(1) The homestead consists of real or personal property that the owner or a dependent of the owner uses as a residence. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act on May 20, 1862.A homestead exemption protects homeowners and the equity in their homes from judgment creditors seeking to collect on unsecured debts. Washington homestead exemptions only apply to your primary residence: they do not apply to vacation homes, cars or other personal property. In bankruptcy, a homestead exemption protects equity in your home. Here, you'll find specific information about the homestead exemption in Washington. You can search for their homestead records (up to 1908) at the Heritage Center for free. Click "View More Options" under the "Real Property" tile, then select "Submit a Homestead Deduction Application" under "Real Property Quick Links. The new law provides for an increase in homestead exemptions based on "the county median sale price of a singlefamily home in the preceding year." Information and sample forms to be used when you need to claim that some of your property is exempt (protected) from being taken to pay a debt.
