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Surviving and Thriving at Bashford Courts: A Prescott Shopper's Guide
Hey there, future neighbors and Quad-City locals! If you’ve spent more than five minutes in downtown Prescott, you’ve probably strolled past the historic Courthouse Square and found yourself drawn to the charming brick facade of Bashford Courts. When you spend your days matching people with their dream homes across Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt, you get asked all the time about the best spots to shop, eat, and kill an afternoon in town. And let m
David Merkel
Mar 163 min read


Market Update: Inflation Data is Digested, Now We Brace for the Fed. Date: March 14, 2026
We have officially made it to the middle of March, and the spring real estate market is accelerating right on schedule. If you have been following the financial news this week, you know all eyes were on Thursday’s inflation report. As we head into the weekend, the market is catching its breath before what will likely be the most important economic event of the month next week. Here is a breakdown of what the data told us this week, what the Federal Reserve is likely to do nex
David Merkel
Mar 143 min read


The "I Spent All My Money on a Down Payment" Lentil Soup
Let’s be real: buying a home is a thrill ride. You’ve navigated the inspections, signed enough papers to fell a small forest, and finally got the keys. But now that you’re looking at your bank account, you might realize your interior design budget is currently "whatever I can find on the sidewalk." Enter the Lentil . Lentils are the unsung heroes of the real estate world. They’re sturdy, dependable, and—most importantly—dirt cheap. They’re basically the "fixer-upper" of the p
David Merkel
Mar 112 min read


The Best Foundation in Prescott Isn't Concrete—It's Crust: A Review of Two Mama’s Pizza
After three decades of unlocking doors, inspecting foundations, and walking through more kitchens than I can count, I’ve learned one undeniable truth: house hunting in Prescott works up a serious appetite. You can only survive on steering-wheel pretzels for so long before you need a real meal. When my clients ask for the inside scoop on the best local spots, I don't just hand them a map; I point them straight to Two Mama's Pizza . If Two Mama’s were a property listing, the re
David Merkel
Mar 82 min read


Market Update: Jobs Data Is In, Now We Look to the FedDate: March 7, 2026
It is the first weekend of March, and the spring real estate market in Prescott is officially in full swing. Tracking mortgage rates this month is critical. Over my 30+ years in the industry, I have consistently seen how early March economic data sets the tone for the entire spring buying season. After a historic dip in rates at the end of February, the financial world has been eagerly waiting for a fresh batch of economic reports to see if those lower rates are here to stay.
David Merkel
Mar 73 min read


The Ultimate Fixer-Upper: Why Fort Misery is Prescott’s Most Relatable Landmark
If you think your current home search is a struggle, or if you’ve ever looked at a leaky faucet and thought, "This is the end of my sanity," I have some historical perspective for you. Welcome to Fort Misery . Located right here in Prescott at the Sharlot Hall Museum, this isn't just a pile of logs—it’s the oldest log building in Arizona and a testament to the fact that "rustic chic" was once just "really, really difficult." Location, Location, Location... and Hard Tack Buil
David Merkel
Mar 42 min read


Market Update: We Officially Broke the 6% BarrierDate: February 28, 2026
If you read my update last week, you know we were hovering right on the edge of a major milestone. Well, this week, it finally happened. For the first time since September 2022, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has officially dropped into the 5% range. If you are looking to buy or sell in Prescott this spring, this is the news we have been waiting for. Here is a breakdown of what happened, why it matters, and what you should expect as we head into March. The Week in Re
David Merkel
Feb 283 min read


The "Closing Day" Chicken & Dumplings
Total Time: About as long as a standard escrow (okay, more like 1 hour) Yields: Enough to feed a hungry family or one very stressed-out Realtor Let’s be honest: the real estate market can be a bit... chewy . Between the inspections that uncover "creative" DIY plumbing and the appraisal gaps that make us want to hide under our desks, we all need a little comfort. Enter the Southern Style Chicken & Dumplings . This isn't just a meal; it's a warm hug for your soul and a "congr
David Merkel
Feb 272 min read


The Local Flavor: Why Lazy G Brewhouse is the Perfect Taste of the Prescott Lifestyle
When I’m working with clients looking to move up the hill from Phoenix or relocate from out of state, the conversation eventually turns from square footage and lot size to something equally important: lifestyle. They ask, "What is there to do downtown?" or "Where do the locals actually go?" Prescott has a unique energy. We are a historic western town, yes, but we are also vibrant, growing, and full of modern amenities. Nowhere is that balance captured better right now than at
David Merkel
Feb 242 min read


Discover Prescott’s Rich Culture: A Spotlight on the Museum of Indigenous People
When you're looking for a new home, you aren't just buying a property—you're buying into a community. One of the things that makes living in Prescott, Arizona, so incredibly special is our deep connection to Southwestern history, art, and culture. If you want to truly understand the heart of our area, there is no better starting point than the Museum of Indigenous People (formerly known as the Smoki Museum). Located near our beautiful downtown at 147 N. Arizona Avenue, this
David Merkel
Feb 232 min read


Market Update: Mortgage Rates Hit a 3.5-Year Low Just in Time for SpringDate: February 20
Happy Friday! We are wrapping up a very exciting week in the real estate world. If you have been waiting for a sign that it is time to jump into the market, the news we received over the last few days might be exactly what you have been looking for. Over my 30+ years navigating the local real estate market, I’ve seen my share of rate cycles, and right now, the momentum is undeniably shifting in favor of buyers. Here is a breakdown of the fantastic news we received this week a
David Merkel
Feb 203 min read


Curb Appeal in a Bowl: The Ultimate French Onion Soup
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. As a real estate agent, I see a lot of kitchens—from sleek, modern marble islands to retro-tiled charmers. But the truth is, it doesn't matter if you have a Viking range or a hot plate; what makes a house feel like a home is the smell of something amazing bubbling on the stove. Since the weather is still a bit chilly, I wanted to share a recipe that is the culinary equivalent of a cozy fireplace: French Onion Soup with Cheesy Cr
David Merkel
Feb 152 min read


Market Update: Will Tomorrow’s Inflation Report Be a Valentine for Buyers? Date: February 12, 2026
Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, but the real estate market is looking for some love a little early—specifically, tomorrow morning. We are currently sitting in a "wait-and-see" window. Today (Thursday) is relatively quiet, but it is the calm before what could be the most significant financial news day of the month. Here is the breakdown of what happened last week, what is happening tomorrow, and why you should care if you are house hunting in Prescott. The Rearview Mirror: J
David Merkel
Feb 122 min read


Hearty "Home-Sweet-Home" Chili Mac
There is nothing quite like the smell of a home-cooked meal to make a house feel like a home. Whether you are fueling up for a weekend of open houses or settling into a new space, this One-Pot Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Ingredients Category Item Quantity Protein Lean Ground Beef 1 lb Base Elbow Macaroni (dry) 2 cups Liquids Beef Broth 2 ½ cups Canned Tomato Sauce (8 oz) 1 can Canned Diced Toma
David Merkel
Feb 51 min read


Market Update: Groundhog Day, The Fed, and the Spring ThawDate: February 2, 2026 Category: Market Trends / Real Estate News
Happy Groundhog Day! It is the day we ask: Will we see six more weeks of winter, or is an early spring around the corner? In the real estate world, we are asking a very similar question right now about mortgage rates. After a busy end to 2025, the market seems to be looking for its shadow. Here is the breakdown of what is happening this week and what it means for Prescott buyers. The Fed Pause: Staying the Course Last week, the Federal Reserve wrapped up their first meeting o
David Merkel
Feb 23 min read


Local Flavor: Why Deli Plaza Liquor and Deli is a Prescott Staple
If you’re looking for a home in Prescott, you aren't just buying a property—you’re buying into a lifestyle. One of the best parts of living in "Everybody’s Hometown" is discovering those local gems that have been serving the community for decades. Today, we’re highlighting a true neighborhood icon: Deli Plaza Liquor and Deli. Located right on Iron Springs Road, this isn't your average convenience stop. It’s a hybrid of a high-end bottle shop and a classic East Coast-style del
David Merkel
Jan 262 min read


The Heart of Prescott History: Exploring the Fort Whipple Historic District
When you buy a home in Prescott, you aren't just buying real estate—you are buying into a genuine piece of the American West. While downtown’s Whiskey Row gets a lot of the attention, the true foundation of our town lies just a mile to the northeast: The Fort Whipple Historic District . For potential homebuyers, history buffs, and our large veteran community, Fort Whipple is more than just a landmark; it is a symbol of Prescott’s resilience and character. The Origins of "Ever
David Merkel
Jan 223 min read


Market Update: The "Inflation Report Card" is In Date: January 14, 2026 Category: Market Trends / Real Estate New
We are halfway through January, and the financial markets are officially back in full swing. If you have been waiting for a signal on where mortgage rates are headed in 2026, this was a critical week. Yesterday and today marked the release of two major inflation reports that the Federal Reserve watches closely. Here is the breakdown of what happened, how the market reacted, and what it means for your home search in Prescott. The News: Inflation Data Released The financial wor
David Merkel
Jan 143 min read


The Holiday "Hangover" & The Big Friday ReportDate: January 6, 2026 Category: Market Trends / Real Estate News
Welcome to the first full working week of 2026! The out-of-office auto-replies are turning off, the holiday decorations are coming down, and the real estate market is officially waking up. If you are planning to make a move this year, this is the week where we start to see the "real" market emerging. Here is what is happening right now with mortgage rates and what we are watching for the rest of the week. The Current Landscape: A Slow Start After the excitement of the Federal
David Merkel
Jan 63 min read


Local Spotlight: Why Bill’s Pizza is the Heart of the Prescott Plaza
If you spend any time walking around the historic Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott, you’ll notice two things: the stunning elm trees and the line of happy people waiting to get into Bill’s Pizza . As a real estate professional, I always tell my clients that you aren’t just buying a house; you are buying a neighborhood and a lifestyle. In Prescott, that lifestyle is defined by community, history, and—let’s be honest—really incredible food. Bill’s Pizza isn't just a restau
David Merkel
Jan 52 min read
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