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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

5455 E Lincoln Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$3,290,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,015 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748220
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Why go on vacation when you can LIVE like you're on vacation? Welcome to life lived easy in your PENTHOUSE CONDO at Mountain Shadows Resort. This sleek, modern double unit features 3 bedrooms, 3 bath with impeccable designer finishes, wood floors, floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, and so much more. Gourmet kitchen with oversized waterfall island, Wolf and SubZero appliances, wine fridge and ample amounts of storage. Spacious primary suite with spectacular large walk-in closet. Relax on your patio and take in the breathtaking surrounding mountain views. Enjoy the fabulous amenities that Mountain Shadow Resort offers including dining, golf, pool, gym and spa. Your vacation life awaits!

5 Mingus Mountain Road Sedona, AZ 86336

$3,290,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,810 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787516
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New offering price!! Experience the charm within this authentic Tuscan villa, an architectural masterpiece in the heart of West Sedona. Set above neighboring parcels in tranquility and views of breathtaking Red Rock. A custom onyx-gated entry leads to a serene courtyard with a cascading water feature and circular stairwell. The 4,810 sq. ft. residence includes 3 bedrooms, an office, and 4 baths. The great room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a wrap-around deck, and stunning views. Sophisticated details include stone accents, solid wood finishes, and a chef's kitchen filled with natural light. Courtyard pool can be heated or used as cold plunge w/spool technology. The lower level features 2 bedrooms, a family/media room w/ wet bar, a wine cellar, & a bonus SEE MOTION VIDEO room with a full kitchenideal as a studio or in-law suite. The yard offers privacy, a firepit, herb garden, and easy access to trails, shopping, dining, and the airport. Perfect as a primary home or STR investment.

10617 E Blue Sky Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$3,277,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
5,255 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6767663
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream retreat located in the prestigious gated community of Pinnacle Canyon, on the 14th hole of the monument golf course at Troon North. This exquisite custom home features breathtaking mountain and golf course views, all framed by expansive walls of glass. The thoughtfully designed layout includes 3 ensuite bedrooms, each offering privacy and elegance. The primary suite, with fireplace, is a tranquil sanctuary, while the dedicated guest retreat features a media room and private balcony. Additionally, the separate guest casita provides an inviting space for visitors. The heart of this residence is a generous chef's kitchen complete with high end appliances and stunning views. Outdoor living is a highlight, with numerous seating areas and a well-appointed outdoor kitchen. The negative edge pool and spa complete the experience creating a luxurious oasis against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery.

Tucson AZ 85745

$3,275,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
4,425 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765071
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Enjoy privacy you've dreamt of owning with land that is nestled at the edges of Saguaro National Park and the Tucson Mountain range. Have your very own private ''resort'' hidden at the end of the road in secluded (but accessible) Chaos Canyon (running E-W) — where ''the chaos ends'' and calming begins. The property is the intersection of an old-world estate with new-world modern sophistication and amenities. The long and lighted rustic driveway greets you with rising rhyolite stone walls on either side, setting the tone for this solid and bright contemporary property that sits on about 6 acres and is offered with a builder's warranty or equivalent. Built in 1997/1998 the property was purchased by the current owners in November 2021 and then remediated and remodeled (actively from January 2022) through to about November 2023 and was not lived fully in until mid-November 2023. The newly remodeled property has been lived in less than one year. The goal of the remodel was to investigate and remediate any issues, to update, and to remodel the property with a simple and understated elegance using contrasting materials that form a canvass for any interior designs. There's no HOA (although there are neighborhood covenants with the two other nearby properties to protect you so you can have both peace and protections at your own private getaway). The property aesthetically offsets ruggedness of materials offset with elegant refinement and its setting captures the very essence of Arizona as the American Southwest, having stunning views of the saguaro-forested green desert also replete with mesquites, palo verdes and other desert flora covering the mountains towering above the property to the south and the west, and views of city lights and U of A to the east at night. The property offers 4 bedrooms and 4 baths and has 4225 SF of total interior living space, a 311 SF covered patio off the main kitchen supported with 150-year-old reclaimed oak timbers and a wood-burning fireplace for patio warming, together with a new industrial misting system installed in 2023 for patio cooling. The property has 3 fireplaces, all dual fuel (gas or wood). (In the dining room there's also a 150-year-old reclaimed barnwood dining table mounted on a concrete pillar with steel beams). The finished garage is 676 SF with its own AC with space for a workshop and it has ceiling racks for ample storage with new polyaspartic floors and 10 LED panel fixtures for a very bright garage (color temperature and dimming adjustable). There are brand new garage overhead doors plated with Corten steel with a sealed perimeter to prevent insects and critters. There are no homes in views to the south and only one in view to the west in the distance, and a neighbor over the hill to the north-east. The views eastward include other homes quite a distance off from this beautifully appointed property that contains stunning landscaping in its own right, including extensive custom outdoor pathway lighting, many mesquite, palo verde, and other trees (Texas Laurel, several species of palms, a cinnamon tree, olive tree, etc.) and shrubs (rosemary, jojoba, Texas ranger, Spanish lavender, etc.) combined with elegant cacti bisected by a stone pathway and aesthetically rusted steel railings. All yards except the front yard are enclosed with rock walls and/or custom metal & cable fences and gates. There's also a raised culinary herb garden below the kitchen window as part of the landscaping. Outdoor sitting areas are almost everywhere amidst the lush landscaping and as well on porches and around the very large swimming pool, on the backside of which is also a sitting area with win chairs for peaceful desert overlooking. A Zen-like garden graces the west-northwest side of the property with a heated Japanese soaking tub, a heated outdoor shower, and a private sitting and dining area. The main structures of the property - interior and exterior - and the pool design and placement were uniquely designed by award-winning architect Rob Paulus on an arc radius (see bird's-eye aerial photos) and it has been featured in design magazines and a popular music artist filmed a music video hit song at the property. The structures on the property are built on a radius of about 100 feet, and the main residence is a curved arc of about 100 feet in arc length. The structures on the property are also built like fortresses (steel roof, concrete, split-face block and steel frame structures) atop and into the side of a rhyolite (igneous) rock hill that had to be blasted-out with dynamite to excavate for the structural foundations. There are polished industrial concrete floors on the interior throughout except for the bedrooms in the main house that utilize 40x40 porcelain white concrete tiles to give a softer feel. The four interior showers and baths are all done in natural quartzite stone and marble pebble, and the bathroom, guest house, and laundry counters are natural limestone, whereas the kitchen counters are Caesarstone for durability, with accents of limestone on the kitchen windowsills. The laundry room also features a large limestone counter for folding clothes and an integrated ironing board and storage cabinets. There are plaster walls throughout the interior living spaces where there are not masonry split-face block walls. All windows frames, and exterior doors and frames, are completely custom, one-of-a-kind welded iron. The windows are all double pane. The remediation and remodel also includes, but is not limited to, (A) new custom wood and other cabinets throughout from Anything Wood supplying ample storage; (B) all new plumbing fixtures (Grohe, Franke, Toto, etc.); (C) all Lutron electrical devices, Lutron Smart Devices for critical controls from your phone; (D) all new LED lighting, including a 90 foot monorail art gallery lighting fixture that goes down the elegantly curved gallery hallway; (E) Italian Beluga leaded crystal spot lights for art in the entry and master and all new interior; (F) solid core and frosted glass interior doors with new hardware; (G) new closets (California Closets). The master bathroom includes Robern lighted medicine cabinets and a Robern lighted mirror in the master bath, an Anzzi freestanding stone composite soaking tub, dual Scarabeo Italian sinks, and a stone shower that has one full side as a window looking out to the beautiful landscape views to the south. In addition to the above, the remodel included, an all-new appliance and plumbing fixture package exceeding $85K that includes a chef's dream kitchen - that is huge (~400 SF), and that has a massive (~ 9 ft x 5 ft) Caesarstone waterfall island - including: (a) a Bluestar professional 48 open burner range with up to 22KBTU burners that go down to a simmer and that can be quickly changed to also have a stovetop charbroiled or griddle as the need arises and has two gas ovens with French doors for ease of access (Iron Chef Michael Simon and Giada De Laurentiis, for example, have featured Bluestar ranges in their kitchens); (b) a 48 Bluestar stainless hood and with a 1400 CFM external blower to evacuate cooking smells rapidly and quietly; (c) a 48 True Manufacturing professional refrigerator; (d) a Gaggenau (German) speed oven; (e) a Miele (German) Futura dishwasher; (f) a 24 lighted Zephyr wine cooler; (g) an 18 KitchenAid trash compactor; (h) a 42 Franke stainless steel sink (main kitchen) with a Franke disposal having a Grohe commercial faucet and a reverse osmosis faucet for perfectly pure water for coffee or drinking; (i) a 19 round Franke prep sink (main) with a ½ HP Badger disposal and Grohe faucet; (j) a built-in (and gas-plumbed) 44 TEC 60KBTU infrared grill in the outdoor patio just off the kitchen; (k) new oversized Electrolux washer and dryer; (l) a Wolf gas cooktop in the Guest House (GH) kitchenette; (m) a Sub Zero 24 refrigerator in the GH; (n) a Frigidaire over the range microwave in the GH; 24 (o) a Kraus stainless steel sink with Grohe faucet and disposal in the GH; (p) a new LG washer and dryer in the GH; and new tankless, instant hot water heaters (Main and GH). New one-piece Toto elongated porcelain toilets with a vitreous enameled finish were used throughout the remodel. There are 6 AC units on this property: 2 split units (Lenox), 1 package unit (Trane), and 3 mini splits (Mitsubishi in living areas and a Fedders in the garage) used for rapid cooling in specific areas, including the master bedroom to give it a good chill for sleeping at night without cooling the entire house that low at night. All of the living-area AC units (5) were replaced with brand new top-of-the-line Lenox, Trane, and Mitsubishi systems in November of 2023 and have extensive transferable warranties. The property has commodious storage spaces, including extensive cabinetry and customized storage racks in the garage, per above. Other buildings include a large block structure that encloses the 2500-gallon water tank (that buffers you from the water utility and provides additional storage space) followed by a state-of-the-art, whole-house and multistage water treatment system with softener, carbon and UV purification and is sediment-filtered down to 1 micron. There is a WiFi irrigation controller and constant water pressure via a pump set to 90 PSI that delivers 70PSI of filtered, descaled, and softened water to the houses, and 80 PSI of descaled water to the irrigation system. There's also a block-enclosed pool equipment hut to dampen noise and protect the equipment. The permitted remediation / remodel also included but was not limited to (1) roofs inspection & repairs; (2) over 70 window pane replacements; (3) electrical inspections, repairs, & new wiring with whole-house surge protection; (4) plumbing inspections, repairs, & new plumbing; (5) living spaces sealed on the exterior perimeter and all windows and doors sealed with industrial seals; (6) exterior doors have automatic door bottoms to insure good threshold seal; (7) new window screens; (8) new plaster and painting; (9) 3 new Ecobee smart thermostats with remote sensors; (10) two 2GIG security system panels with Honeywell devices; (11) the pool plaster and tile was completely chipped out and replaced with PebbleTech finish in 2022 with upgraded tiles and LED lighting in 2024, and all pool equipment was replaced with the exception of the heater that is still in good working condition. The Guest House is fully self-sufficient for temporary or long-term guests, and fully remodeled to the same level as the main house and has a large ¾ bathroom with an elongated WhiteHaus sloped sink, laundry, fireplace, and a kitchenette. There is a new 400A electrical panel that is solar ready.

13240 N 60th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$3,275,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
5,022 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6750225
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move into this stunning NEW build by Thomas James Homes by the end of the year! Sitting in the highly desirable Scottsdale neighborhood, this beautiful 5 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom transitional style home is the definition of exceptional design. Wide plank wood flooring, decorative ceiling and wall treatments, including beams and wood paneling, impressive custom lighting, outstanding millwork, stone and tile accents, a gorgeous floor to ceiling fireplace, shaker cabinetry and a 4-car garage are just a sampling of the outstanding finishes going into the home. The large single story open concept floorplan is expertly crafted for modern living with a large interior courtyard leading to the home's entrance.

23238 N 94th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$3,275,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,837 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762057
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful custom residence with incredible views at Pinnacle Peak Vistas. 3 bedrooms plus office/ 3.5 bath located in 3863SF main house. Guest House boasts 974SF 1bd/1ba with full kitchen. Over 3/4 of an acre tucked into cul-de-sac lot with private circular drive. Updated kitchens and baths in both the main and guest houses with new cabinets and appliances. Primary bedroom includes private exit near spa and completely updated ensuite bath. Outdoor entertainment spaces include: double grills, dining spaces, misting system, elevated spa, infinity edge heated pool, and pet yard with 10ft fence for their safety. This well maintained home has new flooring, high efficiency water heater in main house and tankless water heater in guest house, new water softener, and central vacuum.

24724 N 119th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$3,274,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,800 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685315
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spectacular 360* Mountain & Valley VIEWS! TRUE GOLFER'S PARADISE! Newly UPDATED CONTEMPORARY ESTATE in the Heart of Troon In North Scottsdale. Incredible location...Close to Shopping, Dining, fabulous hiking trails + so much more! Breathtaking yard with Putting green, large sparkling pool, lounging areas for sun / shade. Boasting Soaring Ceilings, this light & bright home with a ''sunny'' disposition has been thoughtfully designed sparing no expense.

88 N Country Club Drive Phoenix, AZ 85014

$3,250,000
5 Beds
7 Baths
5,639 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777151
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Manor 88- a timeless retreat nestled within the heart of vibrant downtown Phoenix, yet offering serene seclusion behind the private gates of the renowned and historic Phoenix Country Club. Upon arrival you are warmly greeted by an expansive brick driveway and tree-filled lawn that frame your view of a charming extended front porch, a perfect spot for an early morning coffee or evening conversations. Meticulously renovated, this 1947 classic offers a sprawling floor-plan bathed in natural light and accented by warm oak hardwood floors throughout. You'll discover spaces designed for both intimacy and entertainment, from the built-in living room bar and floor to ceiling brick gas fireplace to the versatile game/gym/study/movie room along with an office and 4 other generously sized en-suites that ensure comfort and privacy. The grand chef's kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances, granite and quartz counters, brick backsplash, ample storage, solid wood cabinetry and many designer details offering both beauty and function. Off the kitchen, discover the laundry and mudroom, complete with custom cabinetry and a built-in fridge that leads you through a gorgeous light filled hallway to your primary retreat. The dining room opens to an expanded courtyard through elegant pocketed doors and overlooks multiple seating areas, a crafted swing set, a spa and a full grass field, providing endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and entertainment. This reimagined European farmhouse style home is complete with owned solar panels, an epoxied 3-car garage, and numerous updates throughout to combine classic charm with modern conveniences. Located near the clubhouse and just moments from the city's heart, this property isn't just a house - it's a warm, inviting home ready for your next chapter.

39797 N 107th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$3,250,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,838 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774973
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spectacular renovated home on the 8th green of the Apache Course. The Katie Mueller design team carefully chose a sophisticated desert palette in every room. Generous outdoor living areas grace the front and back of the home. You are greeted with a large courtyard area with a spherical water feature and huge views to the southwest. The interior has no steps and flows nicely from room to room. The remodel features an added bathroom, an expanded bath and a new kitchen pantry. A Wolf/Sub Zero appliance package compliments the fine oak cabinetry in the gourmet kitchen. Fantastic views to the South from the kitchen and back patio. A new dual sliding door enhances the space. New opportunities for temporary Lifestyle/Seven membership to the Desert Mountain Club for approved applicants

36133 N 24th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85086

$3,250,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,249 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719921
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A remarkable opportunity to enjoy your own custom slice of paradise in the coveted gated preserve enclave awaits, no vacations needed! Builders bespoke meticulously crafted home with upgrades from the foundation up. Large private courtyard and abundant backyard are an entertainer's dream yet allowing for serene private enjoyment. From the outdoor kitchen & living room, to the statement fireplace, to the infinity edge pool straight from your Pinterest board. This oasis has uncompromising quality and attention to detail throughout. Expansive Designer Chefs kitchen. 2 room Casita w/ full kitchen and separate entrance keeps guests close while ensuring privacy for all. The upgrades are too great to list, come see this stunner in person today!

5825 E Cochise Road Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$3,250,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,729 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747881
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Desert contemporary 2024 new build! Experience Paradise Valley's resort style, tranquil living in this 4 bed, 4.5 bath estate. With natural light beaming in through 2 walls of sliding doors, home boasts modern and clean design elements with open concept great, dining, and kitchen. Custom two-toned wood cabinets, oversized 2-tier kitchen island, and with stainless steel Wolf appliances, including gas cooktop, multiple ovens, coffee bar, and a wine fridge, creating a chef's dream kitchen. Primary suite includes private sliders to the backyard, dual sink vanity, soaking tub, oversized shower, enclosed toilet, and incredible walk-in closet with custom cabinetry. Entertain family and friends in the backyard with custom pool with expanded pool deck, built-in BBQ, covered patio, turf and desert landscaping or front yard with additional covered patio perfect for lounging and dining. Additional features include 3 en suite guest bedrooms, 4 car garage, RV gate, and builder warranty. Located minutes away from Paradise Valley and Scottsdale's top resorts, golf, dining, and shopping.

10512 E Cortez Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$3,250,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,015 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748941
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
* SCOTTSDALE STUNNER * CACTUS CORRIDOR GEM * BELLA MONTAGNA BEAUTY * 0.86 ACRE LOT * 5 BED * 4.5 BATH * 5,000+ SQ FT * HIGH-END STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES * NEW VINYL FLOORING THROUGHOUT * NEW MAPLE HARDWOOD CABINETS THROUGHOUT * NEW TAJ MAHAL QUARTZITE COUNTERTOPS THROUGHOUT * REDESIGNED KITCHEN * FRESH INTERIOR PAINT * FRESH EXTERIOR PAINT * PRIVATE SPORT/TENNIS COURT * RESORT-LIKE POOL * SPLIT FLOORPLAN * TOWERING COFFERED CEILINGS * 3 CAR GARAGE * EXTRA EXTRA PARKING * CIRCULAR DRIVEWAY * OWNED SOLAR SYSTEM * NEWER ROOF * CLOSE TO MAYO * CLOSE TO HONOR HEALTH * CLOSE TO BASIS SCOTTSDALE * CLOSE TO 101 * GET IT BEFORE ITS GONE! *