Owner GuardianSurplus funds & excess proceeds assistance
Money from a past property sale may still belong to you.
When a home or land is sold at a tax sale or foreclosure for more than was owed, the leftover money is held for the former owner or their family. Owner Guardian helps you find out if it exists, and handles the paperwork to claim it before the deadline passes.
No upfront cost. No obligation. You can always claim directly from the county for free.
What are surplus funds?
Counties sell properties to collect unpaid property taxes, and lenders foreclose on unpaid mortgages. If the winning bid is higher than the amount owed plus costs, the difference is called surplus funds or excess proceeds. That money does not go to the county or the bank to keep. It is held for the people with a legal right to it, usually the former owner, or their heirs if the owner has passed away.
Many people never hear about it. Notices go to old addresses, families do not know a relative owned property, and claim deadlines quietly pass. Read our plain-English guide.
How it works
We find the funds
We review public tax-sale and foreclosure records and county excess-proceeds lists to identify money held for former owners.
We reach out and explain
We contact you, tell you which county or court holds the money, and show you how to confirm it yourself.
You decide, in writing
If you would like our help, you review a clear written agreement with our fee stated up front. No pressure, and nothing to pay now.
We prepare and follow up
We gather documents, prepare the claim, track deadlines, and follow up with the county. Payment is issued by the county or court.
Why people choose a professional
Anyone can file. But claims are often rejected or delayed for small mistakes, and some deadlines cannot be extended.
Strict deadlines
In California, tax-sale claims generally must be filed within one year of the tax deed recording. Minnesota counties set their own claim windows. Late claims can be lost for good.
Paperwork and proof
Claims often need notarized forms, proof of identity, recorded deeds, and proof of ownership at the time of sale.
Heirs and estates
If the owner has died, heirs may need death certificates, family records, and sometimes probate or affidavit documents.
Finding records
Old deeds, trust documents, and recorder filings can be scattered across offices and years.
Liens and competing claims
Lienholders may also claim the funds. Understanding priority helps you know what you may actually receive.
Your time
We handle the phone calls, forms, and follow-up so you can focus on your life and your family.
Clear, honest fees
$0 upfront
No retainer, no application fee, no cost to ask questions.
Contingency only
Our fee is a percentage of the funds actually paid to you. If nothing is recovered, you owe nothing.
Disclosed before you sign
The exact percentage and the amount held are written in the agreement. Where state law limits fees, we follow it.
Common questions
What are surplus funds or excess proceeds?
When a property is sold at a tax sale or foreclosure auction for more than the taxes, debt, and costs owed, the leftover money is called surplus funds or excess proceeds. It is generally held by the county or court for the former owner, lienholders, or heirs, who must file a claim to receive it.
Is this a scam?
It is a fair question, and you should ask it. Surplus funds are real and are published in public records. You never have to trust us: you can call the county treasurer-tax collector or court clerk yourself, confirm the funds exist, and even file the claim yourself for free. We never ask for upfront payment, bank logins, or Social Security numbers by email.
Can I claim the money myself without you?
Yes. You can file a claim directly with the county or court at no cost. California law specifically requires that agreements for surplus-fund services disclose this. We are an optional service for people who want help.
How much do you charge?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency: our fee is a percentage of the funds actually recovered, stated clearly in a written agreement you review before signing. If no money is recovered, you owe us nothing. Some states cap or restrict these fees, and we follow those limits.
How did you find me?
Tax-sale and foreclosure results, along with lists of unclaimed excess proceeds, are public records. We review those lists and use public and commercially available records to locate the former owner or their family.
How long does it take?
It depends on the county or court. Many county claims take a few months after filing to be reviewed and paid; court-supervised foreclosure surplus can take longer if a hearing is needed. We will tell you what we know about your specific case.
Ask if you may be owed
Tell us a little about the property. We will reply by email, usually within one to two business days. Sending this form does not create any obligation.