For years, long-time homeowners were told their house was their nest egg. A sure thing. A smart move.

But now, thanks to a capital gains exemption frozen in 1997 — and home prices that have far outpaced inflation — many are facing six-figure tax bills just for selling their primary residence.

In New Hampshire, where home values have surged, this matters. A lot.

If you’re single, you can exclude up to $250,000 in gains when you sell. Married? That bumps up to $500,000. But if your home has appreciated beyond that — and you haven’t kept receipts for every upgrade? The IRS could treat the rest as taxable profit.

That means sellers who bought in the '90s or early 2000s are now facing big decisions — and even bigger tax conversations.

The good news: there are smart ways to plan ahead, reduce risk, and protect your proceeds.

Originally published on my blog Trade Secrets, where I break down what the industry doesn’t want you to know.

Want real estate advice without the fluff?
Reach out directly at vanessa@TradeNHomes.com
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