Hearthside Realty

Americans now estimate they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably, according to Northwestern Mutual's 2026 Planning & Progress Study, yet many are still counting on $1 million as their target.

Using the 4% withdrawal rule, a $1 million nest egg generates about $40,000 per year. Add the average Social Security benefit of $2,071 per month and total income comes to roughly $5,400 a month. But housing costs can quickly erode that budget. A typical mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses could easily consume 50% of that monthly income, leaving just $2,700 for health care, groceries, utilities, and everything else. Where you retire matters too. States like Florida, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania do not tax retirement income from 401(k)s, IRAs, or pensions, which can meaningfully stretch savings further.

Feels like summer...

https://www.hearthsiderealty.com/listing/5094356/470-winnacunnet-road-hampton-nh-03862/

A new analysis from the National Association of Realtors® finds that 50% of homeowners in New Hampshire have more home equity than the IRS currently allows to be excluded from capital gains tax. And 9.3% of married couples filing jointly owners exceed even the $500,000 threshold.

That’s because the federal capital gains exclusion—$250,000 for individuals, $500,000 for joint filers—hasn’t changed since 1997. But in the decades since, home values have skyrocketed, growing more than 260% nationwide. Now, middle-class homeowners in states like New Hampshire are hitting limits originally designed for luxury markets.

That’s why NHAR will be discussing the More Homes on the Market Act with our federal congressional delegation.The proposed law would double the capital gains exclusion and index it to inflation—something experts say should have happened decades ago.

Serious summer vibes with this new WATERFRONT listing...

https://www.hearthsiderealty.com/listing/5093896/154-crescent-lake-road-acworth-nh-03601/

Just Listed today in a great Hooksett neighborhood! https://www.hearthsiderealty.com/listing/5088796/58-sherwood-drive-hooksett-nh-03106/

This beauty is officially off the market. After 3 days of private showings, the Sellers selected the winning bid from 5 competitive offers last night.

The number of single-family homes for sale in New Hampshire has been increasing. In April, there were 2,005 homes for sale, compared to 1,670 one year ago in April 2025 — a 20% increase. However, a decade ago, there were more than 7,000 homes for sale in April 2016.

Inventory gains and losses vary throughout the state, so make sure to check with a local REALTOR® to understand what is happening in your town.

Get more housing data at NHAR.com — click on FastStats.