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

Cameron County occupies the southernmost tip of Texas, a unique geography where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf of Mexico and where the American mainland reaches its most southern point. If you hold a promissory note secured by land in Cameron County, you own a financial asset backed by property in a region that is undergoing a remarkable transformation — driven by the arrival of SpaceX's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach, the ongoing growth of Brownsville and Harlingen, the expansion of the Port of Brownsville, and the enduring cross-border economy that connects the Valley to northern Mexico. The decision to sell your land note in Cameron County, Texas can unlock immediate cash from an asset that is influenced by one of the most exciting economic development stories in the entire state.

Cameron County's population of approximately 425,000 residents is spread across a landscape that includes the cities of Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito, Los Fresnos, and Port Isabel, as well as the resort community of South Padre Island. The county's economy has historically been shaped by agriculture, cross-border trade, military activity at the former Harlingen Air Force Base site, and the tourism that draws visitors to South Padre Island's beaches. In recent years, however, the SpaceX presence at Boca Chica has added an entirely new dimension to the local economy, bringing aerospace jobs, national media attention, and a wave of investment interest that is reshaping perceptions of Cameron County's growth potential and property value trajectory.

Whether your note is backed by a residential lot in Brownsville, a commercial parcel along the US 77 corridor, agricultural acreage in the county's interior, or a tract near the coast, this guide will walk you through every aspect of selling your land note in Cameron County, Texas so you can make an informed decision and get the best possible return.

Cameron County's Market — A Region in Transformation

Cameron County's real estate market is being reshaped by several powerful forces that are creating both opportunity and complexity for note holders. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anticipating how a buyer will evaluate your note.

The SpaceX Factor

SpaceX's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in the southeastern corner of Cameron County has become one of the most significant economic development stories in Texas. The facility, which serves as SpaceX's primary test and launch site for the Starship rocket program, has brought hundreds of high-paying aerospace jobs to the area and has generated a wave of ancillary economic activity. Hotels, restaurants, and services catering to SpaceX workers and space tourism visitors have appeared in the Brownsville area, and the national visibility of the Starbase operations has put Cameron County on the map in a way that no other development has achieved. For note holders with property in the eastern and southeastern portions of the county, the SpaceX presence has tangibly increased interest in local real estate and has the potential to drive significant property value appreciation over time. Note buyers who are aware of the SpaceX development will factor this growth catalyst into their assessment of collateral values, though they will also apply appropriate caution given the uncertainty inherent in any single-company-driven economic impact.

Brownsville — The Largest City and Border Hub

Brownsville is the largest city in Cameron County and one of the largest cities on the Texas-Mexico border. The city serves as a major gateway for cross-border trade, with several international bridges connecting Brownsville to its sister city, Matamoros, Mexico. The Port of Brownsville, the only deep-water port on the U.S.-Mexico border, handles a diverse mix of cargo and has been expanding its capacity and capabilities. Beyond trade and logistics, Brownsville's economy includes healthcare anchored by Valley Baptist Medical Center and other facilities, education through the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's Brownsville campus, and the government and military sectors. The city's SpaceX-adjacent location has also attracted new businesses and investment, and property values in Brownsville have been trending upward as the city's economic profile strengthens.

Harlingen — The Central Valley Hub

Harlingen sits in the central part of Cameron County and serves as a key commercial and healthcare center for the mid-Valley region. The city is home to Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, the Valley International Airport, and a significant retail sector that draws shoppers from surrounding communities. The former Harlingen Air Force Base has been repurposed into a mixed-use development that includes business parks, educational facilities, and the Marine Military Academy. Harlingen's real estate market is more affordable than Brownsville or McAllen, which makes it attractive to families and retirees seeking value in the Valley. Property values are modest but stable, and notes backed by Harlingen property benefit from the city's diversified economic base and its central location within the Valley.

South Padre Island — Tourism and Coastal Real Estate

South Padre Island is Cameron County's premier tourism destination, attracting millions of visitors annually for its beaches, fishing, water sports, and nightlife. The island's real estate market is driven by a mix of permanent residents, vacation home owners, and short-term rental investors. Property values on South Padre Island are among the highest in Cameron County, particularly for beachfront and bay-front parcels. However, the island also carries the coastal risk factors that affect all barrier island properties in Texas — hurricane exposure, flood zone designations, windstorm insurance requirements, and the potential for storm damage. Notes backed by South Padre Island property can be attractive to buyers who understand coastal real estate, but the coastal risk premium will be reflected in the discount. If your property is on the island, providing comprehensive documentation of flood zone status, insurance coverage, elevation, and any storm history will be essential for a fair evaluation.

How to Sell Your Land Note in Cameron County, Texas

The process of selling a Cameron County land note follows the standard Texas note-selling process, with some regional nuances worth understanding.

Document Assembly

Gather all documents related to your note: the original promissory note, the deed of trust recorded with the Cameron County Clerk, payment history, title insurance policy, and any amendments. For coastal properties, include flood zone documentation, insurance policies, and elevation certificates. For agricultural properties, include information about tax exemptions, water rights, and irrigation access. For properties near the SpaceX facility, any documentation of recent area development or infrastructure improvements can provide helpful context for the buyer's evaluation.

Obtaining Your Cash Offer

Contact a note buyer experienced in Texas-wide purchases and provide the financial and property details. A reputable buyer will deliver a preliminary offer within 24 hours. For Cameron County notes, it is particularly valuable to work with a buyer who understands both the border economy dynamics and the emerging SpaceX-driven growth narrative. A buyer who only knows the major metro markets may not fully appreciate the unique factors that influence Cameron County property values — both the opportunities and the risks. At Longhorn Note Buyers, we evaluate notes from every corner of Texas and bring the perspective needed to price Cameron County notes accurately.

Due Diligence in Cameron County

Due diligence for Cameron County notes includes the standard title search, payment verification, and property valuation, with additional attention to factors specific to the region. Title searches may involve the historical complexities common to border counties, including Spanish and Mexican land grants and older survey descriptions. Coastal properties will require flood zone and insurance verification. Properties near the SpaceX facility may benefit from an assessment of recent area development and comparable sales trends. The due diligence phase typically takes one to three weeks, with coastal and more complex properties potentially requiring additional time. For a comprehensive look at what's involved, see this guide on documents needed to sell a land note in Texas.

Closing Your Transaction

After due diligence, closing proceeds in the standard fashion — assignment documents are prepared, signed, recorded, and the buyer wires the purchase price. The total timeline is typically two to five weeks. Title companies in Brownsville, Harlingen, and the broader Valley have experience handling note transactions and can facilitate efficient closings.

What Determines the Value of Your Cameron County Land Note

The valuation of Cameron County notes involves the standard factors plus several region-specific considerations that reflect the county's unique position at the southern tip of Texas.

Standard Valuation Factors

Interest rate, payment history, remaining balance, remaining term, and loan-to-value ratio are the core factors that drive any note's value. These work the same way for Cameron County notes as for notes anywhere in Texas. Higher rates, longer seasoning, lower LTV ratios, and standard amortizing structures all contribute to better offers. The borrower's payment track record remains one of the most powerful indicators of note quality, and a well-seasoned note with consistent on-time payments will command a premium regardless of the property's geographic location.

The SpaceX Premium

For properties in the eastern and southeastern portions of Cameron County, the SpaceX presence at Boca Chica has created what might be called a "SpaceX premium" — an additional layer of buyer interest driven by the expectation that the aerospace facility will continue to grow and bring economic benefits to the surrounding area. Note buyers who are aware of the SpaceX development may be willing to factor this growth catalyst into their assessment, potentially resulting in a more favorable offer than the property's current comparable sales alone might justify. However, experienced buyers will also apply appropriate caution, recognizing that the SpaceX impact is still evolving and that reliance on a single company introduces concentration risk. If your property is near Starbase, providing information about the facility's development, the area's infrastructure improvements, and recent comparable sales trends can help the buyer appreciate the growth dynamic.

Coastal Risk for Island Properties

South Padre Island properties carry the same coastal risk factors that affect Galveston Island and other Texas barrier island communities — hurricane exposure, flood zones, windstorm insurance, and storm surge vulnerability. These factors will increase the discount on island property notes compared to mainland properties with similar note terms. Providing thorough documentation of the property's flood zone status, elevation, insurance coverage, and any storm history is essential for a fair evaluation. Properties with higher elevations, newer construction that meets current building codes, and comprehensive insurance coverage will be valued more favorably than older, lower-elevation properties without adequate protection. For additional perspective on how coastal factors affect note value, review the section on coastal considerations in our Galveston County guide, which covers similar dynamics.

Border Market Considerations

Like Webb and Hidalgo counties, Cameron County's border location introduces considerations related to trade policy, immigration, and the economic conditions in Mexico. Note buyers will factor these border dynamics into their overall risk assessment, typically resulting in somewhat wider discounts compared to inland metro markets. However, the SpaceX development has begun to shift perceptions of Cameron County's economic trajectory, and buyers who recognize the transformative potential of the aerospace industry in the area may be more willing to offer competitive pricing than they would have been just a few years ago.

Cameron County Sub-Markets

Cameron County contains several distinct sub-markets, each with its own characteristics and investment profile.

Brownsville — The County's Largest Market

Brownsville is the dominant real estate market in Cameron County, with property values that range from very affordable in the older neighborhoods near the border to significantly higher in the northern residential developments and the areas attracting SpaceX-related investment. The north side of Brownsville, along the US 77/83 corridor and extending toward the Los Fresnos area, has experienced the most new development and commands the highest residential values. Downtown Brownsville and the areas closer to the international bridges are older and more affordable, with a mix of residential and commercial properties that serve the cross-border economy. Notes backed by Brownsville property are generally the most marketable in the county due to the city's larger population and more diverse economy.

Harlingen and San Benito

Harlingen and the neighboring city of San Benito form the central hub of Cameron County. Property values here are moderate and stable, supported by the healthcare, retail, and education sectors. Harlingen's Valley International Airport provides transportation connectivity that benefits the broader region. San Benito, smaller and more affordable, has a growing residential market driven by families seeking value in the Valley. Notes backed by property in these communities are sellable at reasonable discounts, particularly if the note terms and borrower performance are strong.

Los Fresnos and the Eastern Corridor

Los Fresnos and the communities along the Highway 100 corridor between Harlingen and South Padre Island have emerged as growth areas within Cameron County. Los Fresnos has attracted new residential development driven by families seeking affordable housing in a growing community with proximity to both the Valley's employment centers and the coast. The corridor between Los Fresnos and the island is seeing increasing development as the region's population grows and the appeal of coastal proximity attracts new residents. For note holders with property along this corridor, the growth trajectory and the SpaceX-related interest in the broader eastern county area can support favorable valuations.

South Padre Island — Premium Coastal

South Padre Island is Cameron County's premium real estate market, with property values driven by tourism demand, beach access, and the scarcity of buildable land on a barrier island. Beachfront and bay-front properties command the highest prices, while properties further from the water trade at lower but still elevated values. The island's real estate market is seasonal to some extent, with higher activity during the spring and summer months, but year-round interest from investors and retirees provides a consistent demand base. Notes backed by South Padre Island property can be attractive to buyers who understand coastal real estate, but the discount will reflect the hurricane and flood risk that is inherent in barrier island ownership.

Rural Cameron County

The interior of Cameron County outside the main cities is predominantly agricultural, with farmland devoted to row crops, citrus, and ranching. Property values in rural Cameron County are modest, reflecting the agricultural use and the limited development pressure in these areas. Notes backed by rural agricultural land will typically face the largest discounts in the county due to lower property values and limited market liquidity. However, agricultural notes with strong terms and reliable borrowers can still be sold to buyers who understand the value of productive farmland and the potential for eventual conversion to other uses as the region continues to grow.

Common Reasons to Sell a Cameron County Land Note

Cameron County note holders sell for a variety of personal and financial reasons. A few motivations are particularly common in this market.

Capturing the SpaceX Growth Narrative

For note holders with property in the eastern part of the county, the SpaceX presence has created a window of opportunity to sell into a market that is benefiting from heightened interest and investment. While the long-term impact of SpaceX on Cameron County is promising, it remains uncertain in its specifics, and some note holders prefer to capitalize on the current enthusiasm rather than waiting to see how the story unfolds over the coming years. Selling now allows you to capture the benefit of the SpaceX premium while it is present, without bearing the risk that the aerospace company could scale back its operations or that the expected economic ripple effects might take longer to materialize than anticipated.

Simplifying Border-Region Asset Management

Managing a note on property in Cameron County can involve unique complexities, particularly for note holders who live outside the Valley. The distance from the major Texas metros, the border-related dynamics, and the occasional need to deal with local title and legal matters can make long-distance management burdensome. Selling the note eliminates these management challenges and replaces them with the simplicity of a lump sum payment that requires no ongoing attention.

Reducing Coastal or Market Risk

For note holders with South Padre Island or coastal property, the risk of hurricane damage is an ever-present concern that can be difficult to manage from a distance. Selling the note transfers that risk to the buyer, giving you the certainty of cash today rather than the ongoing worry that a major storm could damage the collateral and complicate the note's performance. Similarly, note holders who are uncertain about the long-term trajectory of Cameron County's border economy may prefer the certainty of cash over the uncertainty of holding a note influenced by trade policy, immigration trends, and cross-border economic conditions. For more on how selling your note compares to other options when dealing with risk, see this article on selling a land note fast in Texas.

Understanding the Discount on Cameron County Notes

Discounts on Cameron County land notes reflect the county's unique risk profile, including border-market factors, coastal risk for island properties, lower absolute property values compared to the major metros, and varying levels of market liquidity across the county's sub-markets.

Typical Ranges

For performing land notes in Cameron County, discounts typically range from 15% to 35% of the remaining balance. Notes backed by well-located property in Brownsville or on South Padre Island with strong payment histories and favorable terms will receive offers toward the lower end of that range. Notes backed by agricultural land, property in smaller cities, or parcels with limited infrastructure will face larger discounts. The SpaceX-related growth in the eastern county may help improve offers for properties in that area, though the magnitude of that benefit depends on the buyer's assessment of the aerospace industry's long-term impact on local property values.

Getting the Best Offer

To maximize your proceeds on a Cameron County note, focus on the fundamentals: complete documentation, strong payment history, transparency about property characteristics, and working with a direct buyer who has statewide Texas experience. Highlighting the specific positive factors that apply to your property — whether that is proximity to SpaceX, location in a growing area of Brownsville, beachfront access on South Padre Island, or the productive value of agricultural land — can help the buyer appreciate the full value of the collateral and offer a price that reflects it fairly.

Ready to Sell Your Note?

If you're ready to sell your land note in Cameron County, Texas, Longhorn Note Buyers is prepared to provide you with a fair, well-informed, no-obligation cash offer. We have purchased more than $46 million in notes across Texas since 2007, and our 100% close rate means we stand behind every offer we make. Our founder, Nick McFadin, has been buying notes since 1983, and our team's statewide experience gives us the perspective to evaluate Cameron County notes with the nuance and accuracy they require.

Whether your note is backed by a residential lot in Brownsville, a parcel in the SpaceX corridor, a tract in Harlingen, or a beachfront property on South Padre Island, we have the expertise and the capital to give you a competitive offer within 24 hours. We are a direct buyer — no brokers, no middlemen, and no surprises.

Call us today at (210) 828-3573 or visit longhornnotebuyers.com to request your free quote. Selling your land note in Cameron County, Texas puts cash in your hands today and eliminates the uncertainty of managing a long-term receivable in a rapidly changing market.

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

How does SpaceX affect the value of my Cameron County land note?

SpaceX's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach has generated significant interest in Cameron County real estate, particularly in the eastern and southeastern portions of the county. The aerospace company's presence has brought high-paying jobs, attracted ancillary businesses, and generated national media attention that has raised the profile of the region. For note holders with property in the SpaceX-influenced area, this translates into increased buyer interest and potentially higher collateral valuations. However, the long-term impact of SpaceX on local property values is still unfolding, and note buyers will balance the growth potential against the concentration risk of relying on a single company. Properties closer to the facility and in the path of SpaceX-related development will benefit more than those further away.

Can I sell a note on South Padre Island property?

Yes, notes backed by South Padre Island property can be sold. Island properties carry premium values driven by beach access, tourism demand, and the scarcity of buildable barrier island land. However, the coastal risk factors — hurricane exposure, flood zones, windstorm insurance, and storm surge vulnerability — will be reflected in a larger discount compared to mainland properties with similar note terms. Providing comprehensive documentation of the property's flood zone status, elevation certificate, insurance coverage, and any storm history is essential for a fair evaluation. An experienced buyer who understands coastal Texas real estate will be able to evaluate the risk accurately and provide a competitive offer that balances the property's premium value against its coastal risk profile.

Are Cameron County notes harder to sell than notes in larger metros?

Cameron County notes can be somewhat more challenging to sell than notes in Houston, Dallas, or Austin because fewer note buyers are familiar with the Valley market and the border-region dynamics. Buyers who lack experience in the area may apply excessive discounts or may be unable to complete due diligence efficiently. However, working with a buyer who has statewide Texas experience — like Longhorn Note Buyers, which has been purchasing notes across the entire state since 2007 — eliminates this barrier. We understand the Valley market, the border economy, and the emerging SpaceX-driven growth narrative, and we can evaluate Cameron County notes with the accuracy and fairness that the market deserves.

What if my property is near the Boca Chica SpaceX facility and subject to launch restrictions?

Properties in the immediate vicinity of SpaceX's Starbase facility may be subject to temporary access restrictions during launches and testing activities. Cameron County and the Texas General Land Office issue closure notices for Boca Chica Beach and the surrounding area during these events. If your property is affected by these restrictions, it is important to disclose this to the note buyer, as it can affect the property's usability and marketability. However, the trade-off is that proximity to SpaceX also brings potential appreciation driven by the aerospace industry's growth. Note buyers will weigh both factors — the restriction on access and the growth potential — when evaluating the note, and transparency about the situation will lead to a more accurate and fair assessment.

How long does it take to sell a Cameron County land note?

The typical timeline from initial contact to receiving your funds is two to five weeks. The preliminary cash offer is provided within 24 hours. Due diligence takes one to three weeks, with the timeline varying based on the complexity of the title search and the specific property characteristics. Coastal properties and properties with complex title histories may require additional time. Closing is typically completed within a few business days after due diligence. Working with a buyer who has experience in the Valley and who has relationships with local title companies can help keep the timeline as short as possible.