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Under MGL Chapter 188, all of the following statements about the Massachusetts Homestead Act are accurate EXCEPT:

Correct Answer

A) The homestead protection applies to both primary residences and secondary vacation homes owned by the declarant

Option C is the EXCEPT answer — it is the inaccurate statement. Under MGL Chapter 188, homestead protection applies only to a primary residence. It does not extend to secondary homes, vacation properties, investment properties, or any property that is not the declarant's principal place of residence. A homeowner cannot claim homestead protection on a Cape Cod vacation home if they primarily reside elsewhere.

Answer Options
A
The homestead protection applies to both primary residences and secondary vacation homes owned by the declarant
B
A declared homestead of up to $500,000 requires a notarized Declaration of Homestead recorded at the Registry of Deeds
C
The homestead does not protect against certain debts such as mortgage liens, real estate tax liens, and court-ordered support obligations
D
An automatic homestead of $125,000 protects owner-occupied primary residences by operation of law without recording

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

homesteadmgl_chapter_188primary_residenceexceptionsmassachusetts_specificreverse_question

Related Concepts

A life estate is a freehold estate that grants ownership rights for the duration of someone's life.

Real property is immovable land and anything permanently attached to it, while personal property (also called chattels) is movable.

Tenancy by the entirety is a form of co-ownership available only to married couples that includes the right of survivorship and protection from individual creditors. Neither spouse can unilaterally sell or encumber the property.

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