http://www.cnbc.com/id/101099968

Something to be aware of. My guess is that most land is barren and the mineral rights are worthless anyway, but if you're buying in fracking territory, it might be worth being aware of.

I am guessing this is more common than people think. This is also the case with my house. I only own from the ground up AND..this was told to us..probably by accident.

We were going to our closing (34 years ago). I am in NY. It took 3 months to close, with many phone calls from our attorney. The day of the closing, he sends his semi-retired father with us. In the elevator, going up to the closing, I guess to make conversation, this guy tells us that we do not own the mineral rights for anything found under the ground. It would belong to some family who owned the entire area. He even mentioned the name. Now, I am assuming, it cant be only me. I am guessing it must be this way for most in this town..but I am betting most dont even know it.