishing camps, weekend retreats — represents a growing segment of the Piney Woods market. As more Texans seek escape from urban areas, demand for recreational properties has increased. Many such properties were purchased with owner financing from sellers willing to work with buyers who couldn't qualify for bank loans on raw land.

    The combination of timber value, water access, rural appeal, and recreational demand creates a diverse land note market in the Piney Woods. Our decades of experience buying notes throughout the region means we understand these varied property types and can accurately evaluate your note.

    Why Piney Woods Note Holders Choose to Sell

    Land note holders throughout East Texas decide to sell their notes for many different reasons. Understanding these motivations helps you recognize that converting your note to cash is a reasonable choice made by countless Texans every year.

    Estate simplification drives many selling decisions. Piney Woods landowners often accumulated multiple properties over decades, sometimes selling portions with owner financing. When planning estates or facing health challenges, simplifying by converting notes to cash makes administration easier and provides accessible funds. If you're tired of collecting payments, selling eliminates that ongoing responsibility.

    Relocation away from East Texas prompts note sales regularly. Whether for career opportunities, family situations, or retirement preferences, people who move to distant cities find managing land notes from afar inconvenient. Selling provides clean separation from local financial obligations while delivering immediate cash.

    Investment opportunities require capital. A timber company offers to purchase additional acreage that would consolidate your holdings. A business expansion needs funding. A real estate opportunity emerges that requires quick action. Converting your land note to cash provides capital for these opportunities faster than traditional financing. Our ability to close quickly when needed helps note holders capitalize on time-sensitive situations.

    Retirement funding motivates many Piney Woods sellers. After years of working — whether in timber, oil and gas, manufacturing, or other East Texas industries — people want financial security without managing ongoing payment collection. A land note paying $450 per month for the next 12 years might be worth $40,000 or more in immediate cash, providing retirement flexibility.

    Family financial needs arise unexpectedly. Medical expenses, educational costs, home repairs, or support for family members can create immediate cash requirements. A land note's future payments don't help with today's needs, but selling the note provides accessible funds.

    Payment collection challenges frustrate some note holders. Buyers who pay late, communication difficulties, uncertainty about continued performance — these concerns create stress that selling eliminates. For notes with serious payment problems, review our guide to selling non-performing notes.

    Ready to see what your Piney Woods land note is worth? Get My Offer — it's free, fast, and there's absolutely no obligation.

    All Piney Woods Counties Covered

    Longhorn Money Services buys land notes secured by property throughout the entire Piney Woods region. Our 42 years of experience includes transactions in every East Texas county, giving us comprehensive familiarity with local conditions and values.

    The core Piney Woods counties include Smith County (Tyler), Angelina County (Lufkin), Nacogdoches County, Cherokee County (Jacksonville), and Rusk County (Henderson). These counties combine urban centers with extensive rural and timbered land, creating diverse note opportunities. We actively purchase notes secured by properties throughout these areas.

    The lake country spans multiple counties. Toledo Bend Reservoir touches Sabine, Newton, and Shelby counties. Sam Rayburn Reservoir lies in Jasper, Sabine, and Angelina counties. Lake Palestine covers portions of Smith, Henderson, and Anderson counties. Cedar Creek Lake straddles Henderson and Kaufman counties. Lake Fork is in Rains, Wood, and Hopkins counties. We purchase notes secured by lakefront and lake-access properties throughout this popular area.

    Northern Piney Woods counties including Cass, Morris, Titus, Camp, Upshur, Wood, and Van Zandt feature rolling hills and mixed pine-hardwood forests. These counties attract rural homesteaders and recreational buyers whose purchases often involve seller financing.

    Deep East Texas counties — Newton, Jasper, Tyler, Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity — contain some of the region's most heavily timbered land. Notes secured by timber tracts in these counties have value reflecting both the land and its merchantable trees.

    Southern Piney Woods counties like San Augustine, Sabine, Houston, and Walker transition toward the Coastal Plains while maintaining the region's characteristic pine forests. We buy notes throughout these areas as well.

    No matter which Piney Woods county your property is located in, we can evaluate your note and provide a fair offer. We also buy notes throughout Texas, including in cities like Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin.

    How Piney Woods Land Notes Are Valued

    Understanding how note buyers evaluate your Piney Woods land note helps you assess offers and recognize fair pricing. Several factors combine to determine market value.

    Remaining principal balance provides the valuation foundation. If your buyer still owes $55,000 on a property they purchased for $70,000 with owner financing, that $55,000 represents the starting point for calculating your note's value. You'll receive a discounted amount reflecting time value of money and risk factors. Our guide to discount rates explains this thoroughly.

    Interest rate significantly affects value. A note carrying 8.5% interest generates more income than one at 5%, making it more valuable. Piney Woods land notes often carry competitive rates reflecting the owner-financing market's dynamics.

    Payment history demonstrates buyer reliability. Consistent on-time payments over several years increase your note's value substantially. Late payments, missed payments, or recent payment problems decrease value by indicating higher risk. The factors determining note value include payment history prominently.

    Down payment indicates buyer commitment. A buyer who put 25% down has significant equity at stake and strong motivation to continue paying. Minimal down payments create higher default risk, affecting price accordingly.

    Property characteristics specific to the Piney Woods influence valuation significantly. Timber value can add substantially to a property's worth — merchantable pine or hardwood increases collateral value. Waterfront location on major lakes commands premiums. Road access, distance to towns, utilities availability, and improvements all factor into calculations.

    Remaining term affects pricing. Notes with shorter remaining terms generally command smaller discounts because the buyer receives their full return sooner. A note with 5 years remaining is valued differently than one with 20 years remaining.

    The Selling Process for Piney Woods Land Notes

    Selling your East Texas land note follows a straightforward process typically completing within 2-4 weeks. Working with a direct buyer like Longhorn Money Services streamlines transactions and eliminates broker commissions.

    The process begins when you request your free quote. You'll provide basic information about your note — remaining balance, interest rate, payment amount, property location — and we'll calculate a preliminary offer within 24 hours. This creates no obligation whatsoever. Our detailed step-by-step guide walks through each phase.

    When you're interested in our preliminary offer, we'll request documentation to verify terms and property condition. The essential documents include your original promissory note, deed of trust, and payment records. Missing some documents? We can often work around incomplete paperwork or help you obtain what's needed.

    Our team conducts due diligence on your note and the underlying property. For Piney Woods properties, this includes reviewing county records, verifying tax status, confirming payment situation, and assessing current property value. When timber is involved, we factor its value into our evaluation. Our decades of East Texas experience enable accurate assessment without delays.

    Following due diligence, we provide a final written offer specifying your exact cash amount. If you accept, we prepare documents and coordinate with the title company. Most transactions close within 2-3 weeks after acceptance. Urgent situations can close in as little as 7 days. Learn more about timing for land note sales.

    At closing, you receive your cash via wire transfer or check. Your buyer continues making payments, but now to Longhorn Money Services. Your involvement ends completely.

    Want to start the process today? Get My Offer and receive your free quote within 24 hours. Or call George directly at (210) 828-3573.

    Timber Tract Land Notes in the Piney Woods

    Timber represents a significant value component for many Piney Woods properties, and notes secured by timbered land deserve special consideration. Understanding how timber affects your note's value helps you evaluate offers accurately.

    Merchantable timber adds to property value and therefore to your note's underlying collateral. A 40-acre tract with mature pine timber is worth more than an equivalent tract that was recently harvested. When we evaluate notes secured by timbered properties, we consider timber volume and value as part of the overall assessment.

    Timber management history affects valuation. Properties under active management with documented timber inventories provide clearer value assessment. Unmanaged properties with uncertain timber conditions create more evaluation complexity but can still secure valuable notes.

    Timber rights included with the property versus severed timber rights affect calculations. If your buyer purchased the land but not the timber rights, the note's collateral value differs from a purchase including all rights. We're experienced in evaluating both situations.

    Recent timber sales by your buyer can affect the property's current value and therefore your note's collateral position. If your buyer harvested timber since purchasing, the property may be worth less than when the note originated. We account for this in our valuation while recognizing that timber regenerates over time.

    Longhorn Money Services understands Piney Woods timber values from decades of buying notes in the region. We can accurately evaluate notes secured by timber tracts of all sizes and conditions.

    Lake Property Land Notes

    Lake properties throughout the Piney Woods have long been popular for seller-financed transactions. Waterfront lots, lake-access parcels, and properties near major reservoirs command premium values that create substantial land notes.

    Waterfront location significantly affects valuation. Direct water frontage on major lakes like Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, or Lake Fork is more valuable than nearby properties without water access. This value difference is reflected in note pricing.

    Lake lot characteristics matter. Waterfront footage, water depth, bank condition, and building site quality all influence property values and therefore note valuations. We understand these factors from buying lake property notes throughout the Piney Woods.

    Deed restrictions and homeowners association requirements affect some lake properties. These can influence both property values and buyer qualification, factors we consider in our evaluation.

    Seasonal access considerations apply to some lake properties. Areas subject to periodic flooding or limited road access during certain seasons may be valued differently than year-round accessible properties.

    Whether your note is secured by a premium waterfront lot at Toledo Bend or a more modest lake-area property elsewhere in the Piney Woods, we can evaluate it accurately and provide a fair offer.

    Why Work With a Direct Buyer for Your Piney Woods Note

    When selling your East Texas land note, choosing between a broker and a direct buyer significantly affects your proceeds and experience. Understanding this distinction helps you maximize what you receive.

    Note brokers act as intermediaries, shopping your note to their network of actual buyers and taking commissions ranging from 5% to 15% of the sale price. These commissions come directly out of what you receive. Our comprehensive comparison details the differences.

    Longhorn Money Services is a direct buyer. We purchase notes with our own capital, eliminating middlemen and their commissions. Our quoted price is what you receive at closing — no hidden fees or surprise deductions.

    The financial impact of broker fees adds up quickly. On a $45,000 Piney Woods land note, a broker's 10% commission costs you $4,500. Working directly with us keeps that money in your pocket.

    Direct buyers provide faster, smoother transactions because we control the entire process. No external approvals, no investor coordination delays. Decisions happen quickly since you're dealing with the actual decision-maker. Our approach as direct land note buyers has served Texas sellers well for over four decades.

    Communication improves when working directly with a buyer. Questions get answered by someone who can actually make decisions. When you call Longhorn Money Services, you reach George Mack, who has bought Texas land notes for 42 years.

    Partial vs Full Sale Options

    You don't have to sell your entire land note if that doesn't suit your situation. Longhorn Money Services offers both full and partial purchase options, providing flexibility to structure transactions according to your needs.

    A full sale means selling all remaining payments for a lump sum. You receive cash representing your note's total value (appropriately discounted), and your connection to the note ends completely. This option maximizes immediate cash.

    A partial sale lets you sell some payments while keeping others. For example, if your buyer owes 144 monthly payments, you might sell payments 1-60 for immediate cash while retaining payments 61-144 for future income. Our partial sale guide explores this option thoroughly.

    The choice between full and partial sales depends on your circumstances. Consider immediate cash needs versus desire for ongoing income. Evaluate discount rates for each option. Think about whether maintaining any connection to the note suits your situation.

    For Piney Woods note holders, partial sales can be particularly useful when you need specific capital for a defined purpose while wanting to preserve long-term income. We provide quotes for both options so you can compare.

    Common Scenarios for Piney Woods Note Sellers

    Over four decades of buying Piney Woods land notes, we've worked with sellers in countless situations. Here are some we frequently encounter.

    The retiring landowner represents a common profile. After decades of accumulating East Texas property and occasionally selling parcels with owner financing, they want to simplify. Converting land notes to cash consolidates assets and eliminates ongoing payment management while providing retirement security.

    Estate settlement brings many families to us. When a Piney Woods landowner passes away and their land note becomes part of the estate, heirs often prefer cash that divides easily over shared ownership of payment streams. Selling the note enables efficient estate settlement.

    The Houston weekender bought a Piney Woods retreat for relaxation but circumstances changed. Work, family obligations, or shifting interests mean they no longer use the property they sold years ago. The note remains, but managing it from Houston has become a nuisance. Selling provides clean separation.

    Timber opportunity moments create time-sensitive needs. An adjacent tract with mature timber comes available at a favorable price, requiring capital for purchase. Selling an existing land note provides funds to seize the opportunity. Our quick closing capability helps capitalize on these situations.

    Health situations unfortunately drive some transactions. When medical expenses accumulate or long-term care becomes necessary, a land note's future payments don't address immediate needs. Selling provides accessible funds when they're most needed.

    Avoiding Mistakes When Selling Your Piney Woods Note

    Selling a land note for the first time involves unfamiliar territory. Learning from others' mistakes helps you navigate successfully.

    Waiting too long to sell ranks among costliest errors. If your buyer currently has a perfect payment record, your note commands its best price. Waiting until payment problems emerge decreases value significantly. Sell while the note performs well. Our guide to common mistakes covers additional pitfalls.

    Failing to compare offers leaves money on the table. Different note buyers use different evaluation criteria, and offers vary. Get multiple quotes before accepting any offer — but be wary of suspiciously high initial offers that decrease after you've committed.

    Not preparing documentation causes delays. Gathering your promissory note, deed of trust, and payment records before requesting quotes prevents stress during the transaction. Review our documentation checklist in advance.

    Ignoring tax implications creates surprises. Selling a land note has tax consequences varying based on your original sale structure. While we're not tax advisors, our tax implications overview provides context. Consult your accountant before closing.

    Working with buyers unfamiliar with Piney Woods properties creates problems. Someone who doesn't understand timber values, lake property dynamics, or East Texas market conditions may undervalue your note. Choose a buyer with demonstrated regional experience.

    Our 42 Years of Piney Woods Note Buying Experience

    Longhorn Money Services has purchased land notes throughout the Piney Woods since 1983. Four decades of experience in this specific region means we understand local land values, timber markets, lake property dynamics, and the unique factors affecting East Texas properties.

    We've bought notes secured by every type of Piney Woods property: timbered tracts in Deep East Texas, lakefront lots at Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn, rural homesteads throughout the region, and recreational hunting properties. This experience enables accurate evaluation and fair offers.

    Our principal, George Mack, has personally overseen thousands of East Texas note purchases. Working with us means working with someone who has seen every situation and built a reputation for fair dealing over more than four decades.

    We maintain relationships with Piney Woods title companies, closing attorneys, and other professionals who facilitate smooth transactions. When issues arise during due diligence, we know how to resolve them efficiently.

    Our capacity to purchase up to $5 million in notes monthly means we handle notes of any size. Whether your Piney Woods land note has a balance of $12,000 or $300,000, we have capital available without seeking outside funding.

    Ready to work with the most experienced East Texas land note buyer? Get My Offer today — no obligation, no pressure, just honest answers.

    We Buy Small Balance and Low Down Payment Notes

    Many note buyers refuse to purchase smaller notes or notes where buyers made minimal down payments. Longhorn Money Services operates differently.

    We buy small balance land notes others reject. If your remaining balance is $10,000, $18,000, or $25,000, we're interested. Piney Woods land transactions often involve modest-priced rural tracts creating smaller notes that some buyers won't bother with. We disagree — every note holder deserves selling options.

    Low down payment notes don't scare us away. While higher down payments indicate lower risk, we evaluate the complete picture. Payment history, time since origination, current property value, and other factors matter alongside down payment percentage. Consistent payment performance demonstrates buyer reliability regardless of initial down payment.

    We also purchase notes other Texas land note buyers consider too complex. Notes with unusual terms, multiple payees, or complicated structures can often be purchased when other buyers decline.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Piney Woods Land Notes

    How quickly can I sell my Piney Woods land note?
    Most transactions close within 2-4 weeks from initial contact. Timeline depends primarily on documentation availability and your specific situation's complexity. Urgent situations can close in as little as 7 days. Our East Texas experience and established processes enable efficient transactions.

    Does timber on the property affect my note's value?
    Yes, merchantable timber can add significant value to the underlying property and therefore to your note. We factor timber value into our evaluation for Piney Woods properties, recognizing that well-timbered tracts represent more valuable collateral.

    Do you buy notes secured by lake properties?
    Absolutely. We actively purchase notes secured by lakefront and lake-access properties throughout the Piney Woods, including Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Lake Palestine, Cedar Creek Lake, Lake Fork, and other area lakes. Waterfront characteristics factor into our valuation.

    What if my buyer has missed some payments?
    Notes with imperfect payment histories can still be sold. Payment problems affect our offer price, but don't necessarily disqualify your note. We evaluate overall patterns, recent payment behavior, and the underlying property value.

    How do you determine my note's value?
    Several factors combine: remaining balance, interest rate, payment history, down payment amount, remaining term, and property characteristics including timber value and location. We use current market conditions and our regional expertise for fair pricing.

    Will I have to pay any fees or commissions?
    No. As a direct buyer, we purchase with our own capital, eliminating broker commissions. The offer you receive represents actual cash at closing with no hidden fees or surprise deductions.

    What documents do I need?
    Essential documents include your original promissory note, deed of trust, and payment records. Property documentation like surveys and title insurance is helpful. We can often work around incomplete documentation.

    Can I sell only part of my note?
    Yes. We offer full and partial purchase options. Partial sales let you convert some payments to immediate cash while retaining others for ongoing income, providing flexibility to match your specific needs.

    Get Your Free Offer Today

    Selling your Piney Woods land note doesn't have to be complicated. With 42 years buying notes throughout East Texas, Longhorn Money Services provides fair offers, fast closings, and professional service.

    We understand the Piney Woods. We know timber values in Angelina County differ from those in Cass County. We recognize lakefront property dynamics. We've worked with landowners, timber investors, retirees, and families across the entire region for over four decades. This experience translates into accurate valuations and smooth transactions for you.

    Getting your free quote takes just minutes. Visit our website and click "Get My Offer" to provide basic information about your note. Within 24 hours, you'll receive a preliminary offer with absolutely no obligation. If the numbers work, we proceed. If not, you've lost nothing exploring your options.

    Whether your note has a large balance or small, whether your buyer made substantial or minimal down payment, whether your property is timbered, lakefront, or rural residential, we want to make you an offer. Every Piney Woods note holder deserves the opportunity to convert future payments into immediate cash.

    Take the first step toward getting cash for your Piney Woods land note. Get My Offer now — free quote, no obligation, response within 24 hours. Questions? Call George directly at (210) 828-3573.

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    Get a Cash Offer for Your Note

    Whether you hold a mortgage note, land contract, or deed of trust anywhere in Texas — we'll give you a fair, personal offer within 24 hours.

    Longhorn Money Services — 40+ years of note-buying experience · Est. 2007

    Piney WoodsEast Texasland noteTylerLufkintimber landlake property

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    Longhorn Money Services

    Over 40 years of note-buying experience. Longhorn Money Services, Est. 2007. We purchase mortgage notes, promissory notes, deeds of trust, and owner-financed real estate notes across Texas.

    Proudly Texas-based since 2007

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    1250 NE Interstate 410 Loop, STE 400San Antonio, TX 78209Serving all of Texas · Est. 2007

    Longhorn Money Services buys Texas real estate notes including mortgage notes, promissory notes, deeds of trust, land contracts, and owner-financed notes. Serving Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and all of Texas.

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