Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Is this a scam? Why haven't I heard about this money?

Accepted Answer

Surplus funds (also called excess proceeds) are a legal reality. When a property is sold for more than the debt owed, the remaining money belongs to the former owner. Government agencies are not legally required to notify you. If the money is not claimed within a specified window (usually 1–2 years), the government may retain it permanently.

Question 2

Is it legal for a private company to help me with this?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We operate under specific state statutes including Michigan MCL 211.78t, Arizona A.R.S. § 33-812 and A.R.S. § 42-18204, and Ohio Section 131.44. Our role is to provide the professional Notice of Intent and Motion for Distribution required by the courts to release the funds.

Question 3

What are surplus funds?

Accepted Answer

Surplus funds (also called excess proceeds) are the money left over after a foreclosure or tax deed sale pays off the property's outstanding debts, including the mortgage balance, taxes, and legal fees. The former property owner or their heirs are typically entitled to receive these remaining funds.

Question 4

How much does it cost to use your services?

Accepted Answer

We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fee is a percentage of the surplus funds we successfully recover for you. If we don't recover anything, you owe nothing.

Question 5

How long does the recovery process take?

Accepted Answer

The research and filing phase typically takes 2–4 weeks, while disbursement after an approved claim can take anywhere from 30 to 90 additional days.

Question 6

Can heirs claim surplus funds if the original owner has passed away?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Heirs of deceased property owners can often claim surplus funds, provided they can establish their legal entitlement to the estate. This may involve probate proceedings or other documentation.

Question 7

Is there a deadline to claim surplus funds?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most states have statutes of limitations on surplus fund claims, ranging from 1 to 5 years. In some cases, unclaimed funds are eventually forfeited to the government. Act quickly when you discover you may have a claim.

Question 8

Do I need to be in the same state as the property to file a claim?

Accepted Answer

No. We handle claims nationwide and can manage the entire process remotely. We coordinate with local courts and agencies on your behalf.

Question 9

What information do I need to get started?

Accepted Answer

It's helpful to have the property address, the approximate date of the sale, and any documents related to the foreclosure or tax sale. However, even without all this information, we can often locate it through public records research.

Question 10

What is the difference between a foreclosure sale and a tax deed sale?

Accepted Answer

A foreclosure sale occurs when a lender forecloses on a property due to mortgage default. A tax deed sale happens when a government entity sells a property to recover unpaid property taxes. Both can generate surplus funds if the sale price exceeds the debt owed.

Question 11

How do I know if there are surplus funds from my property?

Accepted Answer

If your property was sold at a foreclosure or tax deed sale and the sale price was higher than the total amount owed, there may be surplus funds. Our team can research public county records on your behalf to determine whether surplus funds exist and if you have a valid claim.

Question 12

Are surplus funds the same as escrow refunds?

Accepted Answer

No. Escrow refunds come from your mortgage escrow account. Surplus funds are the proceeds remaining after a forced property sale (foreclosure or tax deed auction) exceeds all debts owed on the property. These are two completely separate types of funds.