Client stories · 2026
Real Client Stories: Recovering $50K+ in Excess Proceeds
January 25, 2026
Many California homeowners and heirs don't realize that after a foreclosure or tax sale, surplus funds (excess proceeds) may be waiting for them. Here are real client stories—names and details changed for privacy—of people who recovered $50,000 or more in excess proceeds with SurplusCheck. No recovery, no fee.
James T. – San Diego County, $67,000 recovered
James had lost his home in a trustee sale several years earlier. He assumed the bank kept everything. When he heard about surplus funds, he was skeptical. He submitted his property and sale information for our free search. We confirmed that excess proceeds were still held by the county and that he was an entitled party. We filed the claim and handled all follow-up. James received 75% of the recovered amount—over $50,000 after our 25% fee. "I had no idea this money existed," he said. "Professional from start to finish."
Maria R. – Los Angeles County, $52,000 recovered
Maria had received a notice about surplus funds but didn't understand the process and was afraid of missing a deadline. She contacted us for a free review. We verified that funds were available and that she qualified as the former owner. We completed the county's forms and filed the claim. Maria signed only what was necessary; we did the rest. When the county released the funds, she received her share. "They found surplus I didn't know I had. The process was clear and I got my funds."
David M. – Alameda County, $58,000 recovered (heir)
After David's mother passed away, the family learned that a property she had owned had been sold at a tax sale years before and that excess proceeds might still be available. David wasn't sure how to claim as an heir. We guided him through the required documentation (death certificate and estate paperwork) and filed the claim with Alameda County. The claim was approved and the family recovered a significant amount. "After my mother passed, we learned there were surplus funds. SurplusCheck helped us file the claim and we received a significant recovery."
Robert H. – Sacramento County, $42,000 recovered
Robert had gone through a foreclosure and assumed he had no right to any money. A friend suggested he check for surplus funds. He used our free search; we found that the sale had produced excess proceeds and that he was eligible to claim. We filed with the county and followed up until the funds were released. Robert received 75% after our 25% fee. "Recovered $42,000 in surplus funds. The 25% fee was fair given they did all the work. Highly recommend."
Linda K. – Orange County, $38,000 recovered
Linda had lost her home in a trustee sale and thought she would never see a dime. She submitted her details for our free review. We confirmed that surplus was available and that she was the former owner. We handled the paperwork and county follow-up. Linda received her share when the county released the funds. "Worth it. They handled all the county paperwork and kept me updated. I had no idea I could still claim after a foreclosure."
Could you have surplus funds waiting?
If your property was sold at a foreclosure or tax sale in California and the sale price exceeded the amount owed, excess proceeds may be available. Start with a free search—we'll tell you whether funds may be available and guide you through the process. No recovery, no fee.