Surplus Funds Recovery in California
If your property was foreclosed in California and sold at auction for more than what was owed, you may be entitled to the surplus. Most former homeowners never find out this money exists.
California gives only 90 days after the trustee sale to claim surplus funds. This is one of the tighter deadlines — act quickly.
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Check My Eligibility FreeHow Surplus Funds Work in California
California uses non-judicial (deed of trust) foreclosure. This means foreclosures can happen outside the court system, often moving faster than judicial states.
Under California Civil Code § 2924k, when a foreclosed property sells at auction for more than the outstanding debt (including mortgage, liens, fees, and costs), the excess amount — known as surplus funds — legally belongs to the former property owner.
California property values are among the highest in the nation, which means surplus funds from foreclosure sales tend to be larger. However, the 90-day deadline is strict. The trustee is required to send notice to the former owner, but these often go to the foreclosed address.
How to File a Surplus Funds Claim in California
Contact the trustee who conducted the sale (listed on the deed of trust)
Submit a written claim to the trustee within 90 days of the sale
Provide proof of identity and evidence of entitlement
If no competing claims, the trustee disburses directly
If disputed, the trustee deposits funds with the court for resolution
Sounds complicated? We handle all of this for you. Our team researches your case, prepares the paperwork, and works with licensed attorneys in California to file your claim. You only pay when we recover your funds.
Top California Counties for Surplus Funds
These California counties have the highest foreclosure volumes and are most likely to have unclaimed surplus funds:
Frequently Asked Questions — California
California allows 90 days to file a claim for surplus funds from a foreclosure sale. After this deadline, funds may be permanently forfeited or transferred to the state unclaimed property division.
Surplus amounts in California typically range from $15,000–$60,000, depending on the property value, auction price, and outstanding debt. Some cases can be significantly higher.
Yes, you can file yourself. The process involves contacting the trustee or county, providing proof of ownership and identity, and navigating the legal requirements under California Civil Code § 2924k. Many claims are denied due to paperwork errors, which is why most people work with a recovery service.
We work on a contingency basis — no upfront fees. Our standard fee is 25% of the recovered amount. If you use our self-service portal, you save an additional 5%. If we don't recover anything, you owe nothing.
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