What exactly is a “surplus” or “overage”?
When a property is sold at a foreclosure or tax deed auction for more than the amount owed on it (the mortgage, taxes, and any fees), the extra money is called a surplus or overage. By law, that money is supposed to go back to the former owner — but it often sits unclaimed because no one told them it existed, or the deadline to claim it is short and easy to miss.
What happens to the money if I don’t claim it?
If no claim is filed before the deadline, the funds don’t just disappear — they get turned over to the state or county, where they become part of general public funds. Nobody comes looking for you to make sure you get your share; the money simply stays with the government instead of coming back to you. There’s no reason to let that happen when filing a claim — whether with our help or on your own — is what keeps it yours.
Will outstanding liens reduce how much I get?
Possibly. Before surplus funds are released to a former owner or heir, most counties require any outstanding liens on the property — things like a second mortgage, an HOA lien, a code enforcement fine, or a judgment — to be paid off first. So the amount you actually receive can be less than the total surplus if liens are attached to the property. Here’s the irony: when someone claims the money, those liens get paid. But if nobody ever claims it and the state or county just keeps the surplus instead, those same liens usually never get paid at all — the government isn’t in any hurry to settle debts with money it never had to give up.
How did you find me / get my information?
We research public county and court records to identify properties that generated surplus funds, then use public-record lookup tools — the same kind of research many ordinary businesses use to verify who they’re doing business with — to find current contact information for the former owner.
Is this a scam?
No — the money is real, it’s sitting with a county clerk or court, and it’s legally yours to claim. What’s true across this industry, and worth being upfront about, is that you don’t need us to get it: you’re always free to contact the county or court directly and file the claim yourself at no cost. We’re a paid option for people who’d rather not deal with the paperwork, deadlines, and back-and-forth themselves.
Can I just do this myself instead of paying you?
Yes. You can contact the clerk of court or county office handling your property’s sale, ask about surplus or overage funds, and file the claim yourself for free. If you’d like help — tracking deadlines, preparing the paperwork, and handling communication with the county — that’s what we offer, and we only get paid if you do.
What does it cost to work with you?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning our fee comes out of the funds recovered, and only if funds are recovered. You’ll see the exact fee in writing before you sign anything, with no surprises.
How long will it take to get my money?
It depends on the county and the type of sale, and whether anyone else has a claim on the same funds. We’ll give you a realistic estimate for your specific case once we start working on it.
What if I don’t want to move forward?
That’s entirely your call, no pressure. Reaching out to check doesn’t obligate you to anything.