EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateState SpecificHARD

Grace is a Massachusetts real estate broker. Her buyer client, Henry, is about to close on a home in Needham and asks Grace whether the seller's existing Declaration of Homestead will transfer to him at closing. Which response accurately reflects Massachusetts law under MGL Chapter 188?

Correct Answer

B) No, the existing homestead declaration terminates at closing, and Henry must record his own Declaration of Homestead if he wants declared protection

Under MGL Chapter 188, a Declaration of Homestead is personal to the homeowner who recorded it and does not transfer to a new owner upon sale. When the property is conveyed, the seller's homestead protection terminates. Henry, as the new owner, will receive the automatic $125,000 homestead protection by operation of law when he occupies the property as his primary residence. To obtain the higher $500,000 declared protection, Henry must record his own notarized Declaration of Homestead at the Registry of Deeds.

Answer Options
A
Yes, the existing homestead declaration transfers automatically to Henry as the new owner at closing
B
No, the existing homestead declaration terminates at closing, and Henry must record his own Declaration of Homestead if he wants declared protection
C
No, but Henry automatically receives $500,000 protection because the prior owner had a declared homestead
D
Yes, but Henry must notify the Registry of Deeds within 30 days of closing to activate the transferred protection

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Practice Of Real Estate Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Practice Of Real Estate Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

homesteaddeclared_homesteadmgl_chapter_188transfer_of_propertynew_ownerclosing

Related Concepts

The National Do Not Call Registry is a federal program administered by the FTC that allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls, including calls from real estate agents soliciting business.

Brokers in Florida have strict responsibilities for managing escrow accounts, including monthly reconciliation and proper handling of trust funds.

FREC has the authority to impose fines and other disciplinary actions on licensees who violate real estate laws and rules.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Practice Of Real Estate Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing