RSA 529:25-a Claims for Homestead Exemptions.

I. Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 529:25, if prior to the sale the debtor or the debtor's spouse makes a written claim to the sheriff and the party in whose favor the execution issued, that he is entitled to a homestead exemption pursuant to RSA 480:1, the sheriff shall not sell the property for less than the amount of the homestead exemption claimed. The proceeds of the sale shall be held by the sheriff for 10 days following the sale in order to give the creditor the opportunity to challenge the homestead exemption pursuant to paragraph II. If such challenge is not filed within 10 days of the sale, the proceeds shall be distributed by first paying the amount of the homestead exemption to the debtor and applying the remainder to the satisfaction of the execution.
II. If