One of my clients recently closed escrow on a Reno home and asked:
"How do I homestead my home and what protection will I have once completed?"
Homesteading your home is quite easy. All you need to do is complete a Declaration of Homestead form and record it with the county recorder in the county where your home is located. There is a small fee to process and notarize the declaration once you have completed it. If you live in Washoe County, the recorders office is located at 1001 E 9th Street, Building A, Suite 150, Reno NV 89520.
What is a homestead?
A homestead declaration protects your home from being seized and sold in the event that a money judgment is entered against you in court. Nevada home owners who have filed a Declaration of Homestead are protected under the Homestead Act Of Nevada, NRS 115.
For most judgments against you, your home in Nevada is protected up to at least $550,000 of the equity you have in your home. You are protected against most judgments except if you have judgment against you because:
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You owe taxes on your home
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You have a mortgage lien
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You owe Child Support / Alimony
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You have a mechanics lien
What kinds of properties are eligible?
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Land, your house, things connected to the land (easements, gardens, fixtures)
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Mobile Home (even if you don't own the land it sits on)
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Condominium Unit
Who can declare a homestead?
You must own your home to file a homestead declaration. It must be your primary residence, not a rental or investment property. It does not matter if you are married or single. Both or a single married person can file. In most cases, a trustee can file for a person living in the intended home.
What happens if I sell my home once it has a homestead declaration filed?
If after receiving a Declaration of Homestead for your home you must keep the information on the form current. If you move, you must file for a new homestead. If you divorce, separate, become widowed or get a new loan, you will need to file a new declaration.
If you own a home in Reno or Sparks, Nevada, you should consider filing a homestead declaration with the Washoe County Recorders Office.
It is so easy to do and is such a valuable tool to help protect your home against creditors and could save you from having your home foreclosed on.
How Do I Homestead My Reno Home?
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REALTOR®
Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Certified Default Resolution Specialist (CDRS)
Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource ~ Certified (SFR)
Ferrari-Lund Real Estate
775.846.5424
