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The Rate Report
Stay in the loop on all things interest rates! Our blog breaks down the latest news, Federal Reserve decisions, and global economic shifts that influence borrowing costs and savings returns. Whether you're a homeowner, a prospective buyer, an investor, or just curious about how rates impact your everyday finances, we provide clear, accessible analysis to help you understand the landscape and make informed decisions.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Market Update: The Fed Cuts Rates Again—What This Means for AZ Buyers
Date: December 10, 2025 Category: Market Trends / Real Estate News If you have been waiting on the sidelines for news about interest rates, this was the week you’ve been waiting for. The financial world has been focused on the Federal Reserve this week, and as of this afternoon (Wednesday, Dec 10), we finally have an answer on their decision. Here is a breakdown of what happened this week, why it matters for our local market, and what you should keep an eye on in the coming
David Merkel
Dec 10, 20253 min read


Mortgage Rates See Modest Rise This Week Amid Economic Crosswinds (July 20, 2025)
(Prescott, AZ) - Prospective homebuyers and those considering a refinance have been met with a slight uptick in mortgage rates this week. After a period of relative stability, the needle has moved, influenced by a mix of economic indicators that continue to keep the market on its toes. The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, a popular choice for homeowners, hovered around the 6.8% to 6.9% mark this week, according to major financial news outlets. This represents a
David Merkel
Jul 17, 20252 min read
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