The Foreclosure Focus

Foreclosure doesn’t always mean financial devastation. In many cases, homeowners are owed thousands in leftover proceeds — known as surplus funds — and this little-known resource can help families rebuild.

After a foreclosure sale, many former property owners don’t realize they may be entitled to surplus funds — the money left over after the mortgage and associated debts are paid. This press...

After foreclosure, former owners or tenants may remain in the property. New owners — whether investors or banks — must follow state-specific eviction laws, which vary from weeks to months. Some occupants...

When someone dies without a will or trust, their property often enters probate — a court process that distributes assets to heirs. These homes can remain stuck for months or years. For...

After a sheriff sale — typically the final step in foreclosure — the winning bidder becomes the new owner pending court confirmation. The previous owner may still have time to redeem the...

Foreclosure auctions can offer homes at discounted prices, but they’re not for the faint of heart. Often sold “as-is,” these homes may be occupied, damaged, or carry hidden debts. Cash is typically...

Before buying a distressed property, it’s crucial to check for liens, judgments, or unpaid debts tied to the property. These can include unpaid taxes, code violations, HOA fees, or child support liens....

Tax deed sales occur when property owners fail to pay property taxes. After a certain period, local governments auction off the property to recover the unpaid taxes. Buyers receive a deed to...

In some foreclosure sales, properties sell for more than the debt owed. The difference is called surplus funds, and former homeowners (or their heirs) may be entitled to claim that money. These...