- Counties
- Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, Willacy
- County seats
- Edinburg, Brownsville, Rio Grande City, Raymondville
- Population
- About 1.5 million
Why the Valley runs on seller financing
For its size, the Rio Grande Valley may have more seller-financed property than any other part of Texas. A large share of buyers are Hispanic families whose income is real but hard to document for a bank: a W-2 job plus self-employment, cash work, or a short credit history. Owner financing fills that gap. Hidalgo and Cameron counties carry most of the volume, while Starr and Willacy have more rural lots and colonia properties.
Colonias and borrower contact
Many Valley notes are secured by lots in colonias, unincorporated subdivisions that may lack paved roads or reliable mail service. That creates practical problems: statements can go undelivered, and confirming a borrower's mailing address takes more effort. We verify contact details and insurance status at boarding and keep them current.
Tax rates in the Valley
Effective rates run roughly 2.0 to 2.6 percent of market value. McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Harlingen and Brownsville ISDs each set their own rate, and rural land in Starr and Willacy that qualifies for agricultural or wildlife valuation is taxed far lower. Delinquency rates are somewhat higher in colonia areas, which is one more reason to escrow where the documents allow it.
Trustee sales, for reference
Deed-of-trust foreclosures in Texas follow Tex. Property Code §51.002, with sales on the first Tuesday of the month at the county courthouse. In the Valley that means Edinburg, Brownsville, Rio Grande City and Raymondville. The sale calendar lists the dates. Default and foreclosure support is available as a separate service on request. Ask us for a quote.
Valley questions
What if a borrower's mail keeps coming back?
We work to confirm a current address and other contact information, and we tell you when we cannot reach a borrower so you can decide how to proceed.
This page is general information about servicing notes in the Rio Grande Valley, not legal advice. Consult a Texas real estate attorney about any specific loan. Riverstone Note Servicing, LLC is a Texas-licensed mortgage servicer based in San Antonio.
