Understanding surplus funds

Surplus funds are the excess money remaining after a foreclosure sale when the property sells for more than the total debt owed. These funds legally belong to the former property owner, not the lender or county. Surplus funds can also arise from tax sales, where a county sells a property due to unpaid property taxes or liens. If the sale generates more than what was owed in taxes and fees, the remaining balance is still rightfully yours — and many property owners never know to claim it.

Time limits vary by state, typically ranging from 90 days to 10 years. However, we recommend filing your claim as soon as possible to avoid complications and ensure you receive your funds promptly. Every state has its own procedures, required documentation, and filing deadlines — and the longer you wait, the more complicated the process can become. In many cases, interest and fees continue to accumulate over time, which can reduce the amount you ultimately recover. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of a smooth, successful claim.

To get started, all you need to do is contact us with a copy of your government-issued ID. From there, we handle everything — communicating directly with the county, trustees, and any relevant parties on your behalf. We take care of identifying and gathering the required documentation so you don't have to navigate the process alone.

We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid when you successfully recover your funds. Our fee is a percentage of the recovered amount, agreed upon before we begin work on your case. There are no hidden fees, no upfront costs, and no out-of-pocket expenses at any point in the process. If we don't recover your funds, you owe us nothing. This model ensures that our interests are fully aligned with yours — we are just as motivated as you are to get the best possible outcome for your case.

The timeline varies depending on the state and complexity of the case. Every state has its own procedures and processing times — some states can close a claim in under 30 days, while others can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to fully recover the funds. On average, most cases are resolved within 30 days to 6 months from initial filing. Regardless of your state, we keep you informed and updated throughout every step of the process so you are never left wondering where things stand.

Yes, you can file a claim independently. However, the process involves complex legal procedures, strict deadlines, and detailed documentation requirements. Our expertise helps ensure your claim is filed correctly and efficiently. When you work with Nomadic Recoveries, you also gain access to our established network of attorneys who specialize in surplus funds recovery. Having legal professionals in your corner not only strengthens your claim but can significantly speed up the timeline — helping you get your money faster and with far less stress.