First go back and read the questions on lienholders, many times the mortgage is “wiped out” in the tax sale foreclosure process. If the mortgage holder is not wiped out, they fail to respond to the noticing thus the homeowner gets the overage.
If a judge decides to re-notice we have ways to challenge the mortgage holder to produce the documents PROVOING they are owed the money. Most of the time they CANNOT prove it and they have to go away with their tail tucked between their legs or settle with you.
Also, many properties that go to tax sale are free and clear of mortgages – otherwise mortgage companies would pay the taxes to keep from being divested from the property.