Your Property Was Sold. Could Money Still Be Owed to You?
A foreclosure or tax sale does not always mean all your equity is gone. There may be surplus funds available to claim. REI Help Center helps former homeowners and heirs investigate potential funds and understand the steps toward recovery.
Your initial consultation is free, confidential and comes with no obligation.
No upfront cost. We only get paid following a successful recovery under your written agreement.
What Happens to Surplus Funds After Foreclosure?
When a property is sold at foreclosure or a tax sale for more than the amount required to satisfy the applicable debt, costs and other permitted charges, the remaining money may constitute surplus funds.
Surplus funds generally arise from two types of sales in Georgia:
Mortgage Foreclosure
When a lender forecloses on a property because of unpaid mortgage debt, the sale proceeds are applied toward the outstanding mortgage balance and applicable costs. Any remaining funds may be available to the former property owner or other legally entitled parties, subject to applicable claims and priorities.
Tax Foreclosure / Tax Sale
When a property is sold because of unpaid property taxes, the proceeds are applied toward the taxes, penalties, interest and permitted costs. Any excess funds may be claimed by eligible parties, including former owners, heirs or lienholders, depending on their legal rights and priority.
In either situation, surplus funds are not necessarily distributed automatically. Establishing who is entitled to receive them will require documentation, verification of ownership or inheritance rights, and sometimes legal proceedings.
Who Is Entitled to Surplus Funds?
Former Property Owners, Families and Heirs
Former property owners may be entitled to surplus funds following a mortgage foreclosure or tax sale. If the former owner has died, surviving family members or heirs may also have a claim, depending on inheritance rights, estate administration and other legal considerations.
Other Potential Claimants
Other parties may also have a legal claim, including lienholders and creditors. Who is entitled to receive the funds depends on the circumstances of the foreclosure or tax sale, any outstanding claims and applicable Georgia law.
Why You May Get a Surprise Phone Call
You may receive an unexpected call or letter because public records suggest surplus funds could be available. That does not guarantee entitlement; your identity and claim must be verified.
What Happens After We Connect
Verify Identity and Eligibility
We confirm we're speaking with the correct person or people, establish their relationship to the former property owner, and review the available information to determine whether a valid potential claim exists.
Complete Engagement and Claim Documents
Once we're ready to proceed, we arrange for the necessary engagement agreements and claim documents to be completed and signed, typically using a mobile notary for convenience.
Submit and Manage Your Claim
We prepare and submit the claim, coordinate with attorneys when necessary, and follow up with the appropriate parties, including financial institutions, foreclosure or closing attorneys, courts and government agencies, as applicable. Throughout the process, we commit to providing weekly progress updates so you remain informed.
Recover Your Surplus Funds
Once the claim is approved and funds are recovered, we reconcile agreed fees and expenses, provide a clear accounting, and arrange for the remaining funds to be distributed to the rightful claimant or claimants. REI Help Center only gets paid when you get paid. If your claim is unsuccessful, you owe us nothing.
No Upfront Cost. A Fee Agreed in Advance.
REI Help Center works on a contingency-fee basis. Our compensation depends on successfully recovering your surplus funds. There are no upfront fees, and our fee is agreed upon in writing before we begin.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you owe us nothing. We only get paid when you get paid, following the successful recovery of your surplus funds.
REI Help Center is an independent business, not a government agency or law firm. Legal advice and representation are provided by independent attorneys where required.
Surplus Funds - Case Studies
These illustrative examples are based on real cases. Names and certain details have been changed to protect privacy.
Mary — The Tax Sale Surprise
After losing her property through a tax sale, Mary discovered that surplus funds remained. She successfully recovered money she hadn't realized she was entitled to receive.
Read Mary's story →
Kenny — Inheriting More Than Memories
Following his father's death and the loss of the family property, Kenny learned that surplus funds were available. After establishing his entitlement, he successfully recovered the money.
Read Kenny's story →
Naomi — Life After Foreclosure
Years after losing her home to foreclosure, Naomi discovered that she was entitled to surplus funds. Her successful recovery provided an unexpected financial fresh start.
Read Naomi's story →Your Surplus Funds Questions
Who Is Entitled to Surplus Funds?
Surplus funds generally belong to the former property owner, but other parties may also have a legal claim, including lienholders, creditors or heirs of a deceased owner. Who is entitled to receive the funds depends on the circumstances of the foreclosure or tax sale, any outstanding claims and applicable Georgia law. REI Help Center can help determine whether you may be eligible to recover these funds and guide you through the claims process.
How Did REI Help Center Find Me?
REI Help Center researches publicly available records, including foreclosure sales, tax sales and property ownership records, to identify situations where surplus funds may be available. If we contacted you, it's because our research suggests you may have a potential claim to funds that have not yet been recovered. Our goal is to help you understand whether you're entitled to those funds and explain how we may be able to assist with the recovery process.
How Can I Verify the Funds and Know This Is Legitimate?
Surplus funds arise when a property is sold at foreclosure or a tax sale and the proceeds exceed the amounts required to satisfy certain debts, costs and other obligations. These funds are real and may be held by a court, government agency, foreclosure attorney or other authorized party. REI Help Center researches potential claims using publicly available records and works to verify the existence of funds and the eligibility of potential claimants. We'll explain our findings, answer your questions and provide a written agreement outlining our services and fees before you make any commitment.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
The time required to recover surplus funds varies depending on the circumstances of each claim, where the funds are held and whether court approval or additional documentation is required. Typically, the recovery process takes around 90 days, although some claims may be resolved sooner, while more complicated cases can take longer. REI Help Center will explain the process, keep you informed of progress and work to recover your funds as efficiently as possible.
What Does REI Help Center Charge?
REI Help Center works on a contingency-fee basis, meaning our compensation depends on successfully recovering your surplus funds. There are no upfront fees, and our fee is agreed upon in writing before we begin the recovery process. If your claim is unsuccessful, you owe us nothing. We only get paid when you get paid, following the successful recovery of your surplus funds.
When Is an Attorney Needed?
Some surplus funds claims require legal assistance, particularly when court filings, competing claims or other legal issues are involved. When an attorney is needed, REI Help Center coordinates with an independent Georgia-licensed attorney to assist with the claim. Under our standard arrangement, attorney compensation is included within our agreed contingency fee, with no additional attorney fees charged to you. In particularly complex cases requiring a different arrangement, any additional costs or fees would be explained and agreed upon in writing before proceeding. As always, REI Help Center only gets paid when you get paid.
Could Surplus Funds Be Owed to You?
If your property was sold, or we have contacted you about a potential claim, start with a free, confidential conversation. We'll help you understand the information available and the next steps.
If it was your equity, you deserve that money. Let’s see together if you have a valid claim.