Homestead Exemption Estimator

Use this free Homestead Exemption Estimator to estimate whether home equity may be protected if you file bankruptcy. This tool is available for all 50 states, and it helps you compare your estimated equity against state homestead exemption information.

Homestead exemptions vary by state. Your result is an educational estimate only, not legal advice, and no contact information is required to use this tool.

Written by Casey Yontz, JD, bankruptcy legal content editor

Legally reviewed by Benjamin Wright, Bankruptcy Attorney

Last reviewed on May 20, 2026

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Select your state and enter your estimated home value, mortgage balance, and ownership information below to get an educational estimate.

Homestead Exemption Estimator

Estimate whether your home is protected by your state's homestead exemption

Full Screen

Step 1 of 4

Home Basics

State

Select your stateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

Is this your primary residence?

Select an optionYesNo

Have you lived in this state for at least 730 days?

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Continue

What This Tool Helps You Estimate

• • Whether home equity may be protected by a homestead exemption.
• • Whether there may be potentially unprotected equity.
• • Why state law can change the outcome.
• • Why home value and mortgage balance matter to the estimate.
• • Why the result is only an estimate and should be reviewed carefully.

Before You Start

• • State of residence.
• • Estimated current home value.
• • Mortgage or lien balance.
• • Ownership status.
• • Marital or filing status, if relevant to your case.
• • Whether the home is your primary residence.
• • Any special facts that may affect homestead exemptions.

How Homestead Exemptions Work

A homestead exemption may protect some or all home equity in bankruptcy. The exemption amount depends on state law and, in some states, whether federal exemptions are available. Home equity is generally the home's value minus mortgages and other liens.

Some states have special rules, caps, residency requirements, acreage limits, or other conditions. Homestead exemption issues should be reviewed carefully before filing chapter 7 or chapter 13.

Why State Law Matters

Bankruptcy exemptions are not the same everywhere. Some states require state exemptions, while others allow a choice between state and federal exemptions. Some states provide much larger homestead protections than others, so your estimated result can change significantly based on where you live.

What Your Result Means

Estimated Protected Equity

This is the amount of home equity the tool estimates may be covered by applicable homestead exemption rules.

Estimated Potentially Unprotected Equity

This is the amount of equity the tool estimates may not be fully covered. Potentially unprotected equity may increase risk in chapter 7.

Lower Estimated Risk

A lower estimated risk result generally means your estimated equity appears more likely to fit within available exemption limits.

Higher Estimated Risk

A higher estimated risk result generally means the tool found potential exposure based on the information entered.

Review Recommended

The tool does not decide what will happen in a real bankruptcy case. It is an educational screening estimate that can help you prepare for a legal review.

What This Tool Cannot Tell You

• • It cannot provide legal advice.
• • It cannot guarantee how a trustee, court, or attorney will analyze your facts.
• • It may not account for every state-specific exception, cap, residency issue, acreage limit, marital issue, ownership issue, lien issue, or local practice issue.
• • It does not replace speaking with a qualified bankruptcy attorney.

Related Bankruptcy Tools

• • Bankruptcy Exemption Risk Estimator
• • Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator
• • Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 Decision Tool
• • Chapter 13 Plan Payment Estimator

Related Bankruptcy Guides

• • Bankruptcy Exemptions
• • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
• • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
• • State Bankruptcy Information
• • Arizona Bankruptcy Exemptions
• • Guide to Keeping a House in Bankruptcy (Florida Homestead Overview)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a homestead exemption?

A homestead exemption is a bankruptcy exemption that may protect some or all equity in a primary residence.

What Does the Homestead Exemption Estimator do?

It estimates whether your home equity may be protected based on your state and the information you enter.

Is this tool available for all 50 states?

Yes. You can select any U.S. state to get an educational estimate using available state homestead exemption information.

Can this tool tell me whether I will lose my house in bankruptcy?

No. It cannot predict or guarantee legal outcomes in a real bankruptcy case.

How is home equity calculated?

Home equity is generally estimated as current home value minus mortgage and lien balances.

Why do homestead exemptions vary by state?

Exemption laws are set by statute and differ across states, including exemption amounts, conditions, and filing-rule interactions.

What does potentially unprotected equity mean?

It means the estimate suggests some equity may be above available exemption limits and may need closer legal review.

Does the homestead exemption apply in chapter 7 and chapter 13?

Homestead exemption analysis can matter in both chapter 7 and chapter 13, though the practical impact can differ.

Is this tool legal advice?

No. This tool provides educational estimates only.