A homestead declaration protects your home's equity from both to forced and voluntary sales of the property. Exempt proceeds from a voluntary sale are protected if another home is purchased within 6 months.
Documents are recorded within two (2) business days of receipt of the document. The average turnaround time for a document submitted for recording is 30 days.
If you own and occupy your home as your principal place of residence on January 1, you may apply for an exemption of $7,000 off your assessed value for an annual savings of approximately $70 on your property taxes. New property owners will automatically receive an exemption application.
Declaration of Homestead – A document recorded by either a homeowner or head of household on his primary residence to protect his home from forced sale in satisfaction of certain types of creditors' claims. Decree of Distribution – Evidences the distribution of real property from the estate of a deceased person.
You must occupy the dwelling as your principal residence as of January 1 of each year to qualify for the Homeowners' Exemption for that year.