How to Build a Profitable Business Helping People Reclaim Lost Foreclosure Funds

Have you ever dreamed of owning a business that actually makes a difference while still generating serious income?

It might sound too good to be true, but in this episode of The Money Ripples Podcast, I sat down with attorney and entrepreneur Bob Diamond, who’s doing exactly that. Bob introduced me to a business model I hadn’t explored in this much depth before: overages.

And I have to tell you it’s powerful.

What Is the Overages Business?

Imagine this: someone loses their home to a tax or mortgage foreclosure. As unfortunate as that is, it happens every single day in the U.S. around 4,800 times per day, in fact.

Now here’s what most people don’t know: when those properties are sold at auction, they often sell for more than what’s owed. Let’s say a homeowner owed $50,000 in back taxes, but the home sells for $300,000. The county keeps the $50K, but what happens to the remaining $250,000?

Most people assume it’s gone forever. But legally, that money still belongs to the homeowner.

And that’s where the overages business begins.

Helping People Reclaim What’s Rightfully Theirs

Bob’s business and the business he teaches others to run involves identifying these unclaimed funds, locating the former homeowners, and helping them file a claim to get their money back. The best part? It’s a win-win model. The homeowner gets money they had no idea they were owed, and you the overages business owner get paid a percentage if the claim is successful.

No upfront cost to the homeowner. No risk to them. And a clear, simple value proposition.

Honestly, it’s one of the most mission-driven business models I’ve come across. You’re helping real people many of whom are in the lowest moments of their lives get back on their feet. And you’re building a sustainable income while you do it.

Why This Model Works So Well Right Now

One of the things Bob and I talked about is how housing prices have doubled in the last 6 years. That means many of these foreclosed properties have significant equity, and the surplus funds available are larger than ever.

Even though foreclosure rates are “lower” right now, 4,800 per day is no small number. And those surplus funds pile up for up to three years before they’re forfeited to the government. That’s millions of dollars just sitting there, waiting to be claimed.

And here’s the kicker: 72% of these overages go unclaimed. That’s money that could change someone’s life money they never even knew existed.

Who Is This Business For?

You don’t need to be an attorney or have a background in real estate to do this. According to Bob, there are three types of people who thrive in this space:

• Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs – If helping people lights you up, this will feel like meaningful work.

• Experienced Sales Pros – If you’re great at talking to people and building trust, that’s 80% of the job.

• Business Builders – If you’re ready to build a system with a team and grow something sustainable, this can scale.

It’s not totally passive this isn’t a crypto coin or a stock pick but it can become semi-passive once you build your team. Bob himself has built his business to a point where it runs without him needing to be involved day-to-day. When he broke his leg and couldn’t work for two weeks? His team kept things moving, checks kept coming in.

That’s what real business ownership looks like.

Supreme Court Backing & Legal Protection

Another important piece? This model is legally sound. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Tyler v. Hennepin County that former homeowners are entitled to the overage funds left over after a foreclosure. The court made it clear: there must be a way for those funds to be claimed.

It’s not just a loophole it’s your legal right to help these folks get what’s theirs.

Want to Learn More?

If this sounds intriguing, Bob put together a free presentation that goes deep into how the business works, the exact process of finding leads, contacting people, and making claims and whether or not it’s right for you.

👉 Visit BobDiamond.link/Chris to check it out. (No charge, no pitch fest. Just real info.)

I always talk about creating ripple effects in the world, and this is one way to do it. You’re not just creating cash flow you’re giving people a fresh start.

In my book, that’s worth a lot.