Homestead Limits: Foreclosure
By Nicholas Ortiz, Boston Bankruptcy Attorney on Oct 20, 2007 in General Bankruptcy Information
Occasionally I hear from someone who believes that a homestead affords some protection from mortgage foreclosure. This is not the case. Homesteads are subordinated to mortgages upon grant of the mortgage.
In Massachusetts and elsewhere, a homestead protects a home from forced sale for non-payment of most unsecured debts. So a homestead is a very good idea: if you are having problems paying credit card debts, for example, but can still pay your mortgage, your homestead can not be sold by a unsecured judgment holder to satisfy a debt that post-dates the mortgage.
Homesteads also protect home equity in bankruptcy. Note that the specifics of homestead law varies by state.
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