Billy Long


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The Difference Between a "Fee Simple Estate" and a "Split Estate"

The purchase of property can be a wonderful and exhilarating experience. Purchasing property, whether large or small, is a huge part of fulfilling what we call "The American Dream." For most people this type of transaction is relatively simple, for others it can become a little more complicated. Those looking to purchase many acres of land or people looking at ranches for sale may have... (posted by Billy 2 years 354 days ago.)
The History of Mineral Rights in Texas and California

The United States is the only country where below ground minerals such as oil and natural gas belongs to the surface owner who owns the land in fee simple. Fee Simple means the property owner is entitled to full rights to the surface, subsurface and the air above the surface. In other countries, these subsurface minerals automatically belong to the government. In understanding the history of... (posted by Billy 2 years 354 days ago.)
Understanding Mineral Rights

A mineral right is a right to extract a mineral from the earth or to receive payment, in the form of a royalty, for the extraction of minerals. "Mineral" has a different meaning depending on the context of how the word is used. However, in general, when referring to real estate transactions, a "mineral" generally refers to fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal), metals (gold, copper, silver, iron), mineable rock products... (posted by Billy 2 years 354 days ago.)
History of the Homestead Act of 1862

The West has always exerted a pull on the American spirit. The American Dream originated as the desire of colonial families to pursue the western frontier with the goal of carving out a rewarding life through acquiring land for a family agricultural business. The sheer vastness of the United States fostered a belief that American land belonged rightfully to its citizens. By the 1850's, a significant amount of land had... (posted by Billy 2 years 354 days ago.)
The Benefits of Hiring a Ranch Manager

Effective ranch and resource management is a significant concern for most ranch owners. When done in a manner that maintains the integrity of the land, there is greater appreciation for resale. Ranch and resource management, often times, involves complex problems that are unique to each ranch, regardless of size. In today's farm and ranch environment, it is challenging to master every aspect of ranching and... (posted by Billy 2 years 354 days ago.)
The Various Types of Ranches

When purchasing a ranch, considerations will vary based on whether the ranch will be operated as a business or be used for personal enjoyment. While there is some overlap, several ranch types are commonly operated for profit; Cattle Ranches, Guest Ranches and Hunting Ranches. Other ranches are primarily used for recreational purposes with a focus on either sporting activities or personal enjoyment of the land. Recreational... (posted by Billy 2 years 361 days ago.)