In some situations, a property may sell for more than the amounts that must be paid from the sale proceeds. Former owners or other eligible parties may have a potential claim to remaining funds—but availability, eligibility, procedures, and deadlines depend on the circumstances.
When a property is sold through certain foreclosure processes, the sale proceeds are first used to satisfy the debts and costs associated with the property. If anything remains after those amounts are paid, those remaining funds may be available to former owners or other parties who have a legal claim to them.
This is a general explanation, not a guarantee. Whether any funds actually remain—and who is legally entitled to them—depends entirely on the specific sale, the amounts owed, and the applicable law.
It is important to distinguish between two types of foreclosure-related proceeds in Michigan:
Related to a foreclosure on a mortgage or other lien. After the secured debt and foreclosure costs are paid, remaining proceeds may be held for former owners or other claimants.
Related to a county tax foreclosure. After delinquent taxes, fees, and related costs are satisfied, a former owner may have a possible claim to remaining proceeds.
These are different processes with potentially different notices, procedures, claimant requirements, and deadlines. Understanding which type of sale occurred is an important first step.
Many former owners never receive clear notice that a potential claim exists. Processes can be complex, notices may be easy to overlook, and the timeline for claiming funds can be limited. As a result, some people never become aware that remaining proceeds from a foreclosure sale may belong to them.
If you believe funds may exist, the following information can help with an investigation:
Claiming potential surplus funds is time-sensitive. The applicable process may require specific filing steps within a defined deadline. Missing a deadline can affect a claimant's ability to recover funds. Understanding your notice, your deadline, and the correct process is essential—and may require legal review.
Whether any person is eligible to claim funds is determined by the specific law and the particular circumstances of the sale. Factors such as lien priorities, notice requirements, and statutory deadlines all play a role. Because this can be legally complex, professional review is strongly recommended before making any decision.
Where money may be involved, bad actors sometimes try to take advantage. Recognize the warning signs before acting.
Guaranteed recovery promises. No one can legitimately guarantee that you will recover funds.
Unexplained upfront fees before any service is performed or results provided.
Pressure to sign unfamiliar documents before you understand them or have them reviewed.
Anyone offering recovery assistance who you have not verified. Always confirm who you are working with.
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Disclaimer: Maverick Integrity Group does not guarantee that funds exist, that any person is eligible to receive funds, or that recovery will be successful. MIG is not a law firm or government agency. Information provided is general education and is not legal, tax, or financial advice.
We are not a law firm, government agency, or court. We do not guarantee outcomes. But we may help by doing the following:
Reviewing the details you provide to help understand what kind of sale may have occurred.
Helping identify and locate relevant records and notices that may apply to your case.
Helping you gather and organize the information commonly needed for further review.
Helping you understand the possible paths forward and connect with appropriate professionals when needed.