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What to Expect After Your Surplus Funds Are Approved
Understanding the final steps before receiving your excess proceeds Getting the news that your surplus funds claim has been approved is an exciting moment—especially after navigating paperwork, verification, and court reviews. But many homeowners and heirs are surprised to learn that approval is not always the final step. There are still several important stages between approval and actually receiving your funds. Here’s a clear breakdown of what typically happens next, how lo
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Dec 103 min read


Do You Need to Attend a Court Hearing to Claim Surplus Funds?
Understanding when in-person appearances are required—and when they’re not. Recovering surplus funds after a foreclosure can be a confusing process, especially when homeowners or heirs are unsure whether they must attend a court hearing to receive their excess proceeds. While some cases require an in-person or virtual hearing, many do not—it all depends on the county, the complexity of the claim, and whether there are disputes. Here’s everything you need to know about when co
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Dec 33 min read


Surplus Funds and Power of Attorney: What You Should Know
Understanding how POA authority works in foreclosure surplus recovery When a property goes through foreclosure and sells for more than the amount owed, the extra money—called surplus funds—belongs to the former homeowner or their rightful heirs. But what happens if the homeowner is unavailable, incapacitated, out of state, or needs someone to act on their behalf? In these cases, a Power of Attorney (POA) can play an important role. However, not all POAs are the same, and not
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Nov 253 min read


Can a Bankruptcy Trustee Claim Your Surplus Funds?
Surplus funds—also known as excess proceeds—are created when a foreclosed property sells for more than the balance owed on the mortgage or tax debt. These funds rightfully belong to the former homeowner or, in some cases, their heirs. But what happens if the homeowner filed for bankruptcy before or after the foreclosure? Can a bankruptcy trustee legally claim those funds? The answer depends on when bankruptcy was filed, the type of bankruptcy, and whether the surplus funds ar
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Nov 183 min read


Appealing a Denied Surplus Claim: What Are Your Options?
Discovering that your surplus fund claim has been denied can be discouraging—especially when you believe you’re entitled to those funds. But a denial doesn’t always mean the end of the road. In many cases, claimants have the right to appeal or request a reconsideration of their case. Understanding why denials happen and what steps to take next can make all the difference in recovering what’s rightfully yours. Common Reasons Surplus Claims Are Denied Before you can successfull
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Nov 113 min read


Understanding Interpleader Actions in Surplus Fund Cases
When a property is sold at a foreclosure auction and the sale price exceeds the debt owed, the extra money—called surplus funds or excess proceeds—rightfully belongs to the previous owner or other qualified claimants. But sometimes, multiple parties step forward claiming rights to the same funds. That’s where the court steps in with something called an interpleader action. What Is an Interpleader Action? An interpleader action is a legal process used when there are competing
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Nov 52 min read


What Happens If Your Surplus Funds Are Sent to the Wrong Person?
Imagine finding out that your foreclosure surplus funds—money that rightfully belongs to you—were accidentally sent to someone else. It’s a nightmare scenario, but it happens more often than most homeowners realize. Surplus funds can sometimes be misfiled, misdirected, or even claimed by the wrong person, especially when multiple parties are involved or when errors occur in the court or county office. The good news? In most cases, it can be fixed — if you act quickly. How Sur
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Oct 282 min read


The Most Overlooked Step in Surplus Recovery: Following Up with the Court
Filing a surplus funds claim after a foreclosure is a big step toward recovering money that rightfully belongs to you. But many homeowners don’t realize that filing the claim is only half the process. The most overlooked step in surplus recovery — and one of the most important — is following up with the court . Without proper follow-up, even valid claims can sit unresolved for months or get lost in the system entirely. Why Following Up Matters After a foreclosure sale, surplu
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Oct 212 min read


Do Foreclosure Surplus Funds Earn Interest While Held by the Court?
When a property is sold at foreclosure and there’s money left over after paying off the debts, those extra funds—called surplus funds or excess proceeds—are typically held by the court or county until claimed. A common question homeowners have is: 💭 “Does that money earn interest while it’s being held?” The short answer is: it depends. Let’s explore what actually happens to those funds while they wait for the rightful owner to claim them. How Surplus Funds Are Held After a f
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Oct 152 min read


The Role of Title Searches in Surplus Fund Recovery
When it comes to claiming surplus funds after a foreclosure, many homeowners focus on the amount they might receive — but overlook one of...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Oct 82 min read


What Happens to Surplus Funds If You Still Owe HOA or Condo Fees?
When a property goes through foreclosure, the money from the sale is used to pay off the debts tied to the property — like mortgages,...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Sep 302 min read


Free Help is Available: Resources for Michigan Homeowners
If you lost your home to tax foreclosure in Michigan , you may still be entitled to surplus funds —the money left over when your property...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Sep 242 min read


The Role of the Court Clerk in Surplus Fund Claims: What to Expect
When you begin the process of claiming surplus funds after a foreclosure, one of the first offices you’ll interact with is the court...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Sep 162 min read


Important Deadlines You Can’t Miss: Michigan Surplus Claim Timeline
When it comes to claiming surplus funds in Michigan , timing is everything. Even if you qualify for thousands of dollars from a...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Sep 102 min read


What Happens if Multiple Heirs Claim Surplus Funds?
When a homeowner passes away and their property goes through foreclosure, surplus funds may still be available after the sale. But what...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Sep 22 min read


How to Claim Your Surplus Funds in Michigan: Step-by-Step Guide
If your home in Michigan was foreclosed and sold for more than what you owed, you may be entitled to surplus funds —the extra money left...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Sep 12 min read


Can a Municipality Legally Keep Your Surplus Funds?
When a home goes through foreclosure , many former owners assume everything is lost—including the money from the sale. But if the...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Aug 202 min read


Who Qualifies to Claim Surplus Funds in Michigan?
If your property was sold in a tax foreclosure in Michigan, you may be entitled to surplus funds —the extra money left over after the...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Aug 132 min read


Can You Reopen a Foreclosure Case to Claim Surplus Funds?
After a foreclosure, many former property owners are surprised to learn they may be entitled to surplus funds—the leftover money from a...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Aug 53 min read


Surplus Funds in Michigan: Are You Owed Money After a Foreclosure?
If you lost your home in a tax foreclosure in Michigan in recent years, you may be entitled to surplus funds —and the deadline to claim...
Hazel Karen Nicolas Gonzales
Jul 303 min read
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