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🏡 Mortgage Rates Update: Why Global Events Are Keeping Rates Elevated This Spring
As we head into the spring market, mortgage rates remain a key topic for both buyers and sellers—and lately, they’ve been heavily influenced by global events.
🌍 What’s Driving Rates Right Now?
Recent geopolitical tensions—particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran—have had a direct impact on financial markets. Mortgage rates are closely tied to the bond market, and typically, uncertainty (like war) pushes investors toward safer assets like bonds, which can help bring rates down.
However, this situation is a bit different.
Because the conflict is affecting global energy supply routes, oil prices have surged. That creates inflation concerns, and inflation is one of the biggest drivers of higher interest rates.
👉 In simple terms:
Uncertainty alone → usually helps lower rates
Inflation fears → pushes rates higher
Right now, inflation is winning that battle.
📈 What the Fed and Markets Are Signaling
Markets have quickly adjusted expectations around the Federal Reserve.
Rate cuts that many expected earlier this year are now unlikely in the near term
Some projections even show a small possibility of rate hikes
Mortgage rates have climbed back above the mid-6% range as a result
Even though stocks have shown volatility, bond yields haven’t dropped enough to meaningfully improve mortgage rates—another sign that inflation concerns are outweighing “safe haven” demand.
⛽ Why Oil Prices Matter So Much
Energy prices play a huge role in inflation. With oil hovering at elevated levels:
Transportation and goods become more expensive
Inflation expectations rise
Interest rates tend to follow
Even if oil prices stabilize, markets are signaling that sustained higher energy costs could keep upward pressure on rates.
🏠 What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
For anyone watching the housing market:
For Buyers:
Rates may remain volatile and elevated in the short term
Waiting for a major drop may not be the best strategy right now
Opportunities still exist with negotiation, seller concessions, and refinancing later
For Sellers:
Buyer demand is still active, but more rate-sensitive
Pricing and positioning matter more than ever
Well-prepared listings are still moving—especially in desirable locations
🔮 The Outlook
If geopolitical tensions ease, we could see some modest improvement in rates—but a rapid return to the low rates of the past few years is unlikely in the near future.
For now, the market is balancing:
Inflation pressures
Global uncertainty
Federal Reserve policy
And that means mortgage rates may continue to fluctuate as new developments unfold.
📌 Bottom Line
Mortgage rates aren’t just about housing—they’re tied to the global economy. And right now, inflation driven by energy prices is the biggest force shaping where rates go next.
St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate across the Denver & Boulder area — whether you’re looking for family fun or a festive night out.
🍀 Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 14 • 9:30 AM • Downtown Denver
One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country! Expect floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, and lots of green spirit. A fun (and free!) way to kick off the season.
🐶 Boulder St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Parade
Early–Mid March • Downtown Boulder
A local favorite! Dress up your pup in green and enjoy a lighthearted parade and costume contest. Perfect for families and dog lovers.
🍺 Denver St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
March 14 & March 17 • Downtown Denver
Celebrate with themed drink specials, live music, and festive vibes at participating bars throughout downtown.
🍀 Local Irish Pubs to Visit
If you prefer something more low-key, these spots are known for great St. Paddy’s Day celebrations:
Nallen’s Irish Pub (Downtown Denver)
The Irish Rover Pub (South Broadway)
Scruffy Murphy’s (LoDo)
The Celtic on Market (Downtown)
Clancy’s Irish Pub (Wheat Ridge)
Enjoy a local event, grab a green beer, and then come home to a place you love. 🍀🏡
If you’re curious what your home might be worth this spring — or thinking about making a move in 2026 — we’re always happy to run a quick equity check.
Retro decor has been experiencing a major resurgence in the last few months, adding a splash of nostalgia to everything from kitchen cabinets to bathroom design. When you think of retro bathrooms, chances are you picture floral print wallpapers and salmon pink tiles. While these iconic features are making an updated comeback (spoiler alert!), experts say nostalgic decor classics are returning in a more stylish form.
“Retro bathroom trends are returning in an updated and refined way, with an emphasis on warmth, texture, and balance,” says bathroom design expert Daniel Siegel. From colorful terrazzo to skirted sinks and small-format tiles, what’s old is new again. “When paired with clean lines, thoughtful lighting, and modern details, these retro touches feel timeless rather than trendy,” Siegel shares. Here are the eight biggest retro bathroom trends that are back in style, according to designers.
There is something inherently charming about console sinks with tailored fabric skirting. If you love the vintage-inspired look, you’ll be happy to hear that designers say it’s back. “Skirted sinks introduce texture, movement, and a softer visual language,” says interior designer Thecla Glueck. Beyond their charm, the design expert highlights their practicality. “They discreetly conceal storage and reinforce the idea of the bathroom as a thoughtfully designed room, not just a utilitarian space,” she says.
“Terrazzo is everywhere again, and not just on floors—we’re seeing it on shower walls, vanities, even integrated sinks,” says bathroom design expert Jill Siegel. The expert shares that the retro material is playful, durable, and visually interesting without being too precious. Plus, it’s taking on a more modern look these days. “The newer versions feel more refined—larger aggregate, softer color palettes, or very controlled contrast,” Siegel says.
“Retro bathrooms are gaining momentum heading into 2026, and tiled bathrooms are a big part of that,” says design expert Lindsay Fluckiger. As homeowners crave more personality in their homes, retro-inspired tiles are a great way to add character and a touch of nostalgic charm. “The 4×4-inch size tile, for example, offers that quiet throwback feeling without becoming overly vintage, and we’ve seen that come back,” Fluckiger says.
Colorful bathroom fixtures are the retro trend making a big splash in bathroom design right now. “Sinks, tubs, and even toilets in soft pinks, greens, and muted yellows are making a comeback,” Siegel says. There is one difference according to the experts, however: restraint. “When all the fixtures are in the same tone and paired with clean tile and modern hardware, it feels designed—not retro for the sake of it,” the expert shares.
Patterned wallpaper was once a key tool for adding personality to bathrooms, and because what’s old typically becomes new again, the retro look is making an updated comeback. “Layered thoughtfully, retro and vintage-inspired patterns bring intimacy and warmth, transforming the bathroom into a cocooning retreat rather than a purely functional environment,” Glueck says.
Additionally, she’s noticing the return of tile in classic patterns. “Checkerboard in classic black and white marble or jewel-tone checks, small geometric shapes such as penny rounds or hexagon, pastel mosaics, floral, or softly faceted subway, are returning with a more restrained, contemporary lens,” Glueck shares. When these retro features are balanced with more modern fixtures and used within a disciplined color palette, the designer says they deliver utmost charm.
Daniel and Jill Siegel share that retro-inspired oval and rounded mirrors are showing up again in bathroom design. “They’re an easy way to add character without committing to something permanent like tile or color,” they say. When the rest of the bathroom feels calm, oval and rounded mirror shapes contribute to the overall design in a subtle and pleasant way according to the pros.
Interior designer R. Jane Morgan says retro bathrooms were known for being fun, colorful, and “unabashedly unafraid of playing with colorful tile combinations.” If you’re a fan of playful colors and a little bit of whimsy, the good news is that some of these bold color pairings are making a comeback.
“Salmon pink with black accents and butter yellow with navy are some examples of retro combos that are making their way back into bathrooms that are over and done with all white,” Morgan says. She predicts the coming year will see high-impact tile selections. “2026 will also see bathrooms shed any shyness when it comes to tile selections: look for bold colors in great color combinations,” she says.
Warm wood tones were a staple in retro bathrooms, and experts see them making an upgraded return this year. “Warm wood tones—especially walnut and white oak—are being used to soften bathrooms again,” Siegel says. It you want to soften and warm up the space, incorporate warm woods through a bathroom vanity, open shelves, or integrated panels.
If you love the retro look but don’t want to commit to something as permanent as floor tile or as expensive as a bathtub, changing your lighting is a great way to add some retro flair. “Globe sconces, simple brass or black finishes, and lighting that feels more decorative are replacing harsh overhead fixtures,” Siegel says. It’s a great way to give a nod to vintage style and create a layered lighting plan so you can adjust how the space feels from day to night.