What exactly are surplus funds? +
When your home is sold at a sheriff's auction after foreclosure, the sale price sometimes leaves money after the mortgage lender, back taxes, and court costs are paid. That leftover money is called surplus funds. By law, it belongs to the former homeowner — not the bank or the county.
How much will I receive? +
You keep 75% of the gross surplus funds recovered. Our 25% contingency fee covers everything — the licensed escrow attorney's full fee, court filing fees, service of process, and all other expenses. You will receive a clear disbursement statement before any funds are distributed.
Is this real? +
Yes. Surplus funds are part of the public record. We provide official documents tied to your case, and you can verify everything directly with the county clerk before signing anything.
How do I know you are legitimate? +
Your surplus funds can be verified through official county records. We provide documents showing the surplus amount tied to your case, including the Notice of Tax Deed Surplus when available. You can also verify the case directly with the county clerk before signing anything. Surplus Fund Group LLC is a Florida-registered company, and recovered funds are handled through the proper legal process.
Are there any upfront costs or hidden fees? +
No. You pay nothing to start, nothing during the process, and nothing if we do not recover the funds. All costs are covered within our contingency fee — only if the money is successfully released to you.
Why do you charge 25%? +
The 25% fee covers the licensed attorney's time, all court costs, research, service of process, and the risk we take on the case. It is a standard contingency rate for this type of work and still leaves you with 75% of the recovered funds.
What if you do not recover the funds? +
If the court does not release the surplus for any reason, you owe us nothing. We only get paid when you get paid.
How long does the entire process take? +
It depends on the county and the case. Some claims are released in as little as 30 days, while most fall in the 60 to 90 day range from the day you sign the agreement. A few take longer when the court calendar is backed up or when there are competing claims.
How long do I have to claim surplus funds in Ohio? +
In Ohio, you may have up to 6 years to claim surplus funds. But in reality, waiting can create delays, added paperwork, and complications with your claim. The sooner you start, the easier and faster the process typically is.
What is the role of the escrow attorney? +
The escrow attorney is a fully licensed attorney who works on your behalf. They review the court file, prepare and file the Motion for Distribution, serve notice on any creditors, represent you at any hearing, and disburse your 75% share from a regulated trust account.
Can I file the claim myself? +
Yes, you have the legal right to file the claim yourself. However, the process involves legal paperwork, proper service of documents, and possibly a court hearing. Most people prefer our service to avoid mistakes that could delay or forfeit the claim.
Can heirs or family members claim the surplus? +
Yes. Heirs or the estate representative can claim the funds. We will need probate documents or proper legal paperwork. Our team will walk you through the additional steps, and the attorney assigned to your case will handle the filing.
What if I live out of state? +
No problem. The entire process can be handled by mail, email, and phone. You do not need to travel to any specific location.
Is there a deadline to claim surplus funds? +
Yes. In most states you generally have up to 3 years from the date of the sheriff's sale. After that, funds can be transferred to the state or county and become much harder to recover. We file as quickly as possible.
What happens if I do nothing? +
The funds may eventually be transferred to the county treasurer or become significantly harder to recover. Some are lost permanently. Acting sooner protects your claim.
Why have I not heard about this before? +
Most counties do not actively notify former homeowners in a clear or timely way. Notices are often sent to the old foreclosure address — the one you no longer live at. The funds can sit in court for months or years without anyone telling you.
How do I get started? +
Reply to the text or message you received, or fill out the short form on this website. We will review the case details tied to your property and send you the supporting documents for your records — no obligation to move forward.
