Frequently Asked Questions

Surplus funds (also called excess proceeds) are created when a foreclosure auction sells for more than the total debt owed on the property (mortgage balance, fees, taxes, and liens). This excess money legally belongs to the former property owner. For example, if a property sells for $350,000 but only $280,000 was owed, the $70,000 difference is surplus funds.

Unfortunately, courts and trustees rarely notify former homeowners about surplus funds. The best way to find out is to have your case reviewed. We offer a free case review where we research court and trustee records to determine if surplus funds exist for your property and how much may be available.

The former property owner at the time of foreclosure has first priority to claim surplus funds. If the former owner has passed away or cannot be located, heirs or the estate may be eligible. Junior lienholders (second mortgage holders, HOAs, etc.) may also have claims after the primary owner's claim is satisfied. We analyze each case individually during our free review to determine eligibility.

The typical recovery timeline is 90-120 days from when we file your claim. However, this varies based on case complexity, court schedules, and whether there are competing claims. Some straightforward cases resolve faster, while complex cases may take longer. We keep you informed throughout and handle any delays professionally on your behalf.

Typically, you'll need proof of identity (government-issued ID), proof of your connection to the property (deed, mortgage documents, etc.), and any foreclosure-related paperwork you have. Don't worry if you're missing documents — we guide you through exactly what's needed for your specific case and can often help you obtain missing documentation.

Yes, but it's more complex. When surplus funds remain unclaimed, they're eventually escheated (turned over) to the state as unclaimed property. Recovery is still possible through the state's unclaimed property process, but it often takes longer and has different requirements. This is why we emphasize acting quickly — it's much easier to recover funds before they go to the state.

In most cases, no. We handle all court filings, correspondence, and legal procedures on your behalf. The vast majority of surplus claims are resolved administratively without any court appearances. In rare cases where a hearing is required, we'll prepare you and guide you through the process.

We work on a contingency basis — you pay nothing upfront. Our fee is a reasonable percentage of the recovered funds, and we explain this clearly before you sign anything. Unlike some firms that charge 50-65%, we maintain fair rates that allow you to keep the majority of your recovery. Our exact fee depends on case complexity and is always disclosed transparently.

Absolutely not. Our case review is completely free, and you pay nothing until we successfully recover your funds. There are no hidden fees, no surprise charges, and no costs if we're unsuccessful. Our fee structure is explained clearly upfront, and our contracts are written in plain English so you understand exactly what you're agreeing to.

If we don't recover funds for you, you owe us nothing. That's the benefit of contingency-based work — your interests and ours are completely aligned. We only take cases where we believe there's a legitimate path to recovery, and we only get paid when you get paid.