Hey Vanessa,
Actually, you must also pay your real estate taxes. You can be foreclosed on for not paying your taxes as well. It is true that some states have better homestead laws than others---Florida for example has an unlimited homestead exemption meaning except for not paying your taxes or your mortgage, you cannot have your primary residence taken away from you.

Home equity lines of credit are available in every state. The maximum CLTVcan differ. (see previous answer for explanation )