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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21389 W Hillcrest Boulevard Buckeye, AZ 85396

$874,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,780 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739139
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous curb appeal, 4 bed, 3.5 bath, 3 car garage with enclosed study; incredible quartz countertops in kitchen with upgraded GE stainless appliances, tiled backsplash, huge island and tons of storage. Open plan with 90 degree sliding glass door to outdoor living area. Upgraded plank tile flooring, upgraded carpet/tile and countertops in owner's retreat bath. Sunroom with vaulted ceiling; Perfect home for entertaining. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; EXTENSIVE NEW HOME WARRANTY; see you soon!

17357 E La Pasada Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$874,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,151 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6663155
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Views Views Views!!! This rare single level view top home with separate guest quarters offers the most stunning mountain views and design features anyone could desire. The home has been completely updated inside and out. Recent appraisal of $896,000 show this homes true value. Heated pool and spa allow for a resort style feel, and year round enjoyment. Home was professionally designed and has that new home look and feel.The list of upgrades is truly too much to list. This is a perfect opportunity to own a single level view top updated home that has the look and feel it was just built. No HOA. No NPOA. Great for short term rental opportunities.

8022 E Via Del Valle -- Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$874,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,000 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6687409
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Fantastic 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2000 sq ft townhome in Santa Fe subdivision in McCormick Ranch. Large open great room (with no step downs), wet bar and fireplace. Remodeled master bath with shower and jacuzzi tub. Private back yard, covered patio and 2 car garage. Located close to the club house with heated community pool and spa.

17418 E La Pasada Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$874,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,170 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694760
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Newly updated one of a kind, single level, modern desert style home on a level lot. Oasis backyard offers majestic mountain views. Magazine quality features can be seen inside and out. Paid for solar, fresh foam roof and dual pane windows make this an eco friendly, cost effective opportunity. Speaking of opportunity there is No HOA and No NPOA. Great for short term rental opportunities. The list of upgrades is way too much to list. Come see for yourself. A recent certified appraisal of $898,000 is available on site.

310 W Navajo Road Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$874,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
1,932 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6727174
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Here it is! The Coconino Estates home with an ADU you've been waiting for! Main house house has a split floor plan with the converted garage turned into a luxurious Primary suite. Wood accents throughout the home provide warmth and coziness. The landscaped front and back yard are perfect for entertaining family and friends. Just a short walk to the grocery store, Mama Burger, Frances Short Pond, Thorpe Park, and the tree park! Just a short drive to Snow Bowl! The ADU is 1 bed 1 bath with a sizable living area and full kitchen! New roof and furnace in 2020. 3 custom doors in 2023 (3 year warranty). New Carpet 2023. Don't miss your chance to see this incredible income producing property!

694 S Mountain View Road Apache Junction, AZ 85119

$874,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,945 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751574
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home is the complete package-4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 8+ car garage, a pool, horse property on an acre, with amazing views of the Superstition Mountains...WOW!!! Pride of ownership shows throughout this property. It has been well taken care of. Lots of parking for all the toys between the attached 2+ car garage & the detached 6 car garage out back. RV pad with 30 amp service. This fully fenced, flat usable lot still has space out back for more parking. Plenty of room to add a barn & corral if you want. The pool is so inviting & is perfect for cooling off in. While you rest & watch the gorgeous sunsets on the long covered patio you can listen to the relaxing sound of the pool waterfall. The front porch is perfect for enjoying the majestic Mountain Views.

1454 N Orlando -- Mesa, AZ 85205

$874,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,251 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6753051
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous updated home situated on a sprawling irrigated lot. New exterior paint and hvac unit. Interior has beautiful new flooring and baseboards throughout. Kitchen features new shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, pantry and stainless steel appliances. Huge island area is great for entertaining. Spacious living spaces with tons of possiblilities to fit personal lifestyle. Owner suite is your own sanctuary with a private bath you won't want to leave. Stunning finishes, huge walk in shower and seperate soaking tub. Great sized secondary bedrooms and plenty of storage throughout the home. Backyard has sparkling pool and spa, patio areas and plenty of space for outdoor living. This home is a rare find and hits all of those hard to find amenities!

315 E Balao Drive Phoenix, AZ 85085

$874,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,375 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763358
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Breathtaking VIEWS of Sonoran Mountain Preserve (OVER $222K in UPGRADES - PAID SOLAR! Average $27.80/Mo for Electric!)! Single Level, 3-car garage (w/additional 4ft extension), 3 beds PLUS Den, 2.5 Baths, SPA (hot or cold), Raised View Deck, & RV gate in Gated Community. Impressive w/10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, Plantation Shutters, HUGE open floor plan, CUSTOM entertainment ctr w/fireplace, surround sound, & multi sliding glass drs to extended back patio w/travertine tile. GOURMET Kitchen equipped w/abundant espresso cabinetry, granite counters, walk-in pantry, LARGE island w/seating, & GE Café SS appliances. Owner's retreat w/dual sinks, make-up vanity, SUPER sized tiled shower, & walk-in closet. Tranquil backyard, boasting a patio misting system, grassy area, built-in BBQ & smoker.

41411 N Anthem Ridge Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$874,800
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,991 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763778
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Are you ready to experience elevated living at Anthem Country Club? Discover this stunning home, perfectly positioned on a premium corner lot in the prestigious Anthem Country Club. Step inside to be welcomed by a beautiful and inviting open-concept floor plan featuring 3 bedrooms plus a den, a spacious great room, a formal dining area, and a versatile front living/flex room. The kitchen, designed to delight even the most discerning chef, boasts an abundance of upgraded cabinetry with crown molding, under-cabinet lighting, sleek granite countertops and backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island with a breakfast bar, and elegant stone accents. The casual dining nook, framed by a bay window, adds a charming touch to your daily meals. The great room exudes warmth and style with a custom feature wall and a stunning stacked-stone gas fireplace, complemented by Stone Creek built-in cabinetry. Perfect for entertaining, the tranquil backyard is equipped with a custom-built grill, pizza oven, and a spacious paver patio. A built-in BBQ island with bar seating, a calming fountain, easy-care artificial turf, and breathtaking mountain views make this backyard an entertainer's dream. Retreat to the serene primary bedroom, which features double-door entry, sliding doors leading to the backyard, and an en-suite bath complete with dual vanities, a tiled shower, a soaking tub, a large walk-in closet with built-ins, and a linen closet. A secondary bedroom with its own en-suite bath offers privacy and convenience for guests. Additional features throughout the home include plantation shutters, two-tone paint, designer light fixtures, and a spacious 3-car garage. Living within the gated Anthem Country Club provides exclusive access to members-only amenities such as resort and lap-style pools, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a world-class golf course. Don't miss your chance to view this exceptional property today!

213 S Mount Vernon Avenue Prescott, AZ 86303

$874,500
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,049 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6705845
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Historic Craftsman Bungalow located on the most highly sought after street in Prescott. This turn-key property is currently operated as a successful VRBO & may come fully furnished. Taxes only $588 per year! Main home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, open concept family room, dining room, updated kitchen w/ eat-in island, media/game room & charming front porch to enjoy taking in Prescott's small-town charm. Property also presents lower apartment, offering additional income unit. Two separate garages offering one above at house level & two car garage below at alley access w/ adjacent RV space. Terraced back yard is fully fenced w/ plenty of room to expand back patio space to make this an even more enchanting space. Don't miss your opportunity to own a piece of history in the heart Prescott!

1808 W Horsetail Trail Phoenix, AZ 85085

$874,500
5 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,968 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783279
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning home offering curb appeal, a 3-car garage, and breathtaking mountain views. Enjoy North-South facing for optimal sunlight, 42 owned solar panels for energy efficiency and a resort style backyard! Inside, you'll find numerous upgrades including Lutron automated shades in the living areas and shutters in the bedrooms. The thoughtfully designed floorplan includes 5 bedrooms, a den, and a spacious great room with surround sound. The gourmet kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, a waterfall island, quartz countertops, and a walk-in pantry. The primary suite offers a luxurious ensuite with a soaking tub, separate shower, dual sinks, dual walk-in closets, and backyard access. Step outside to a cozy covered patio, surrounded by beautiful travertine pavers that extend out to a sunken firepit and a pebble tech pool complete with a serene waterfall, perfect for entertaining or relaxing in your desert oasis. Additional features include R/O, Water Softener, laundry room with cabinets and a sink, tankless water heater, a mini-split HVAC in single garage, and 2 year old AC units! Do not miss out on this beautiful home!Welcome to Sonoran Hills, a gated community offering exceptional amenities including a refreshing community pool, sports courts, and a dog park, perfect for active lifestyles. Conveniently located near major freeways, residents enjoy easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment. With its blend of resort-style living and ideal location, Sonoran Hills provides the perfect balance of comfort and convenience.

805 W Little Ranch Road Paulden, AZ 86334

$874,478
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,207 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6613512
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your Self-Sustaining Oasis in Paulden, AZ. Nestled ~30 minutes from Prescott, this Paulden ranch is a prepper's dream. Sitting on 5 fenced acres, it boasts a high-producing well with windmill-powered 10,000-gal storage tank plus an extra well, also high capacity. Security is ensured with an automatic gate, mature trees and a secluded location. The main house offers 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a beautiful kitchen, huge living room, true soundproofed media room, laundry room, dining room, pantry, and more. Compound includes 1248 sqf workshop/garage (w/office+ bathroom), 480 sqf bunkhouse, 768 sqf garage, a bunker/root cellar/wine cellar, another 2-car garage/storage container, horse facilities, gardens, ponds, etc. This gem is a haven for those seeking self-sufficiency in a crazy world.