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Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy Chicken & Corn Chowder
There is an old saying in real estate: The kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether you are settling into a new place or have been in your home for years, nothing makes a space feel warmer and more inviting than the smell of a hearty soup simmering on the stove. With the cooler weather settling in, we are all looking for excuses to stay indoors and get cozy. This month, I wanted to share one of my favorite "welcome home" recipes. This Creamy Chicken & Corn Chowder is rich,
David Merkel
Dec 31, 20252 min read


Living with History: A Spotlight on the Fort Whipple Historic District Category: Local Highlights / Prescott History
When people ask me what makes living in Prescott so special, the conversation almost always turns to our rich history. We aren't just a town with old buildings; we are a community that lives alongside our heritage. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Fort Whipple Historic District . While many locals know it today as the VA Medical Center, Fort Whipple is arguably one of the most significant historical sites in the American Southwest. Roots Running Deep (Est. 1864) Estab
David Merkel
Dec 31, 20252 min read


From the Kitchen to the Community: Homemade Black Bean Burgers
As a real estate professional, I spend a lot of time talking about "good bones"—that solid foundation that makes a house a home. Surprisingly, cooking has a similar principle. You need a solid base to build a great meal. Today, I'm trading open houses for oven mitts to share a recipe that has become a staple in my own home: Homemade Black Bean Burgers . Whether you're looking for a meatless Monday option, hosting a backyard barbecue in your new patio space, or just want a hea
David Merkel
Dec 20, 20253 min read


Local Spotlight: Why The Raven Cafe is the Heart of Downtown Prescott
When you are looking for a new home, you aren’t just buying four walls and a roof—you are buying into a community. You are looking for that perfect "third place" (besides home and work) where you can unwind, meet neighbors, and soak up the local culture. In Prescott, that place is undoubtedly The Raven Cafe . Located at 142 North Cortez Street, just steps from the historic Courthouse Plaza, The Raven is more than a coffee shop; it is a European-style bistro and a cornerstone
David Merkel
Dec 19, 20252 min read


Speaking the Language of Lenders: A Mortgage Glossary for Beginners
Buying a home is exciting, but the paperwork? That can feel like reading a foreign language. Suddenly, you are surrounded by acronyms and financial jargon that can make even the savviest shopper’s head spin. Don't let the vocabulary scare you off. Understanding these key terms is the first step toward feeling confident and in control of your home-buying journey. Here is your cheat sheet to the most important mortgage terms you need to know. The "Big Four" of Your Monthly Paym
David Merkel
Dec 18, 20253 min read


Real Estate Resolutions: A Strategic Guide for Buying and Selling in 2026
As we step into 2026, many of us are setting goals for fitness or finance, but it’s equally important to be intentional about your real estate ambitions. Whether you are looking to purchase your first home, sell a property, or expand your investment portfolio, success in the housing market requires a game plan. By combining a clear mindset with solid financial preparation and strategic timing, you can navigate the 2026 market with confidence. Here is your step-by-step resolut
David Merkel
Dec 15, 20253 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


Dining Spotlight: A Taste of Naples in Downtown Prescott
One of the most common questions I get from clients moving to Prescott isn't just about square footage or school districts—it’s about the lifestyle. "Where do the locals eat?" "Is there good food downtown?" The answer is a resounding yes, and today I want to highlight a gem that brings an authentic slice of Italy right to the high desert: Limoncello Pizzeria Napoletana . Authenticity You Can Taste Located on West Goodwin Street, just a short walk from the Courthouse Plaza,
David Merkel
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Living the Legend: Why Everyone Loves Whiskey Row in Prescott
It is arguably the most famous block in Arizona. Mention "Whiskey Row" to anyone in the Southwest, and they picture the flashing neon of The Palace, the sound of live country music spilling onto Montezuma Street, and the friendly, rugged charm of the Old West. But for those of us lucky enough to call Prescott home, Whiskey Row is more than just a tourist destination—it is the heartbeat of our community. If you are considering a move to Prescott, or just looking to rediscover
David Merkel
Dec 1, 20253 min read


The Ultimate Caprese Pasta Salad
When the weather warms up and schedules get busier, nobody wants to spend hours over a hot stove. We start craving meals that are vibrant, fresh, and easy to pull together for an impromptu backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner on the patio. This week, we’re sharing a recipe that is practically synonymous with sunshine: Caprese Pasta Salad . It is the perfect intersection of elegance and ease. It looks beautiful on a serving platter, bursts with garden-fresh flavor, an
David Merkel
Dec 1, 20253 min read


The Classic Daiquiri
As we settle into the rhythm of the week, there is nothing quite like unwinding with a drink that is crisp, refreshing, and deceptively simple. While many associate the word "Daiquiri" with frozen, sugary, strawberry slushies found at beach resorts, the true classic Daiquiri is a sophisticated, minimalist masterpiece. It is one of the pillars of the cocktail world—balancing sweet, sour, and spirit in perfect harmony. Whether you are entertaining guests in your new kitchen or
David Merkel
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Why You Need a Mortgage: The Key to Unlocking Homeownership
For many, the dream of homeownership is clear: a place to call your own, a backyard for barbecues, and the freedom to paint the walls whatever color you choose. But when you look at the price tag of a home, that dream can suddenly feel out of reach. Unless you are one of the few who have hundreds of thousands of dollars sitting in a savings account, buying a home with cash is simply not feasible. This is where a mortgage comes in. A mortgage isn't just a monthly bill; it is a
David Merkel
Dec 1, 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


The Difference Between a Mortgage and a Loan (and why it matters)
Mortgage vs. Loan: Understanding the Key Differences and Why It Matters In the world of personal finance, terms like "loan" and...
David Merkel
Jul 17, 20253 min read


The Perfect Paloma Cocktail
Refreshingly Zesty: How to Make a Perfect Paloma Cocktail When it comes to refreshing tequila cocktails, the Margarita often steals the...
David Merkel
Jul 17, 20252 min read


Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
Easy Shrimp Scampi with Linguine: A Weeknight Delight Looking for a dish that's elegant enough for a special occasion but simple enough...
David Merkel
Jul 17, 20253 min read


The 1864 Governor's Mansion in Prescott
Prescott, Arizona, is a town steeped in history, and few places embody its territorial past quite like the 1864 Governor's Mansion. This...
David Merkel
Jul 17, 20253 min read


The Barley Hound
A Gastropub Delight with a Dog-Friendly Heart in Prescot Nestled just off the historic courthouse square in Prescott, The Barley Hound...
David Merkel
Jul 17, 20252 min read
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