A clear path to recovering your surplus funds
No jargon and no surprises. Here is what surplus funds are and exactly how we help you claim them.
What are surplus funds?
When a property is sold at a foreclosure auction or tax sale, the sale money is first used to pay off the debt, such as the mortgage, unpaid property taxes, and sale costs.
If the property sells for more than what was owed, the extra money is called surplus funds (also known as excess proceeds or overages). In many cases that money belongs to the former owner, or to their heirs if the owner has passed away.
The catch: the money usually isn't sent to you automatically. Someone has to find out it exists, file a claim, and prove they're entitled to it, often before a deadline.
A simple example
A home is sold at auction for $X. The total owed (loan, taxes, and costs) was $Y.
If $X is more than $Y, the difference, $X − $Y, may be surplus funds held by the court or county.
This is an illustration only. Actual amounts, rules, and who is entitled to funds vary by state and case.
Five steps, start to finish
- 1
Case review
You share the property address and a few details. We search court and county records to see whether surplus funds exist, how much may be available, and who may be entitled to claim them. This review is free.
- 2
Agreement
If funds appear to be available, we explain your options, including that you may be able to file on your own. If you choose to work with us, we sign a clear written agreement that states our fee and what we will do.
- 3
We file the claim
We gather the documents needed, such as ID, proof of ownership, and estate papers for heirs, then prepare and file the claim with the correct court or agency.
- 4
Follow-up with the court or agency
We track the claim, respond to requests for more information, and coordinate with a licensed local attorney when a hearing or legal filing is required.
- 5
Funds released
Once the claim is approved, the funds are released according to the court's or agency's process. Our agreed fee is paid only from the recovered amount, and the rest is yours.
How our contingency fee works
We work on a contingency fee. That means:
- No upfront fees and no out-of-pocket costs
- Our fee is an agreed percentage of the funds actually recovered
- We're paid only after the funds are released
- If nothing is recovered, you owe nothing
The exact fee is written in your agreement before any work begins. Some states set limits on recovery fees, and we follow the rules where your claim is filed.
What to expect on timing
Every county and court works at its own pace. As a general guide:
- Case review: usually a few business days
- Gathering documents and filing: often a few weeks, longer for estate or heir claims
- Court or agency processing: commonly a few weeks to several months
Hearings, multiple claimants, or missing records can add time. We'll give you an honest estimate for your case and keep you updated.
Important: ProFund Liberty Group LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. When a claim requires legal representation, we may work with licensed local attorneys. You also have the right to file a claim yourself directly with the court or agency holding the funds, without paying anyone.
Find out if you're owed money
A free, no-obligation claim review. No upfront fees, ever.