Franklin, TX

All week long we have had helicopters flying back and forth over our home. They are hauling large bags of cable for seismographic surveys being conducted in the neighborhood for petroleum and natural gas. Many of these surveys are in densely wooded areas and apparently it is much easier to haul them with choppers as opposed to 4 wheelers.

Today I asked someone about the cost and if they charged by the hour or miles traveled and he just laughed and said "oh no." I said "well how then?" He replied it is by the trip. and then said $1,000 per trip. Now I don't believe that the round trips are over 15 miles or so and it only takes a few minutes.

My gosh no wonder oil is skyrocketing! They spare no expense when exploring for it. It truly is "black gold" And then we all pay for it at the pump, don't we.

Have a prosperous week!

Trey

www.treythurmond.com

Our area of Texas does have bluebonnets in spring , but nothing like the hill country. We do however have an exceptionally neat yellow flower that just covers the open pastures in my little area between Blackjack and Wheelock, Texas. From a distance it is almost blinding, as the fields look golden...maybe this is what the Spaniards thought were the Golden city hundreds of years ago. Regardless we really enjoy the views!

Have a prosperous week!

Trey

www.treythurmond.com

All you have to do to know that this little central Texas county has something going on is to take a drive from one end of Robertson county to the next. Fluorescent surveyor ribbons are tied up and down the highways and FM roads. Take a look at the skyline at night and you will see the lighted drill derricks everywhere. Go to the county clerk's office in Franklin..or just go to Franklin and you will see a little town changing overnight. A brand new High school, a motel that stays full and a shortage of affordable housing for the multitude of workers both in the oil and gas fields and the power plant facility currently under construction in the area. I just hope it doesn't change too fast. Franklin has always had a certain a charm about it.

It seems there are lots of folks just waiting to see who will be the next overnight millionaire in Robertson County , Texas. This gas exploration and drilling is far enough advanced that courthouse squabbles are beginning to unfold over who owns what share of the minerals on different parcels. And I have been kept awake at night myself by the lights and noise.

If you are an agent working sales in Robertson county it would be wise to pay attention to the mineral interests now, more than ever when working on a contract. When you list ...ask what the sellers own and if they will let go of any part of their minerals or wish instead to reserve them. In Texas if a seller owns the minerals and doesn't put a reservation in the deed, they will pass with the sale. Just be careful and always consult a qualified attorney in mineral matters.

Have a prosperous week.

Trey

www.robertsoncountyland.com