Frequently asked questions

Agencies are usually required to notify you by mail. Often the address on file is the property involved in the foreclosure, so notices may not reach you. Outreach can also be easy to miss. That's why Hope Recovery Outreach focuses on clear, direct communication—so you understand what you're entitled to and what happens next.

We'll usually be able to give you a ballpark amount on our first call. We won't know an exact amount until a few weeks into the process but we will communicate with you every step of the way.

Absolutely nothing. We cover all up front costs and put in the time and energy to get this done on your behalf. Hope Recovery Outreach receives a portion of the total amount due but only once we've gotten everything finished.

We review public records and foreclosure-related filings to identify situations where surplus funds may exist and who may be entitled to them. We only reach out when our research suggests a strong likelihood that funds are owed—then we explain what we've found in plain language.

Start on our contact page: send a short message with your name and how to reach you. If we already have context on your situation, we can often move quickly into discovery and next steps. If not, we'll tell you honestly what we need to help.

Claiming these funds is a legal process. Typically, from start to finish it will take approximately 4-6 months depending on your situation.

We're a mission-driven nonprofit. When recovery succeeds, sustainable program support can come from a portion of proceeds—aligned with agreements you review and sign—so we can keep helping more families. You won't be surprised by fees; we explain everything before you commit.

You either claim your money or it's gone. We charge you nothing up front, and you will not be asked to pay anything throughout the process.

No. Many people attempt to claim on their own, but quickly realize the costs and processes are overwhelming. Almost everyone who attempts to claim on their own comes back to us for help. We've got the systems in place and the attorneys on staff ready to help.