If you've experienced a foreclosure, there's a chance you have money waiting for you that you don't even know about. Surplus funds from foreclosure sales often go unclaimed simply because former homeowners don't know they exist or don't know how to find them.

This guide will walk you through the process of checking whether you have unclaimed foreclosure money and what steps to take to recover it.

Family discovering unclaimed funds

Many families discover they have money waiting for them after foreclosure

What Information You'll Need

Before you start your search, gather the following information:

  • Property address: The full address of the foreclosed property
  • Approximate foreclosure date: When the property was sold at auction
  • County and state: Where the property was located
  • Your identification: Driver's license, Social Security number
  • Proof of ownership: Old mortgage statements, deed, or tax records

Tip: Even if you don't have all these documents, you can still search for surplus funds. The county will have records of the foreclosure sale.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Funds

Step 1: Contact the County Clerk or Treasurer's Office

The county where your property was located holds surplus funds from foreclosure sales. Contact the County Clerk, Treasurer, or Tax Collector's office and ask about:

  • Surplus funds from the foreclosure sale of your property
  • The process for checking if funds are available
  • Any deadlines for claiming the funds

Step 2: Check the County's Online Records

Many counties now have online databases where you can search for:

  • Foreclosure sale records
  • Surplus fund listings
  • Unclaimed property databases

Search for your property address or your name in these databases.

Step 3: Search State Unclaimed Property Databases

If surplus funds go unclaimed for a certain period, they may be transferred to the state's unclaimed property division. Check your state's unclaimed property website:

  • Visit MissingMoney.com — a multi-state search tool
  • Search your state's specific unclaimed property website
  • Search under your name and any previous names
Professional helping with surplus funds claim

Working with a professional can help navigate the complex claims process

Step 4: Review Your Foreclosure Documents

If you still have paperwork from your foreclosure, look for:

  • The final sale price at auction
  • The amount owed on your mortgage
  • Any notices about surplus funds
  • Contact information for the trustee or attorney who handled the sale

Step 5: Contact the Foreclosing Entity

Reach out to whoever conducted the foreclosure:

  • Bank foreclosure: Contact the bank's loss mitigation department
  • Tax sale: Contact the county tax collector
  • HOA foreclosure: Contact the HOA or their attorney

Where Surplus Funds Are Typically Held

Depending on your state and the type of foreclosure, surplus funds may be held by:

  • County Clerk's Office: Most common for judicial foreclosures
  • County Treasurer: Often holds tax sale surplus funds
  • Court Registry: Funds may be deposited with the court
  • State Unclaimed Property: If funds go unclaimed past the deadline
  • Foreclosure Trustee: In non-judicial foreclosure states

Common Challenges in Finding Surplus Funds

Records Under Different Names

If you've changed your name (marriage, divorce), search under all names you've used. The property records may be under a previous name.

Multiple Owners

If the property had multiple owners (spouse, family member), all parties may need to be involved in the claim, or you may only be entitled to a portion.

Moved Multiple Times

Notices about surplus funds are often sent to the foreclosed property address. If you've moved, you may have missed important notifications.

Time Has Passed

If your foreclosure happened years ago, the funds may have been transferred to the state's unclaimed property division. They're still recoverable, but the process may be different.

Red Flags to Watch For

Unfortunately, surplus fund scams exist. Be cautious of:

  • Upfront fees: Legitimate recovery services work on contingency
  • Pressure tactics: Scammers create false urgency
  • Requests for banking info: Never give account access to recover funds
  • Guaranteed amounts: No one can guarantee a specific recovery amount

Important: Legitimate surplus fund recovery services never charge upfront fees. They work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you successfully recover funds.

When to Get Professional Help

Consider working with a surplus fund recovery specialist if:

  • You're having trouble locating your funds
  • The claim process is complex or confusing
  • There are competing claims on the funds
  • You don't have time to navigate the bureaucracy
  • The foreclosure happened in a different state

Professional recovery services handle all the research, paperwork, and communication with government agencies on your behalf.

Need Help Finding Your Surplus Funds?

We'll research your foreclosure and determine if you have money waiting. Free consultation, no upfront fees.

Get Your Free Consultation

The Bottom Line

Checking for unclaimed foreclosure money is worth the effort. While the process can be time-consuming, the potential payoff — recovering thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars — makes it worthwhile.

Start with your county's records, expand to state databases, and don't hesitate to ask for help if the process becomes overwhelming. Your surplus funds won't find you — you have to take action to claim what's rightfully yours.