Sell Your Land Note in Bell County, Texas — Complete Guide

Bell County occupies a strategic position in Central Texas, anchored by the twin cities of Killeen and Temple and defined by one of the most significant military installations in the world — Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood. If you hold a promissory note secured by land in Bell County, you own a financial asset backed by property in a market that blends military-driven stability with growing civilian economic strength and an increasingly important position along the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and Waco. The decision to sell your land note in Bell County, Texas can convert a long-term stream of monthly payments into immediate cash, and the county's unique combination of military presence and civilian growth creates a market that experienced note buyers understand and value.

Bell County's population exceeds 380,000 residents, making it one of the more populous counties in Central Texas. The county's economy has historically been dominated by Fort Cavazos, the largest active-duty armored military installation in the free world, which supports tens of thousands of military personnel, civilian employees, and their families. In recent years, however, Bell County has diversified significantly. Temple has emerged as a major healthcare hub anchored by Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, one of the largest hospitals in Texas. The city of Belton, the county seat, has grown as a residential community with a charming downtown and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor adding an educational anchor. Harker Heights, adjacent to Killeen, has developed into a retail and residential center. And the southern portions of the county are beginning to feel the influence of the Austin metro area's northward expansion along Interstate 35.

Whether your note is backed by a residential lot in Killeen's military-adjacent neighborhoods, a commercial parcel along the Interstate 35 corridor in Temple, rural acreage in the county's western reaches, or a developing tract near Belton Lake, this guide covers everything you need to know about selling your land note in Bell County, Texas.

Bell County's Real Estate Market — Military Stability Meets Civilian Growth

Bell County's real estate market is shaped by two powerful forces: the massive and enduring military presence at Fort Cavazos and the growing civilian economy centered on healthcare, education, and the county's improving position along the I-35 corridor. Understanding these forces is essential for note holders who want to anticipate how buyers will evaluate their notes.

Fort Cavazos — The Military Anchor

Fort Cavazos is the single most important economic driver in Bell County. The installation covers more than 214,000 acres and supports approximately 45,000 active-duty soldiers along with thousands of civilian employees and contractors. The economic impact of the base extends far beyond the installation's boundaries, supporting housing demand, retail spending, healthcare services, and a wide range of businesses that cater to the military community. For note holders, the military presence provides a uniquely stable demand base. Unlike private employers who can relocate or downsize, military installations are deeply embedded in the national defense infrastructure and are not subject to the same market-driven fluctuations. The consistent rotation of military personnel into and out of the area creates a perpetual flow of housing demand that supports property values in the communities surrounding the base, particularly Killeen, Harker Heights, and Copperas Cove.

Temple — The Healthcare Hub

Temple has carved out a distinct economic identity centered on healthcare, and this diversification has been a significant positive for the overall Bell County market. Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Temple is one of the largest and most comprehensive healthcare facilities in Texas, employing thousands of doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff. The presence of a major healthcare anchor provides stable, well-paying employment that supports demand for housing and land in Temple and the surrounding communities. Temple's economy extends beyond healthcare to include manufacturing, education through Temple College and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in nearby Belton, and a growing retail sector along the I-35 corridor. This economic diversification makes Temple an increasingly attractive market for note buyers who value stability and breadth.

The I-35 Corridor and Austin Influence

The southern portions of Bell County are beginning to feel the ripple effects of the Austin metropolitan area's northward expansion along Interstate 35. While Bell County is not yet part of the Austin metro in the way that Williamson County is, the growth trajectory is unmistakable. Communities in southern Bell County are seeing increased interest from developers and homebuyers who are seeking affordability beyond the Austin metro's rising prices. As the Austin-Temple corridor continues to develop, with improving infrastructure and new commercial investment along I-35, the southern portions of Bell County are likely to experience accelerating growth that will push property values upward. Note buyers who recognize this long-term trend may factor it into their assessment of Bell County collateral, particularly for properties in the path of the northward expansion.

How to Sell Your Land Note in Bell County, Texas

The process for selling a Bell County land note follows the standard Texas framework, with the county's efficient infrastructure and active market facilitating a smooth transaction.

Assemble Your Documentation

Gather all relevant documents: the original promissory note, the deed of trust recorded with the Bell County Clerk, a detailed payment history, the title insurance policy, and any amendments or modifications. For properties near Fort Cavazos, any information about the property's proximity to the installation and the military-related demand in the area can provide helpful context. For agricultural properties, include information about tax exemptions and any water or mineral rights. Having a complete and organized package ready from the start allows the buyer to evaluate your note quickly and move through due diligence efficiently. For a comprehensive checklist, see this resource on documents needed to sell a land note in Texas.

Request a Cash Offer

Contact a note buyer with Texas-wide experience and provide the financial and property details of your note. A qualified buyer will deliver a preliminary offer within 24 hours. For Bell County notes, it is important to work with a buyer who understands the military real estate dynamic, because the constant rotation of military personnel creates a housing market pattern that differs from conventional civilian markets. A buyer who appreciates the stability that Fort Cavazos provides will be better positioned to offer a fair price than one who views the military market with unfamiliarity or skepticism.

Due Diligence and Closing

The buyer's due diligence includes a title search through the Bell County Clerk, payment verification, and property valuation. Bell County's records are well-maintained, and the active real estate market — particularly in the Killeen, Temple, and Belton areas — provides solid comparable sales data for property valuations. The due diligence phase typically takes one to two weeks. After due diligence, closing proceeds in the standard manner, with assignment documents prepared, signed, and recorded, and the buyer wiring the purchase price to your account. The total timeline is typically two to four weeks.

What Determines the Value of Your Bell County Land Note

The valuation of your Bell County note is driven by the standard combination of financial terms, borrower performance, and collateral quality, with the military presence providing a unique backdrop.

Interest Rate and Financial Structure

The interest rate, remaining balance, monthly payment, and remaining term form the foundation of the valuation calculation. Higher rates generate better returns for buyers and support higher purchase prices. Standard amortizing notes are preferred, and shorter remaining terms reduce buyer risk. These factors operate the same way for Bell County notes as for notes in any other Texas county and represent the starting point for every evaluation.

Borrower Payment Track Record

A consistent payment history is the most powerful indicator of note quality. A note with 24 or more months of on-time payments demonstrates reliability that significantly reduces the buyer's perceived risk. In Bell County, where many borrowers are military personnel or civilian employees with stable government or healthcare sector incomes, consistent payment histories are relatively common. If your borrower has maintained a strong record, this is one of the most compelling features of your note.

Property Value and Military Market Dynamics

Bell County property values are generally moderate compared to the major Texas metros, reflecting the county's distance from the largest employment markets and its traditionally military-dependent economy. However, values have been appreciating as the civilian economy has grown and the Austin metro's influence has expanded northward. The loan-to-value ratio is a critical factor in the buyer's assessment — lower LTV ratios provide better collateral coverage and support higher purchase prices. Note buyers evaluating Bell County properties will consider the specific sub-market, the proximity to military and civilian employment centers, and the quality of the surrounding infrastructure. For a comprehensive overview of valuation factors, see this article on what determines note value in Texas.

Military Housing Market Considerations

The military housing market in Bell County has some distinctive characteristics that note buyers must understand. Military personnel are transferred regularly, typically every two to three years, which creates constant turnover in the housing market. This turnover supports consistent demand but can also create periodic supply surges as multiple families attempt to sell simultaneously during transfer seasons. Additionally, the Basic Allowance for Housing that military members receive sets a practical ceiling on what they can afford, which influences property values in military-adjacent areas. Note buyers familiar with military markets understand these dynamics and can price notes accordingly, while those unfamiliar with the pattern may misinterpret the constant turnover as instability rather than recognizing it as a reliable demand cycle.

Bell County Sub-Markets

Bell County's sub-markets range from the military-adjacent communities around Fort Cavazos to the healthcare-driven Temple market to the rural areas in the county's western and northern portions.

Killeen and Harker Heights — The Military Community

Killeen is the largest city in Bell County and the primary community serving the Fort Cavazos military population. The city's economy is heavily tied to the installation, with a significant portion of residents being active-duty military, veterans, civilian base employees, or service providers who cater to the military community. Property values in Killeen are among the most affordable in Central Texas, which makes the area attractive to first-time homebuyers, military families, and investors. Harker Heights, immediately south of Killeen, has developed a more upscale character with newer retail development, restaurants, and residential communities that attract both military and civilian families. Notes backed by Killeen and Harker Heights property benefit from the steady military demand, though the lower absolute property values mean that note balances tend to be smaller than in more expensive markets. Buyers understand the military demand cycle and price accordingly.

Temple — Healthcare Economy and Civilian Strength

Temple's economy is increasingly independent of the military, driven by healthcare, education, and its improving position along the I-35 corridor. Property values in Temple are somewhat higher than in Killeen, reflecting the higher incomes associated with the healthcare sector and the city's more diversified economic base. New residential development on Temple's south and west sides, along with commercial growth along the I-35 frontage, has created a market that is gaining momentum. Notes backed by Temple property are attractive to note buyers because the healthcare-driven economy provides stable, recession-resistant employment, and the city's growth trajectory suggests continued property value appreciation. If your note is backed by Temple property, particularly in the growing southern corridor, you are in a favorable position for a competitive offer.

Belton — County Seat and Growing Community

Belton, the Bell County seat, sits between Killeen and Temple and has developed its own appeal as a residential community with a charming historic downtown, access to Belton Lake, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor campus. The city has grown steadily as families seek a middle ground between the military-oriented atmosphere of Killeen and the healthcare-focused economy of Temple. Property values in Belton are moderate and have been appreciating as the city attracts new development and residents. Belton Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir, provides recreational amenities that add to the community's appeal. Notes backed by Belton property are well-received by buyers who recognize the city's balanced growth and its desirable position between the county's two largest employment centers.

Nolanville, Morgan's Point Resort, and Rural Bell County

The smaller communities of Bell County — including Nolanville, Morgan's Point Resort on Belton Lake, Salado (which straddles the Bell-Williamson county line), and the rural areas in the western and northern portions of the county — offer a mix of lakefront, small-town, and agricultural lifestyles. Nolanville and Morgan's Point Resort benefit from proximity to Fort Cavazos and Belton Lake, respectively. Salado, a picturesque village along I-35, has developed a reputation as an artisan and antique destination with charming bed-and-breakfasts and galleries. Property values in these communities vary based on specific characteristics — lakefront properties command premiums, while agricultural tracts are valued based on their productive use. Notes backed by property in these areas can be sold at reasonable discounts, with the specific pricing depending on the property's unique features and the strength of the note terms.

Why Bell County Note Holders Choose to Sell

Bell County note holders sell for a variety of reasons, several of which are particularly common in the military-influenced market.

Converting Military Market Notes to Cash

Many Bell County notes were created through seller-financed transactions involving military buyers or properties near the installation. These notes can be excellent performers, but the seller may have created the note as a way to facilitate a sale rather than as a long-term investment strategy. Selling the note converts the monthly income stream into a lump sum, allowing the original seller to move on financially and redeploy the capital according to their own priorities. The military demand cycle ensures that these notes are typically sellable, though the pricing will reflect the military market's characteristics.

Taking Advantage of Improving Civilian Market

As Bell County's civilian economy has strengthened — driven by Temple's healthcare sector and the Austin metro's northward expansion — property values in many parts of the county have appreciated. Note holders who created notes several years ago may find that their LTV ratios have improved substantially, creating a favorable window for selling at a competitive price. Capturing this improvement while the market is trending positively allows note holders to benefit from the county's economic evolution without waiting to see whether the growth continues at the same pace.

Simplifying Financial Management

Managing a promissory note requires ongoing attention to payment tracking, insurance verification, tax monitoring, and potential enforcement actions. For note holders who view the note as an incidental result of a property sale rather than a core investment, the management burden can outweigh the value of the monthly payments. Selling eliminates all of these responsibilities and replaces them with the simplicity of a one-time cash payment. This motivation is common among Bell County note holders who sold property during a military transfer or relocation and simply want to close that chapter of their financial lives.

Understanding the Discount on Bell County Land Notes

Discounts on Bell County land notes reflect the county's moderate property values, the military market dynamics, and the growing civilian economy that is gradually strengthening the overall market.

Expected Ranges

For performing land notes in Bell County, discounts typically range from 12% to 28% of the remaining balance. Notes backed by Temple property with strong payment histories and favorable terms tend to receive offers at the lower end of that range, reflecting the healthcare economy's stability and the city's growth trajectory. Notes backed by Killeen or Harker Heights property will fall in the moderate range, reflecting the reliable military demand but the lower absolute property values. Notes on rural or lakefront property vary depending on specific characteristics, with well-located lakefront parcels potentially commanding better pricing than remote agricultural tracts.

Improving Your Offer

The strategies for improving your offer are consistent with those for any Texas county: complete documentation, strong payment seasoning, working with a direct buyer, and transparency about property characteristics. For Bell County specifically, highlighting the stability of the military demand cycle, the strength of the Temple healthcare economy, and any property features that differentiate your collateral from the broader market can help the buyer appreciate the full value of your note. If your property is in the path of the Austin-area northward expansion, mentioning recent development activity in the area can help frame the growth potential. For a deeper exploration of discounts, see this article on discounts when selling a land note in Texas.

Ready to Sell Your Note?

If you're ready to sell your land note in Bell County, Texas, Longhorn Note Buyers has the experience and the Texas-wide perspective to provide you with a fair, competitive offer. We've purchased more than $46 million in notes across the state since 2007, with a 100% close rate on every deal we've quoted, and our team understands the unique dynamics of military markets, healthcare-driven economies, and the I-35 corridor growth pattern that define Bell County's real estate landscape.

We are a direct buyer with our own capital — no brokers, no middlemen, and no surprises. Our founder, Nick McFadin, has been buying Texas notes since 1983, and our A+ BBB rating reflects our decades-long commitment to honest, transparent dealings. Whether your note is backed by property in Killeen, Temple, Belton, or any other part of Bell County, we can evaluate it quickly and provide a competitive cash offer within 24 hours.

Call us today at (210) 828-3573 or visit longhornnotebuyers.com to get your free, no-obligation quote. Selling your land note in Bell County, Texas puts cash in your hands today, and with Longhorn Note Buyers, the process is straightforward, transparent, and backed by a team that delivers on every commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Land Note in Bell County, Texas

How does Fort Cavazos affect my note's value?

Fort Cavazos is the dominant economic force in Bell County, and its impact on note values is generally positive. The installation provides a massive, stable employment base that creates consistent demand for housing and land in the surrounding communities. This steady demand supports property values and gives note buyers confidence that the collateral will maintain its marketability. The constant rotation of military personnel creates a perpetual turnover cycle that, while different from conventional civilian markets, is well-understood by experienced note buyers. Notes backed by property in military-adjacent communities like Killeen and Harker Heights benefit from this reliable demand, even though the absolute property values are lower than in more expensive Texas markets.

Is Temple property more valuable than Killeen property for note purposes?

In general, Temple property tends to command somewhat higher values and more favorable note pricing than Killeen property, reflecting Temple's stronger civilian economy, the healthcare sector's higher wages, and the city's more diversified economic base. However, this is a generalization, and the specific characteristics of your property and note matter more than the city name alone. A well-located lot in Killeen with a strong-performing note can receive a better offer than a less favorably situated Temple property with a weaker note. The buyer will evaluate the complete picture — note terms, borrower performance, and specific property characteristics — rather than making a decision based solely on which city the property is in.

Can I sell my note if the borrower is active-duty military?

Yes, the borrower's military status does not prevent you from selling your note. However, it is worth noting that active-duty military members have certain protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which can affect foreclosure timelines and interest rate caps in certain circumstances. Note buyers who are experienced with military markets understand these protections and factor them into their evaluations. A military borrower who has been making consistent on-time payments is a strong indicator of note quality, and the stable income provided by military service is viewed positively by buyers.

How fast can I close a Bell County note sale?

The typical timeline is two to four weeks from initial contact to funding. The preliminary offer comes within 24 hours. Due diligence takes one to two weeks, benefiting from Bell County's well-maintained records and the active real estate markets in Killeen and Temple. Closing is usually completed within a few business days after due diligence. For well-documented notes with performing borrowers and property in the active sub-markets, some transactions can close even faster.

Will the Austin metro expansion help my Bell County note?

The Austin metro's northward expansion along I-35 is a long-term positive for Bell County property values, particularly in the southern portions of the county nearest to the Williamson County line. As Austin-area growth continues to push northward, communities in southern Bell County are likely to benefit from increased development interest, rising property values, and improved commercial infrastructure. Note buyers who recognize this trend may factor the growth potential into their assessment, potentially supporting a more favorable offer for properties in the path of expansion. However, the impact is most significant for properties in the southern corridor, and it is an emerging trend rather than an established one, so the premium is likely to be modest compared to what you might see for properties already within the Austin metro boundaries.