Faqs
Questions About Your Surplus Money?
Do you have questions about your surplus money?
What are surplus funds or overages?
Surplus funds (also called overages, excess proceeds, or surplus money) are the extra funds left after a foreclosure or tax sale when the property sells for more than what was owed. In many cases, that money belongs to the former homeowner or their heirs.
How do I know if I have surplus funds waiting?
You may have surplus funds if:
Your property was sold at foreclosure or tax sale
The sale price was higher than the total debt or taxes owed
You received any notice referencing “surplus funds,” “excess proceeds,” or “overages”
If you’re unsure, contact us. We will check for you free of charge.
Who is entitled to claim surplus funds?
Usually the former homeowner is entitled to the extra money. If the homeowner has passed away, heirs or the estate may be able to claim the funds.
How long do I have to claim my money?
Deadlines vary by state and county. Some funds must be claimed within a limited time before being sent to the state as unclaimed property.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering your money.
What if my home was sold years ago?
You may still qualify. Many claims remain available for years, especially if the funds were never claimed. We can review your case and let you know what’s possible.
What if I moved or live in another state now?
That’s not a problem. You can still claim surplus funds even if you:
No longer live at the property
Moved to another city or state
We handle most of the process by phone and email.
What documents do I need to file a claim?
Each case is different, but common documents include:
Valid ID
Proof of former ownership (or connection to the owner)
Foreclosure or tax sale documents, if available
Estate/heir documents if the owner is deceased
We guide you step-by-step and help you gather what’s needed.
Do I need a lawyer to claim surplus funds?
Not always. Some claims are simple, while others may require legal support (especially estate or disputed cases).
We are not a law firm, but we can help guide the process and recommend working with a licensed attorney when needed.
How much do you charge?
We work on a contingency fee basis:
No upfront payments
You only pay if funds are recovered
Our fee is a percentage of what is recovered and is agreed to in writing before we begin
No recovery = no fee.
How long does the process take?
The timeline depends on the court, county, lender, or state office holding the funds. Some claims resolve in a few months, others take longer. We keep you updated throughout the process.
What if there are multiple heirs or claimants?
That’s common. If more than one person is entitled, the holding agency may require heirship documents or an estate process. We’ll explain the best path and help coordinate what’s needed.
Is this money really mine?
In many cases, yes — surplus funds are legally meant for the former homeowner after debts and costs are paid. But every case is unique, so we verify your situation first.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your information is kept private and used only to research and process your claim.