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Practice Of Real EstateState_specificHARD

Robert owns a 0.30-acre residential lot within the city limits of Fort Smith, Arkansas, valued at $420,000. He has a $50,000 mortgage lien and a $30,000 unsecured judgment lien against the property. Robert claims the Arkansas homestead exemption. Which of the following most accurately describes the effect of the homestead exemption on these liens?

Correct Answer

B) The homestead exemption protects 1/4 acre of the lot from the unsecured judgment lien but does not affect the voluntary mortgage lien.

Under Ark. Const. Art. 9, §§ 3–6, the Arkansas homestead exemption protects the primary residence (up to 1/4 acre in urban areas) from involuntary creditor claims such as unsecured judgment liens. However, the exemption does not apply to voluntary liens such as a purchase-money mortgage or deed of trust that the homeowner voluntarily granted. Robert's 1/4-acre urban homestead is shielded from the $30,000 judgment lien, but the $50,000 mortgage lien remains fully enforceable because it is a voluntary encumbrance. Note: Robert's lot is 0.30 acres, which exceeds the 1/4-acre urban limit, so only 1/4 acre is protected; the excess 0.05 acres is not shielded.

Answer Options
A
The homestead exemption protects only 1/4 acre of the lot from the judgment lien; the mortgage lien is also extinguished on the protected portion.
B
The homestead exemption protects 1/4 acre of the lot from the unsecured judgment lien but does not affect the voluntary mortgage lien.
C
The homestead exemption protects the entire 0.30-acre lot from both the mortgage lien and the judgment lien because the lot is within city limits.
D
The homestead exemption does not apply because the property value exceeds the statutory maximum of $350,000 for urban homesteads.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

homestead_exemptionvoluntary_lienjudgment_lienmortgage_exemption_exceptionarkansas_constitution

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