The Texas Constitution provides that the homestead is protected from forced sale for the payment of all debts except for:
•money borrowed to purchase the property (purchase money)
•taxes;
•an owelty of partition. This is used in property divisions when spouses divorce. For example if the divorce decree awards the home to one spouse, it can impose a “lien” in favor of the other spouse to secure payment of the spouses equity when the property is sold or at such time as the equity is to be paid to the spouse who is not awarded the property.
•Refinancing a tax lien;
•The costs incurred in constructing new improvements;
•A home equity loan or a home equity line of credit; or
•A reverse mortgage.