If you hold a seller-financed land note in the Texas Hill Country, you own a financial asset in one of Texas's most desirable regions. The rolling hills, oak-covered landscapes, and scenic beauty of this region command premium prices — both for land and for the notes secured by that land. Whether your property is in Gillespie County near Fredericksburg, Kendall County around Boerne, Kerr County by Kerrville, or anywhere else in this picturesque region, this guide will show you how to convert your note into maximum cash.
The Texas Hill Country is special. Its unique combination of natural beauty, proximity to major cities like Austin and San Antonio, vibrant tourism economy, and high quality of life makes land here consistently valuable. For note holders, this translates to strong buyer demand and competitive offers. Our complete guide to selling your Texas land note covers statewide fundamentals, but this guide focuses on what makes the Hill Country unique.
The Texas Hill Country: A Premium Land Market
The Texas Hill Country spans approximately 25 counties in the south-central part of the state, characterized by rolling terrain, exposed limestone, live oak trees, spring-fed rivers, and scenic vistas that have attracted visitors and residents for generations. This region sits at the southeastern edge of the Edwards Plateau, creating the distinctive landscape that gives the Hill Country its name.
Unlike many Texas regions where land is valued primarily for agricultural production or development potential, Hill Country land commands premium prices for its inherent appeal. People buy here for the views, the lifestyle, the climate, and the proximity to urban amenities while maintaining rural character. This premium positioning affects land note values positively.
The region benefits from several economic drivers: tourism centered on wineries and German heritage towns, retirement destination appeal, weekend and vacation home demand from Austin and San Antonio residents, and increasingly, primary residence purchases by remote workers who can live anywhere. Major employers in healthcare, hospitality, and government provide economic stability.
For land note holders, the Hill Country's strong fundamentals translate to notes that are attractive to buyers. Properties retain value well, buyers who choose the Hill Country are typically committed to their purchases, and the overall market health supports note values. Understanding these dynamics helps you maximize your payout when selling.
Hill Country Counties We Cover
Longhorn Money Services purchases land notes throughout the Texas Hill Country. With over 42 years of direct buying experience, we know this region intimately. Here's a breakdown of Hill Country counties where we actively purchase notes:
Central Hill Country: Gillespie County (Fredericksburg), Kerr County (Kerrville), Kendall County (Boerne), Bandera County (Bandera), and Blanco County (Johnson City). These counties represent the heart of the Hill Country, with the highest concentration of tourism, wineries, and premium land values.
Northern Hill Country: Llano County (Llano), Mason County (Mason), San Saba County, Lampasas County, Burnet County (Marble Falls), and Williamson County (Round Rock, Georgetown). These counties transition from core Hill Country into the Texas prairies, with active land markets influenced by Austin's expansion.
Eastern Hill Country: Hays County (San Marcos, Dripping Springs), Travis County (Austin), Comal County (New Braunfels), and Guadalupe County (Seguin). These counties on the Hill Country's eastern edge are heavily influenced by Austin and San Antonio growth, with many properties offering Hill Country character close to urban amenities.
Southern Hill Country: Real County (Leakey), Edwards County (Rocksprings), Kinney County (Brackettville), Uvalde County (Uvalde), and Medina County (Hondo). These counties represent the more rugged southern Hill Country, with land values influenced by ranching, hunting, and the Nueces River corridor.
Western Hill Country: Kimble County (Junction), Sutton County (Sonora), Schleicher County (Eldorado), and Menard County. These transition counties between the Hill Country and West Texas have active ranch land markets and unique characteristics.
Own a land note in the Texas Hill Country? Get My Offer today — free quote in 24 hours, no broker fees, and an experienced team that understands Hill Country values.
Why Hill Country Note Holders Choose to Sell
Over four decades of buying notes in the Hill Country, we've heard many reasons why note holders decide to sell. If you're tired of collecting monthly payments, you're in good company. Here are common motivations:
Retirement Liquidity: Many Hill Country note holders originally sold their land to fund retirement activities. Now they want the remaining note value as cash to travel, help family, or simply simplify their finances. Converting a note to cash provides flexibility without ongoing obligations.
Estate Simplification: Hill Country properties often have sentimental value, which can make estate planning complicated. Notes add another layer of complexity. Converting the note to cash before passing it to heirs simplifies everything significantly. Consider the tax implications in your estate planning.
Investment Reallocation: The money in your land note could potentially generate different returns elsewhere. Some note holders want to diversify into stocks, other real estate, or business ventures. Selling the note provides capital for new opportunities.
Reduced Risk Exposure: Any note carries the risk that your buyer might stop paying. Economic shifts, personal circumstances, or other factors can lead to default. Selling your note transfers this risk entirely. Our analysis of selling versus foreclosing helps you understand these tradeoffs.
Relocation: Former Hill Country residents who sold their land but maintained notes may have moved elsewhere. Managing a note from another state or country can be cumbersome. Selling provides clean closure.
Cash for Opportunities: Sometimes a business opportunity, medical need, family situation, or other circumstance requires immediate cash. Land notes can be converted to cash relatively quickly, especially when working with a buyer who can close fast.
How Hill Country Land Notes Are Valued
Understanding valuation factors helps you evaluate offers. Our comprehensive guide to Texas land note valuation covers general principles. Here are factors particularly significant for Hill Country properties:
Location Within the Hill Country: Not all Hill Country locations are valued equally. Properties near Fredericksburg or Wimberley typically command higher values than those in more remote areas. Proximity to towns, wineries, rivers, and scenic features all play roles. However, even remote properties can have valuable notes depending on other factors.
Scenic Quality and Views: Hill Country buyers often pay premiums for hilltop views, waterfront access, or particularly scenic settings. If the property securing your note has notable scenic attributes, this can positively affect note value.
Access and Improvements: Properties with good road access, utilities, and improvements are typically worth more than raw land without these features. Notes secured by improved properties often receive better offers.
Water Features: Creek frontage, river access, pond, or spring presence can significantly enhance Hill Country property values. Water features are prized in this region, and notes on water-feature properties may command premiums.
Remaining Balance and Terms: The amount owed, interest rate, and payment structure all affect value. Competitive interest rates and reasonable balances typically receive stronger offers. The discount rate applied to your note reflects these factors.
Payment History: Consistent, on-time payments demonstrate buyer reliability. Notes with several years of solid payment history — what we call "seasoning" — typically receive better offers than new notes without track records.
Down Payment: What did your buyer put down originally? Higher down payments indicate committed buyers with equity to protect, reducing default risk and improving note value.
Documentation: Having complete documentation for your note is crucial. Review our documents checklist to ensure everything is in order.
Unique Hill Country Considerations
The Texas Hill Country has specific characteristics that experienced note buyers understand and account for:
Premium Market Dynamics: The Hill Country is a premium market, but this doesn't mean every property or note commands premium prices. Some areas have seen significant appreciation while others have remained stable. An experienced buyer understands these micro-markets and values notes accordingly.
Vacation and Second Home Properties: Many Hill Country properties are second homes, vacation properties, or weekend retreats. Notes on these properties may perform differently than those on primary residences. Buyers with vacation properties may have different risk profiles than those living on the land full-time.
Agricultural and Ranch Classifications: Much Hill Country land has agricultural exemptions for tax purposes. These exemptions and any associated restrictions can affect property values and, consequently, note valuations.
Water Rights and Well Issues: Groundwater availability varies significantly across the Hill Country. Properties in areas with water challenges may be valued differently than those with reliable water access. An experienced buyer understands these nuances.
Development Restrictions: Some Hill Country properties are subject to deed restrictions, conservation easements, or other limitations on development. These restrictions can affect property values positively or negatively depending on circumstances.
Tourism Economy Influence: The wine tourism, weekend tourism, and vacation rental economy significantly impacts certain Hill Country markets. Properties with short-term rental potential or tourism-related uses may be valued differently than purely residential or agricultural properties.
Wondering how your Hill Country note would be valued? Get My Offer for a free, no-obligation evaluation. We'll assess your specific situation and provide a competitive offer within 24 hours.
The Selling Process Step by Step
Selling your Hill Country land note is straightforward with an experienced buyer. Our detailed step-by-step guide covers the complete process. Here's an overview:
Step 1: Share Your Note Details
Contact us with basic information: where the property is located, how much is owed, what the monthly payment is, the interest rate, and how long payments have been coming in. Call George at (210) 828-3573 or submit information through our website.
Step 2: Receive Preliminary Offer
Within 24 hours, we provide a preliminary offer based on your information. Our extensive Hill Country experience allows us to provide accurate initial valuations quickly.
Step 3: Document Submission
If you decide to proceed, we request your note documentation: the promissory note, deed of trust, and payment history. Missing something? We can often reconstruct documents through title company records.
Step 4: Due Diligence
We verify property details, confirm note terms, and complete our evaluation. This typically takes a few days. Our familiarity with Hill Country title companies and county record systems speeds this process.
Step 5: Final Offer
We present our final written offer. If you accept, we coordinate with a title company for closing. Most transactions close within 2-3 weeks; urgent situations can close faster.
Step 6: Get Paid
At closing, you receive funds via wire transfer or check. From that point, we own the note and handle all future payment collection. For timeline details, see our guide on how long the process takes.
Why Work with a Direct Buyer
When selling your note, you can use a broker or sell directly to a buyer like Longhorn Money Services. Our broker vs direct buyer comparison explains the differences. Here's why going direct benefits you:
No Commissions: Brokers charge 2-10% commission. On a $100,000 Hill Country note, that's $5,000 to $10,000 out of your pocket. As a direct buyer, we charge nothing. Our offer is what you receive.
Faster Process: Brokers shop your note to multiple buyers and coordinate between parties, adding time. We make our own decisions and move quickly. See our fee analysis for more on efficiency differences.
Hill Country Expertise: We know this region from decades of transactions. National brokers may not understand the difference between a Fredericksburg note and one in Leakey. Local knowledge means accurate, fair offers.
Personal Attention: George handles your transaction from start to finish. No handoffs, no waiting for callbacks from strangers. Read more in our overview of broker vs buyer options.
Your Selling Options: Full vs. Partial
You don't have to sell your entire note. Our full vs partial sale guide explains both approaches:
Full Sale: Sell the entire note for a lump sum. Complete closure — no further involvement with the note or property. This is the most common choice for maximum immediate cash.
Partial Sale: Sell a portion of the payment stream — say, 60 payments — and receive cash for that portion. After those payments are collected, remaining payments revert to you. Our partial sale guide helps determine if this option makes sense for you.
The right choice depends on your need for immediate cash, desire for ongoing income, and long-term financial plans. We're happy to discuss both options.
Mistakes to Avoid
Our comprehensive mistakes guide covers many pitfalls. Here are some particularly relevant for Hill Country note holders:
Overestimating Based on Recent Sales: Hill Country property values have risen significantly in recent years. However, your note's value depends on many factors beyond current property values. Get a professional evaluation rather than assuming.
Underestimating Based on Original Terms: Conversely, don't assume your note is worth only what you originally financed. Market changes may have improved your note's value. Get a current assessment.
Documentation Gaps: Hill Country properties sometimes have complex history — multiple owners, subdivisions, or deed complications. Address documentation issues early. Having your paperwork ready smooths the process.
Waiting on Problem Notes: If payments have become irregular, act promptly. Non-performing notes lose value quickly. Explore options including selling a problem note before situations worsen.
Tax Planning Oversights: Selling your note has tax implications. Review our tax guide and consult a professional before completing your sale.
What About Non-Performing Notes?
Not every note performs perfectly. Economic changes or buyer circumstances can lead to missed payments. If you have a non-performing Hill Country note, you still have options.
Many note holders must choose between continuing collection efforts, foreclosing, or selling as-is. Foreclosure in the Hill Country involves time, expense, and uncertainty. Our selling vs foreclosing analysis explores these tradeoffs.
We purchase non-performing notes. Offers reflect increased risk, but selling provides immediate cash and eliminates ongoing headache. Even if other buyers have passed on your problem note, contact us.
Major Hill Country Markets
While we buy notes throughout the Hill Country, certain areas have particularly active markets:
Fredericksburg and Gillespie County: The tourism heart of the Hill Country, Fredericksburg draws visitors for wineries, German heritage, and shopping. Land values are among the highest in the region, and notes benefit from strong demand.
Kerrville and Kerr County: A retirement and healthcare hub, Kerrville anchors the central Hill Country. Properties here attract retirees and those seeking small-town living with amenities.
Boerne and Kendall County: Just northwest of San Antonio, Boerne has grown substantially while maintaining Hill Country character. Its accessibility to San Antonio makes properties here particularly desirable.
Wimberley and Hays County: Between Austin and San Antonio, Wimberley is known for art, music, and scenic beauty. The Blanco River and Jacob's Well attract visitors and residents alike.
New Braunfels and Comal County: On the Hill Country's eastern edge, New Braunfels combines German heritage, river recreation, and proximity to San Antonio. Rapid growth has made this one of Texas's fastest-growing areas.
Dripping Springs: West of Austin, Dripping Springs has become a destination for wineries and distilleries while attracting Austin commuters seeking Hill Country living.
Marble Falls and Burnet County: Gateway to the Highland Lakes, Marble Falls offers lake access combined with Hill Country scenery. Land values reflect recreational appeal.
Have a land note anywhere in the Hill Country? Get My Offer for a free evaluation. From Fredericksburg to New Braunfels, we know this region and will provide a competitive offer.
How to Get Started
Ready to explore selling your Hill Country land note? The first step is simple:
Option 1: Online Request
Visit longhornmoneyservices.com and click "Get My Offer." Provide your note details, and we'll respond with a preliminary offer within 24 hours. Free, fast, no obligation.
Option 2: Call George
Call (210) 828-3573 for direct conversation. George will answer questions, discuss your situation, and provide initial guidance. Personal attention from someone who knows the business.
Even if you're just curious about value, we provide free evaluations. Many note holders request quotes to understand options, even if they don't sell immediately. No pressure — just information to help you decide.
Why Hill Country Note Holders Choose Us
Over 42 years, Longhorn Money Services has built a reputation as one of Texas's most reliable note buyers. Here's why Hill Country note holders work with us:
Decades of Experience: Four decades across Texas means we've seen every situation. We handle straightforward transactions and complex situations with equal competence.
Direct Buyer Advantage: No broker commissions means more in your pocket. Our offer is what we pay — no hidden fees.
Hill Country Knowledge: We understand this region — from Gillespie County wineries to Kerr County ranches to Comal County growth corridors. This expertise translates to fair, accurate valuations.
Financial Strength: With up to $5 million monthly capacity, we close quickly and handle any size note. No "we need to find funding" delays.
Relationship Approach: George handles your transaction personally. Questions answered, concerns addressed, consistent contact throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you close on a Hill Country land note?
Most closings complete within 2-3 weeks. Urgent situations can often close in 7-10 days depending on documentation and title work requirements.
Do you buy notes on small acreage Hill Country properties?
Yes. We purchase notes on properties of all sizes — from small residential lots to large ranch tracts. Each note is evaluated on its specific merits.
What if the property has an agricultural exemption?
Agricultural exemptions are common on Hill Country properties and don't prevent note sales. We understand ag exemption valuations and factor them appropriately.
Do you buy notes on properties with deed restrictions?
Yes, though restrictions may affect valuation depending on their nature. We evaluate each property's specific restrictions as part of our assessment.
What's the minimum or maximum note size you'll consider?
We evaluate notes of all sizes. Small-balance notes that others reject may still receive attractive offers from us. Large notes are also welcome — we have the capacity.
What if my property is in a remote area of the Hill Country?
We purchase notes throughout the Hill Country, including remote areas. While location affects valuation, remote properties can still have valuable notes.
Can I sell part of my note and keep the rest?
Yes, partial sales are available. You can sell a portion of your payment stream while retaining the remainder. We'll discuss whether this makes sense for your situation.
Are there any fees to get an offer?
None. Getting a quote is completely free with no obligation. We evaluate your note and provide an offer at no cost.
Take Your Next Step
The Texas Hill Country is special, and land notes secured by Hill Country properties reflect that premium positioning. If you're ready to convert your note to cash, working with a buyer who understands this region ensures you get fair value.
Longhorn Money Services has spent over four decades helping Texas land note holders. We've purchased thousands of notes across all 254 counties, with deep experience throughout the Hill Country. From Fredericksburg wineries to Kerrville ranches to New Braunfels subdivisions, we know this market.
Whether your property overlooks a Hill Country vista, borders a spring-fed creek, or sits on quiet acreage outside a small town, we're ready to evaluate your note and make an offer. Free quote, no obligation, no pressure — just honest assessment from professionals who know the region.
Ready to see what your Hill Country land note is worth? Get My Offer today — free quote within 24 hours, and you could have cash in hand within weeks. Or call George directly at (210) 828-3573 to discuss your note now.