Oklahoma Mineral Owners,

As we have discussed previously, it is important that you are aware of the financial condition of your potential lessee before agreeing to an oil and gas lease. While exchanging a check for an oil and gas lease is the best way to trade, many fly-by-night lease turning operations still prefer bank sight drafts. The reason for this is simple, it allows them to control mineral rights (your mineral rights) for a specified period of time, without paying for them. Be aware that receiving a draft usually implies that the lessee has not run title on your interest and likely won't close on the oil and gas lease you negotiated unless he can find a buyer to flip it to during the term of the draft. 

Berlin has received a number of calls recently regarding an Oklahoma outfit leasing in Caddo County who has been sending 90 business day sight drafts (that's four months) and filing the leases in the meantime. Some of the lessors have been without payment for over six months. This is borderline criminal behavior and gives all landmen in the area a bad name. If approached by a company like this, it is recommended that you call other active parties in the area for better payment terms. If would you like the respectable parties leasing in Northern Caddo County, Oklahoma, please drop Berlin a line or an email to inquire. 

More to follow,

Berlin