the homestead exemption in a state is $$20,000.$ Four years ago, a buyer purchased a home for $$158,000$ and then experienced hard times. As a court$-$ ordered sale, the property is purchased for $$160,000.$ If the home owner has an outstanding mortgage balance of $$135,000$ and credit card debts amounting to $$24,360,$ how much is protected by the homestead exemption $?$