Changes to the Washington State Homestead Exemption

Effect of Rising Real Estate Values

Under the old law, the homestead exemption limit was $125,000.00 of equity in a home, which became outdated and low as Washington State real estate rose in value over the years.

New Legislation Raises the Limits of the Bankruptcy Homestead Exemption

With the new legislation, the exemption amount floats year to year with the median house price for the county you live in. The University of Washington calculates the median home prices, Washington Center for Real Estate Research.

With this new increase in limits, a person filing bankruptcy can keep much more equity in their principal residence, which is a huge benefit to people filing bankruptcy. In Spokane County, the 2021 median home price is $390,200.00.  So, that means someone could protect $265,200.00 more in home equity under the new statute—as opposed to the old law, which was a fixed number of $125,000.00.

The Importance of the Homestead Exemption

The homestead exemption is probably the most important bankruptcy exemption. It allows a person to retain and keep their home through bankruptcy, so long as their equity is below the limit.  This is a tremendous change in the law and will benefit many people filing for bankruptcy in the future.

Qualifying for the Bankruptcy Homestead Exemption

There are some other more technical issues in the law like to claim the Washington exemptions, a person must live in the home as their primary residence and have lived in Washington State, two years prior to the date filing bankruptcy.

Also, if you acquired the homestead or an interest in it within 1,215 days of filing for bankruptcy, you may be limited to only exempting $170,350.00 in equity of the home.  If you’re planning on applying these exemptions and you have acquired your home or an interest in it within 1,215 days of filing, you should consult with an experienced Spokane Bankruptcy Attorney before determining to file bankruptcy.