Under Georgia law, when a lender forecloses on a mortgage or deed to secure debt, the property is sold at a public auction. If the winning bid exceeds the principal balance, interest, fees, and costs of sale, the remaining money is classified as surplus proceeds.

These funds do not automatically belong to the lender or the foreclosure trustee. Subject to valid claims by junior lienholders, the former property owner or their legal successors may have a right to claim the surplus.