what states have homestead exemptions 
most states have homestead exemptions except new jersey and pennsylvania some states have other homestead laws such as provisions that protect surviving spouses from creditors the bottom linethe homestead exemption provides an exemption from property taxes on a primary residence and protects the value from creditors and circumstances that arise from the death of the homeowner s spouse the exemption can t be claimed for another property elsewhere homestead protection is automatic in some states but homeowners must file a claim for a homestead exemption in others 