It does protect your home's equity from consumer creditors - up to the maximum amount afforded by California law - when is recorded before a judgment is recorded. A homestead declaration will also not protect you against a court judgment against you for unpaid child support, delinquent alimony or most mechanic's liens.
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.
When someone owns property and makes it his or her permanent residence or the permanent residence of his or her dependent, the property owner may be eligible to receive a homestead exemption that would decrease the property's taxable value by as much as $50,000.
A homestead exemption protects home equity from a homeowner's creditors, up to a certain dollar amount. Collectors cannot acquire any funds within this amount to settle past-due debt. This applies if you file for bankruptcy or you experience financial difficulties after a divorce or your spouse passes away.
In 2024, the exemption ranges from a minimum of $349,720 to a maximum of $699,426, based on county median home sale prices. The increased number provides more substantial equity protection for homeowners, acknowledging the varying real estate values across the state.
Property taxes are based on the assessed value of your property. The Homeowners' Exemption reduces your property taxes by deducting $7,000 from your property's assessed value before applying the tax rate, and given the one percent statewide property tax rate, this generally equates to $70 in property tax savings.
In 2024, the exemption ranges from a minimum of $349,720 to a maximum of $699,426, based on county median home sale prices. The increased number provides more substantial equity protection for homeowners, acknowledging the varying real estate values across the state.