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

Tarrant County is one of the most populous and economically powerful counties in Texas, anchored by the city of Fort Worth and surrounded by a constellation of thriving suburbs that make up the western half of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. If you hold a promissory note secured by land in Tarrant County, you own a financial asset backed by real estate in a region that has experienced explosive growth over the past two decades and shows every sign of continuing that trajectory for years to come. The decision to sell your land note in Tarrant County, Texas can put a significant lump sum of cash in your hands today, replacing years of monthly payments with immediate liquidity that you can use for any purpose.

Fort Worth has long lived in the shadow of its eastern neighbor Dallas, but that dynamic has shifted dramatically in recent years. Fort Worth is now the fastest-growing large city in the United States by some measures, and the broader Tarrant County area has attracted billions of dollars in corporate investment, infrastructure development, and residential construction. From the booming Alliance corridor in the north to the rapidly developing communities along the Interstate 20 corridor in the south, Tarrant County offers a diverse landscape of real estate sub-markets that create strong collateral for land notes and make them attractive to experienced note buyers.

This guide will walk you through every aspect of selling your land note in Tarrant County, Texas — from understanding the local market dynamics that influence your note's value to knowing exactly what to expect during the sale process. Whether your note is backed by a residential lot in Southlake, a rural tract near Crowley, or a commercial parcel along the Interstate 35W corridor, you'll find the information you need to make a confident, well-informed decision.

Tarrant County's Real Estate Market — A Note Buyer's Perspective

Tarrant County covers approximately 902 square miles and is home to more than 2.1 million residents, making it the third most populous county in Texas. The county's real estate market is characterized by strong demand, diverse property types, and a growth trajectory that has been remarkably consistent over the past twenty years. For note holders, these characteristics translate into a favorable environment for selling, because note buyers are confident that land in Tarrant County will hold or increase its value over time.

Fort Worth's Economic Renaissance

Fort Worth's economy has undergone a remarkable transformation. While the city retains its identity as a hub for the ranching and oil industries — the Fort Worth Stockyards remain a cultural landmark and tourist destination — it has diversified into aerospace and defense, healthcare, logistics, technology, and financial services. Lockheed Martin's massive facility in the western part of the county is one of the largest employers in the region, producing F-35 fighter jets and supporting thousands of high-skill jobs. Bell Textron, American Airlines (headquartered in Fort Worth), and numerous defense contractors add to the employment base. The Texas Health Resources and JPS Health Network systems anchor the healthcare sector. This broad economic base ensures that demand for land in Tarrant County is driven by multiple industries rather than depending on any single employer or sector.

The Alliance Corridor — A Growth Powerhouse

The Alliance corridor in north Fort Worth and the surrounding area is one of the most significant economic development stories in Texas. Built around the AllianceTexas development — a master-planned, 26,000-acre mixed-use project that includes the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, residential communities, retail centers, and corporate campuses — this area has attracted major companies including Facebook (Meta), FedEx, Amazon, and dozens of others. The corridor's proximity to Alliance Airport, Interstate 35W, and the BNSF Railway intermodal facility makes it a magnet for logistics and distribution operations. For note holders with property in or near the Alliance corridor, the rapid development and strong demand for land create excellent conditions for receiving a competitive offer on their notes.

Suburban Growth Rings

Tarrant County's suburban communities have experienced phenomenal growth, driven by families and professionals seeking quality schools, affordable housing relative to the urban core, and easy access to employment centers throughout the metroplex. Cities like Southlake, Keller, Colleyville, and Grapevine in the northeast corner of the county are among the most affluent communities in Texas, with property values that reflect their desirability. Further south, communities like Mansfield, Burleson, and Crowley have attracted more affordable residential development while still offering strong school districts and growing commercial amenities. Arlington, situated between Fort Worth and Dallas, is the county's second-largest city and home to AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and the University of Texas at Arlington, all of which contribute to a robust local economy and steady demand for land.

How to Sell Your Land Note in Tarrant County, Texas

The process of selling a land note follows a well-defined path, and knowing what to expect at each stage will help you navigate the transaction with confidence. Selling a note is different from selling real estate — you are transferring your right to collect future payments, not transferring ownership of the property itself. Here is how the process works when you decide to sell your land note in Tarrant County, Texas.

Organize Your Documentation

The first step is to gather all relevant documents related to your note. This includes the original promissory note, the deed of trust that secures the note against the property, a payment history or ledger showing all payments received to date, the title insurance policy from the original transaction, and any amendments or modifications to the original terms. Having these documents organized and accessible from the start will streamline the evaluation process and give the buyer confidence that the note is well-managed. If you're unsure which documents you need, this resource on documents needed to sell a land note in Texas provides a comprehensive checklist that covers every scenario.

Request a Cash Offer

With your documents in hand, reach out to a note buyer to request a quote. You'll need to share the key financial details of your note — the current balance, interest rate, monthly payment amount, remaining term, and payment history — along with basic information about the property, including its location within Tarrant County, acreage or lot size, and whether any improvements exist on the land. A reputable buyer will review this information and provide you with a preliminary cash offer, usually within 24 hours. At this stage, it's important to work with a buyer who has specific experience with Texas land notes and understands the Tarrant County market. National companies that buy notes across all fifty states may lack the local knowledge to accurately value your specific deal.

Navigate Due Diligence

Once you accept a preliminary offer, the buyer will move into the due diligence phase. This involves verifying everything you've provided — confirming the payment history, ordering a title search to ensure the deed of trust is properly recorded and there are no competing liens, and assessing the current market value of the property through comparable sales analysis or a formal appraisal. In Tarrant County, due diligence is typically efficient thanks to the county's well-maintained public records and the large number of title companies that serve the DFW metroplex. This phase usually takes one to two weeks for a straightforward deal.

Close and Receive Your Funds

After due diligence confirms that everything is in order, the transaction proceeds to closing. A title company or closing attorney will prepare the assignment of the note and deed of trust, which you'll sign to officially transfer your rights to the buyer. The buyer will then wire the agreed-upon purchase price to your bank account. From start to finish, the entire process typically takes two to four weeks for a clean, performing note. If you want a broader view of the typical timeline, take a look at this overview of how long it takes to sell a land note in Texas.

What Drives the Value of a Tarrant County Land Note

Every land note is valued based on a combination of factors that together determine the risk and return profile of the investment for the buyer. Understanding these factors will help you set realistic expectations and evaluate whether the offer you receive is fair. The interplay between note terms, borrower behavior, and property characteristics creates a unique valuation for each note, and Tarrant County's market dynamics add an additional layer of context.

Interest Rate and Payment Structure

The interest rate is one of the first things a note buyer will look at because it directly determines the yield on the investment. A note with a higher interest rate generates more income per dollar invested, which allows the buyer to offer a higher purchase price. The payment structure also matters — a standard amortizing note where each monthly payment includes both principal and interest is the most straightforward to value. Notes with interest-only payments, variable rates, or balloon provisions introduce additional complexity and risk that can affect the offer. In the current environment where market interest rates are elevated compared to the post-2008 low-rate era, notes carrying interest rates of 8% or higher are particularly competitive and tend to attract favorable offers from buyers.

Borrower Performance

The borrower's track record of making payments is the most direct indicator of future performance, and it has a significant impact on your note's value. A borrower who has made every payment on time for two or more years has demonstrated reliability that substantially reduces the perceived risk of the note. Conversely, a borrower with a history of late payments, missed payments, or erratic behavior will trigger a larger discount because the buyer has to account for the possibility of future disruptions. If your borrower has been performing well, that consistent payment history is one of the most valuable features of your note and should be prominently highlighted when you present the deal to potential buyers.

Property Location and Value

In Tarrant County, location is everything when it comes to property valuation. A lot in Southlake or Colleyville — where median home values exceed $700,000 — represents vastly different collateral than a similar-sized lot in a less developed area south of Interstate 20. Note buyers will assess the current market value of the property using comparable sales data, and they'll consider factors like proximity to schools, employment centers, retail amenities, and major transportation routes. They'll also consider the property's development potential — a lot that is zoned and ready for construction is worth more as collateral than raw, unimproved land that requires significant investment before it can be used. The stronger the property's value relative to the note balance, the lower the buyer's risk and the better your offer will be.

Loan-to-Value Ratio

The loan-to-value ratio compares the outstanding balance on your note to the current market value of the property. This ratio is one of the most critical risk metrics that note buyers use to evaluate deals. An LTV of 60% or lower is considered very safe, because it means the borrower has substantial equity in the property and the buyer has a significant cushion in a foreclosure scenario. An LTV above 80% introduces more risk and will result in a larger discount. Tarrant County's strong appreciation over the past decade means that many notes created several years ago now have very favorable LTV ratios, which works strongly in favor of note sellers who are looking to maximize their cash payout.

Tarrant County Sub-Markets and Their Influence on Note Value

Tarrant County is far from a uniform market. It contains a wide range of sub-markets with distinct characteristics, price points, and growth trajectories. Understanding where your property falls within this landscape will help you anticipate the offer you're likely to receive and present your note in the most favorable light.

Northeast Tarrant — Southlake, Keller, Colleyville, and Grapevine

The northeast corner of Tarrant County is home to some of the most desirable residential real estate in the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Southlake, with its nationally recognized school district and upscale shopping at Southlake Town Square, consistently ranks among the wealthiest communities in Texas. Keller, Colleyville, and Grapevine offer similar quality of life with slightly different price points and community characters. Land values in this sub-market are among the highest in the county, and notes backed by property here are viewed very favorably by buyers because the collateral is premium and the demand for land in these communities is consistently strong. If your note is tied to property in the northeast Tarrant corridor, you are in an excellent position to receive a competitive offer.

North Fort Worth and the Alliance Corridor

The northern section of Fort Worth, particularly the area surrounding AllianceTexas, has been one of the fastest-growing sub-markets in Tarrant County. The combination of major corporate campuses, logistics facilities, and new residential communities has transformed this area from open ranchland into a booming economic center. Land values have risen sharply as the development has progressed, and the trajectory shows no signs of slowing. Notes backed by property in the Alliance corridor benefit from the area's strong employment base, excellent transportation infrastructure, and the ongoing demand for both residential and commercial land. This sub-market is particularly attractive to note buyers because the development activity provides tangible evidence of rising property values.

Arlington — The Entertainment and Education Hub

Arlington occupies a unique position in Tarrant County as a major city in its own right, situated between Fort Worth and Dallas. The city is home to AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys), Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers), and the University of Texas at Arlington, which together drive significant economic activity and land demand. Arlington's real estate market offers a mix of established residential neighborhoods, newer developments, and commercial parcels, and property values have appreciated steadily driven by the city's entertainment district and growing university. Notes backed by Arlington property are generally well-received by buyers, though the specific location within the city matters — parcels near the entertainment district or the university tend to be valued more highly than those in less trafficked areas.

South Tarrant — Mansfield, Burleson, and Crowley

The southern portion of Tarrant County, including the cities of Mansfield, Burleson, and Crowley, has emerged as one of the most popular areas for new residential development in the metroplex. These communities offer a compelling combination of excellent schools, relatively affordable housing compared to the northern suburbs, and improving commercial amenities. Mansfield in particular has experienced rapid growth, with new master-planned communities, retail centers, and infrastructure projects transforming the city's landscape. Land values in south Tarrant County are lower than in the northeast suburbs, but they have been appreciating at a healthy pace, and the area's growth trajectory gives note buyers confidence in the long-term value of the collateral. Notes tied to property in this sub-market typically receive solid offers that reflect the area's strong fundamentals and upward momentum.

Common Motivations for Selling a Tarrant County Land Note

Note holders choose to sell for a wide range of personal and financial reasons. Understanding the most common motivations can help you feel confident that selling is the right decision for your circumstances and can also help you communicate your goals effectively to the buyer.

Accessing Capital for New Opportunities

One of the most common reasons note holders sell is to free up capital for a new investment or business opportunity. A land note is an illiquid asset — your wealth is tied up in a stream of future payments that you can't easily access. By selling the note, you convert that illiquid asset into cash that you can deploy immediately, whether that means purchasing another property, investing in a business, funding a startup, or diversifying your portfolio into stocks, bonds, or other assets. In a market like Tarrant County, where opportunities abound and the economy is growing rapidly, having access to liquid capital can be far more valuable than waiting for monthly payments to trickle in over the next five, ten, or fifteen years.

Eliminating Servicing Hassles and Risk

Managing a promissory note requires ongoing attention — tracking payments, maintaining records, managing escrow for taxes and insurance, and dealing with the borrower if issues arise. Many note holders, particularly those who created the note as part of a seller-financed transaction and never intended to be in the lending business long-term, eventually decide that the hassle of managing the note isn't worth the income it generates. Selling eliminates all of those responsibilities in one clean transaction, along with the risk that the borrower might default, the property might lose value, or a natural disaster might damage the collateral. The peace of mind that comes from converting a complex, ongoing obligation into a simple cash payment is one of the most underappreciated benefits of selling a note.

Life Transitions and Estate Planning

Major life events — retirement, divorce, relocation, health issues, or the death of a spouse or family member — often prompt note holders to reevaluate their financial situation and simplify their holdings. Selling a land note during a life transition can provide the funds needed to cover expenses, settle an estate, or start a new chapter. For note holders who are planning their estates, selling the note and distributing cash to heirs is often far simpler than leaving a promissory note in the estate, which would require the heirs to either continue servicing the note or figure out how to sell it themselves. If you've inherited a note and want to explore your options, this guide on inherited promissory note options in Texas provides helpful context.

Understanding the Discount When You Sell Your Tarrant County Note

The concept of a discount is central to every note transaction, and understanding it clearly will help you evaluate offers and negotiate effectively. When you sell your land note, the buyer will pay you less than the total remaining balance — that difference is the discount, and it reflects the time value of money, the risks involved, and the buyer's required return on investment.

What Determines the Size of the Discount

Several factors influence how large the discount will be on your Tarrant County land note. The interest rate is paramount — a higher rate means the buyer earns a better return, which allows them to pay you a higher percentage of the remaining balance. The borrower's payment history is another major factor; a perfect track record reduces perceived risk and narrows the discount. The loan-to-value ratio affects the discount because a lower LTV means the buyer has more collateral protection. The remaining term plays a role as well — shorter terms are generally preferred because the buyer recovers their capital sooner. And the location and type of property matter because they determine how easily the property could be sold in a worst-case foreclosure scenario. For performing land notes in Tarrant County, discounts typically range from 10% to 28%, with the most favorable notes selling at discounts closer to the low end of that range.

Strategies to Minimize the Discount

While you cannot change the terms of an existing note, there are steps you can take to minimize the discount and maximize your cash proceeds. First, ensure that your documentation is complete and well-organized. Missing documents create uncertainty, and uncertainty leads to larger discounts. Second, if your note is relatively new, consider waiting until it has at least 12 months of consistent payment history before selling, as seasoning significantly improves a note's value. Third, work with a direct buyer rather than a broker. Brokers charge commissions that come directly out of the purchase price, reducing the net amount you receive. A direct buyer like Longhorn Note Buyers uses their own capital to purchase notes, which means more of the money goes to you rather than to intermediary fees.

Ready to Sell Your Note?

If you're ready to sell your land note in Tarrant County, Texas, Longhorn Note Buyers has the experience, the capital, and the local market knowledge to give you a fair and competitive cash offer. We've been buying Texas notes since 2007, with more than $46 million in total purchases and a perfect 100% close rate on every deal we've quoted. Our founder, Nick McFadin, has been in the note-buying business since 1983, and our team understands the Tarrant County market at a level that few other buyers can match.

We are a direct buyer — not a broker — which means there are no middlemen, no hidden fees, and no surprises between the quote and the closing table. Whether your note is backed by a premium lot in Southlake, a developing parcel in the Alliance corridor, a suburban tract in Mansfield, or any other Tarrant County property, we have the expertise to evaluate it accurately and the funds to close quickly.

Call us today at (210) 828-3573 or visit longhornnotebuyers.com to request your free, no-obligation quote. When you sell your land note in Tarrant County, Texas with Longhorn Note Buyers, you're working with a team that has closed every deal it has ever committed to — and yours will be no exception.

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

How fast can I get cash for my Tarrant County land note?

The typical timeline from initial contact to receiving your funds is two to four weeks. You can expect a preliminary cash offer within 24 hours of providing your note details. The due diligence phase, which includes title verification, payment history confirmation, and property valuation, generally takes one to two weeks in Tarrant County. Closing itself is usually completed within a few days once all documents are signed. The efficiency of the DFW metroplex's title infrastructure and the volume of real estate transactions in Tarrant County help keep the process moving quickly compared to more rural areas of the state.

Can I sell a land note that has a balloon payment?

Yes, notes with balloon payment provisions can absolutely be sold. In fact, many seller-financed land notes include balloon payments that come due after a set number of years. Note buyers are accustomed to evaluating balloon notes, and they will factor in the timing of the balloon, the likelihood that the borrower can make the balloon payment or refinance, and the value of the property as collateral in case the borrower cannot meet the balloon obligation. Notes with balloon payments that are approaching soon may actually be more attractive to certain buyers because they represent a shorter-duration investment with a defined exit point. However, the discount on a balloon note may differ from a fully amortizing note depending on the specific circumstances.

What if I only want to sell part of my note?

Partial note sales are a viable option for note holders who want to access some cash while retaining a portion of their future income stream. In a partial sale, you sell a defined number of future payments to the buyer and keep the right to receive the remaining payments after that period. For example, you might sell the next 48 monthly payments and retain all payments after that. This approach gives you upfront cash while preserving some of the long-term value of your note. Partial sales are more complex to structure than full sales, but an experienced buyer will be able to walk you through the options and help you find the arrangement that best suits your needs. For more details, check out this comparison of full versus partial land note sales in Texas.

Does the borrower need to approve the sale of my note?

No, the borrower does not need to approve or consent to the sale of your note. The promissory note is your asset, and you have the right to transfer it to another party at any time. The borrower's obligations under the note remain unchanged — they will continue to owe the same amount, at the same interest rate, on the same payment schedule. The only thing that changes is where they send their payments. After the sale is completed, the borrower will receive written notification informing them of the new note holder and providing updated payment instructions. This notification is a standard part of the process and is handled by the buyer or the servicing company.

How does the DFW metroplex growth affect my note's value?

The continued growth of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the strongest tailwinds a Tarrant County note holder can have. The metroplex has been adding hundreds of thousands of new residents per decade, and the economic expansion that accompanies that population growth drives sustained demand for land and real estate across the region. For note buyers, this growth trajectory means that the property securing your note is likely to appreciate over time, reducing the risk of the investment. It also means that in a worst-case foreclosure scenario, the property would be relatively easy to sell because the pool of potential buyers is large and growing. All of these factors combine to support stronger offers and smaller discounts for Tarrant County land notes compared to notes backed by property in less dynamic markets.