NAHB: Builder Sentiment Improves in August

Buyer Beware: 4 Common Problems Home Sellers Try to HideAccording to the National Association of Home Builders, August home builder sentiment met analyst expectations and rose by two points to a reading of 60; July’s reading was revised downward to 58. Two out of three components used in calculating the Home Builder Index were higher. Builder sentiment concerning current housing conditions rose two points to 65. Builders were also more confident about housing market conditions within the next six months; August’s reading was one point higher at 56. Builders were less confident about buyer traffic in new housing developments. August’s reading slipped one point to 44.

Any reading above 50 indicates that a majority of builders surveyed were confident in market conditions; readings for buyer traffic have not reached 50 since 2005.

Building More Homes Seen as Solution to Persistent Home Shortage

Shortages of available homes have caused demand for homes to surge in recent months. As demand increases, home prices rise. This thwarts positive conditions including low mortgage rates and recent reports of rebounding job creation. If builder confidence rises, it follows that builders will expand construction, but builders also cited factors including regulatory obstacles, a lack of qualified labor and shortages of land available for development as ongoing concerns.

Regional Confidence Readings Mixed

Regional readings for builder confidence were mixed; builder confidence in the Northeast increased by two points to 41. In the South, builder confidence also rose two points to 63. Builder sentiment in the West was unchanged at 69 while builder sentiment in the Midwest fell two points to 55.

Although growing builder confidence considered positive in light of home shortages, analysts said that single-family housing starts remain well below historical levels.

In related news, NAHB reported that readings for the 55 plus housing market index increased by one point to 57 as compared to the first quarter reading and was unchanged as compared to the second quarter of 2015. As with the general HMI, any reading over 50 indicates that more builders than fewer are confident in market conditions for 55 plus housing markets.

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23005 N 87th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$919,000 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in La Vida, Scottsdale
Open House
$919,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,112 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758926
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome to beautiful La Vida in North Scottsdale. A true hidden gem. Enjoy the community pool, tennis court and pickle ball! Central to La Vida is a grassy park with tall trees and room to roam. Spacious and bright, this 2100 sq ft end unit townhome has 2 bedrooms/2 baths. UPDATED & MOVE-IN READY. Vaulted ceilings, open & inviting kitchen and comfortable spots to lounge. Huge laundry room & abundant storage. Beautiful maple hardwood floors throughout. NEW custom blinds. Contemporary bathrooms showcase custom tile and modern finishes. The covered patio and relaxing backyard is larger than most in the community. 2 car garage with ample storage and direct access into the home. Just a short drive to fine dining, restaurants and the popular entertainment district at Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, Westworld the host of the annual Barrett-Jackson Car Auction and Arabian Horse Show, TPC Golf Course and host of the WM Phoenix Open, Salt River Fields host to Spring Training and The World Renowned Mayo Clinic with convenient access to the Loop 101 and 51 freeways for ease of travel around the greater Scottsdale and Phoenix areas.

4558 Prairie Trail Prescott, AZ 86301

$917,500
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,707 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6749608
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Plenty of WOW Factor with this OUTSTANDING Contemporary Ranch style in Desirable YAVAPAI HILLS Subdivision on a HALF ACRE with a Flat/Level Drive & Incredible VIEWS!!! Home has 2707 square feet all on ONE LEVEL with 3Bedrooms/2.5Bathrooms/3CarGarage, + 12x21 Arizona Room as a Bonus, Beamed Ceilings, Ceiling Fans, 18'' Tile in all wet/traffic areas & carpet in balance (Seller offering $9,000 carpet allowance with full price offer), Gas Fireplace w/Blower, Stone Chimney face, Entertainment Niche, GREAT ROOM Concept, Formal Dining room, Honeycomb Blinds, Peeled Pole Accents, & Central Vac. Kitchen is Beautiful with Knotty Alder Cabinetry, GRANITE Countertops, Under Cupboard Lighting, ISLAND, Stainless Steel Appliances, Warming Oven, Wall Oven/Micro, & Large Pantry... Master is oversized with direct access to Deck, Large Walk-In Closet, Dual Sinks, Jetted/Garden Tub, & Large Snail Shower. Bedroom #2 is being used as Office/Den with Built In Desk & has direct access to guest bath with Dual Sinks, Bedroom #3 is spacious....has Zoned HVAC, Fenced Back Yard, New Trex Deck with Stairway to lower level, Large Laundry w/upper & lower cabinetry, Storage Cabinetry in Garage, & has huge standup crawl space for MAN CAVE.

15203 N Castillo Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$916,900 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Fountain Hills Az Fp 513, Fountain Hills
New
$916,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,267 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782951
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stop the car for this great single level home in beautiful North Heights! Sitting on a nice corner lot and backing to arroyo with mountain views...you will love this location! Pride of ownership shows from the moment you walk in! New flooring throughout much of the home/ Comfortable great room with corner fireplace /Beautiful kitchen with island/new quartz countertops/lots of cabinets/built in desk/Formal dining and breakfast room! Spacious master suite w/double door entry and an exit to the back yard! Separate tub & shower/double vanity & nice walk in closet/ The laundry room offers cabinets and a sink! 2 additional bedrooms perfect for guests! Oversized 2 car garage w/mini split AC & space for workshop. You'll love the E-Z care yard with play pool w/waterfall/ Don;t pass this one up!

5650 E Ocupado Drive Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$915,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,182 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756005
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful and well appointed home in quiet Lone Mountain subdivision. Convenient to the towns of Cave Creek & Carefree and about 20 minutes to the 101, 51 & I-17. Three bedrooms, 2 baths, all appliances included. Well equiped kitchen with gas cooktop, kitchen island, granite countertops and plenty of cabinets. Kitchen open to living room for the perfect social setting. Don't miss the crown molding which continues into the master bedroom and bath. Dining room is currently used as an office. Guest bedrooms are the perfect size and guest bath has matching granite and double sinks. The rear, full length, covered patio speaks for itself with a beautiful pool backing to nature. The best part of this is the assumable VA loan at 2.25%

23134 N 40th Place Phoenix, AZ 85050

$915,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,039 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6717035
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home! Your well-maintained home is located in a prime location of Desert Ridge, just steps away from miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, this home offers both tranquility and convenience. Unwind in the peaceful backyard after a day spent exploring nature or enjoying nearby shops and dining. With soaring ceilings that flood the home with natural light, it exudes a lively and joyful atmosphere—a space perfect for gatherings, entertainment, and relaxation. Dive into the heated pool, play in the backyard, or cozy up with a good book. A legacy of laughter, shared meals, and cherished memories fills these walls. It's now ready for you to create the next chapter of your story. CONTINUE READING...Click more... 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, + a loft AND a den! ideal for entertaining. $5k in solar shades were added to the home to enjoy the light without the heat! The $100/month Tesla solar panels also come with all of the maintenance at Tesla's expense. Don't like solar? They will remove the panels but why not take advantage of inexpensive electricity to keep you home cool and your pool sparkling! In addition, the refrigerators convey with the home. Conveniently located on the ground floor is the Den or versatile home office and another bedroom. Ascend the staircase to discover the large loft space, leading to the spacious master retreat, complete with a luxurious bathroom boasting a soaking tub, spa shower, and a generously sized walk-in closet. Additional spacious bedrooms and bathroom, offering ample privacy and comfort for all occupants. The high-quality carpet has been well maintained and feels great underfoot! Step outside to the backyard oasis, where a covered patio invites relaxation, overlooking a pebble tech pool and a designated play area for kids, pets, or a garden, making it a perfect outdoor retreat for both relaxation and recreation. This area of Desert Ridge doesn't get through traffic and is super quiet. Located just steps away from all that Desert Ridge has to offer, including miles of trails perfect for mountain biking, running, walking, and exploring. This home combines luxury living with unparalleled convenience, promising a lifestyle of comfort and sophistication.

2097 W University Avenue Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$915,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,365 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737745
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning Boulder Pointe Home - Recently Updated! Nestled among beautiful trees, this home is perfect for a growing family. The primary bedroom is conveniently located downstairs, with three additional bedrooms and a versatile bonus room upstairs that can serve as an extra bedroom or a game room for the kids. This comfortable, move-in ready home features luxury vinyl flooring along with many more enhancements. The open family room boasts a lovely fireplace, perfect for cozying up on snowy winter nights. Enjoy the warm summer days in the expansive backyard as the Aspen, Pine, Spruce, Maple, and various fruit trees bring shade. The property features a 10x12 storage shed for extra storage and a side yard spacious enough for a small camper or boat.

1163 E Knight Lane Tempe, AZ 85284

$915,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,200 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755537
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss a rare opportunity to live in this highly sought-after south Tempe neighborhood! This beautiful custom home is nestled in the heart of south Tempe and has all of the charm that is characteristic of the area, complete with 4 spacious bedrooms and a convenient split master bedroom layout. Both master bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and the 4th bedroom is large enough to be a third master bedroom as well. You will enjoy relaxing in your backyard oasis, which boasts a large covered patio, sparkling pool, built-in fireplace, mister system and synthetic turf. The side yard has room for your RV and even has a dedicated RV electrical outlet. Other features include: no HOA, central vacuum, new hot water heater, walk-in pantry, no neighbor in back, fireplace in master and living room, and so much more!

2709 E Clarendon Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

$915,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,294 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759199
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Enormous lot with tons of potential! This beautiful renovated home sits on a HUGE lot with NO alley behind the property. RV Parking, 3 car garage with epoxy garage floors, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. The gorgeous kitchen includes quartz counters, custom tile backsplash, kitchen island, walk-in pantry and perfect for entertaining. The front yard is breathtaking in its low maintenance design, custom lighting, security system and ample driveway. Many options for investors or owner occupying buyers!

29761 N 118th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$915,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
4,043 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775001
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning home in the gated Vistancia community of Chaparral Canyon. Enjoy the luxury of OWNED SOLAR panels & a beautifully upgraded exterior w/ a paver walkway/driveway, covered porch & an elegant front door. Inside, find a spacious & inviting layout perfect for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen features upgraded quartz countertops, a large island w/ a basin sink, RO, hood, staggered cabinets w/ soft-close & rollouts & pantry. A downstairs suite w/ a full bathroom provides convenient accommodations for guests. Upstairs, the luxurious oversized owner's suite includes dual sinks, a separate vanity, an upgraded walk-in shower, a soaking tub & a walk-in closet. 3 additional guest rooms & 2 full bathrooms, including a shared Jack-and-Jill, offer plenty of space for family & friends. Laundry is conveniently located upstairs w/ conveying washer & dryer. The 3-car garage features an internal connection, a 5ft width extension, epoxy flooring, an electric charger, upper storage & whole-house filtration. The backyard is an outdoor oasis! Relax by the refreshing 6' deep pool w/ a waterfall & deck jets. Enjoy the artificial turf, patio & covered pergola, ideal for entertaining. Don't miss this opportunity to make this dream home yours today! The community of Vistancia is a master-planned development that includes beautiful homes, parks & hiking trails, award winning community centers & golf courses, commercial & retail shops, along with incredible rolling hills & desert landscape all around! The future 320-acre 5 North at Vistancia commercial core is coming soon. Vistancia has ranked as the #1 Master Planned Community in AZ for 10 years in a row (2014-2023)! Resort-style living at its best. Come & see why!

9335 E Cavalry Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$915,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,083 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6773060
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to a completely remodeled home with 2 SPACIOUS bedrooms and a dedicated office / den, polished concrete floors, refreshed cabinetry, blinds, remodeled bathrooms and newer HVAC and hot water heater.The 2 car garage has built in storage cabinet and electrical service for an EV. Enjoy the beautiful mountain and fairway views from the south facing patio. All furniture, art, rugs, and home decor are available for purchase under a separate bill of sale if desired.. The home was professionally decorated less than 3 years ago.

5702 N 13th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$915,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
2,440 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769845
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Presenting a remarkable corner lot treasure in the sought-after Uptown Phoenix area. This 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home, complete with a 1-car garage and RV gate, is a showcase of premium design and attention to detail. Every feature, from the newly installed roof, sewer line to the new electrical and plumbing, has been carefully upgraded to the highest standards. The chef's kitchen and spa-like bathrooms elevate the living experience. Located just north of downtown Phoenix and minutes from the prestigious Biltmore district, this home offers proximity to top-tier schools (Madison), trendy dining, and upscale shopping. Offering the perfect mix of luxury and convenience, this is a rare opportunity to own a truly impressive property.

26719 S 195th Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$915,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Meets And Bounds, Queen Creek
Open House
$915,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,515 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762873
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Country Living at its best with over an acre lot and no HOA, this beautiful property offers so much! Starting with the large custom designed gourmet kitchen w/granite counters, an 8' x 6' island, gas range w/custom commercial extractor hood, plus additional wall oven & microwave, cabinet space galore and huge pass-through pantry. Need a NextGen space? Easily convert the 2nd living room, 23' bedroom, bathroom and laundry and you have an attached Casita w/separate entrance to home. Primary bedroom w/ den-sitting room has separate exit to the 900-sf covered back patio. 70' x 38' Concrete sport court area for tennis, pickleball, basketball, you name it! Newly constructed 13' high, 20' x 40' RV parking structure with metal roof, outdoor patio/firepit area, 2 custom chicken coops w/shade, and misting system, and raised garden beds w/auto watering system. This property is zoned for horses, and plenty of room to park horse trailers, set up stalls, and a riding arena. Lots of trees including producing fruit/citrus trees (lemon, peach, fig, apple & pomegranate). Newer roof, one A/C unit is brand new, no carpet in home. Located near San Tan Mountain hiking/riding trails, and close to all the new shopping and entertainment Queen Creek has to offer. Is this your next Home Sweet Home? We hope so!