NAHB: Home Builder Confidence Holds Steady in May

Closing Paperwork: How to Read and Understand the Truth-in-Lending Disclosure StatementThe National Association of Home Builders reported that home builder confidence in the U.S. housing market conditions held steady for the fourth consecutive month in May. Builder confidence stayed at a reading of 58, which was the number expected by analysts and was also the reading for April. Analysts said that the consistency in readings signified expansion in housing markets. Any reading over 50 indicates that more builders than not are confident about market conditions.

Components of the NAHB Housing Market Index include readings on builder confidence in current market conditions which held steady at 63 and builder confidence in market conditions over the next six months, which gained three points to a reading of 54. Builder confidence in foot traffic for new home developments was unchanged at a reading of 44.

NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said that the higher reading for future sales indicates growing builder confidence in housing market conditions. In recent months, housing markets have been fueled by low mortgage rates and high demand, but supplies of available homes are dwindling. Housing industry analysts have identified building new homes as a major solution for the shortage of homes for sale.

Analysts note that while new homes represent a small part of the residential real estate market, each new home constructed contributes an average of three jobs for a year and yields an average of $90,000 in tax revenue for each home built. Builders repeatedly cite a lack of workers and buildable lots as a concern for building more homes. An NAHB analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report on Job Openings and Labor Turnover indicated that there were 210,000 unfilled construction jobs in March, which was the highest reading since May 2007.

Regional surveys of home builder sentiment were mixed. The reading for the Northeast fell by 3 points to 41 while readings for the Midwest and South rose by one point each with readings of 58 and 59 respectively. The reading for the West was unchanged at 67.

Low Mortgage Rates: Will the Fed Raise Rates in June?

In other housing related news, analysts’ predictions are mixed regarding whether or not the Federal Reserve will raise its target funds rate next month when the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets. Uncertainties over the United Kingdom’s upcoming vote about leaving the European Union and mixed economic data appear likely to nix a rate increase, but improving labor markets could be a plus for a fed rate increase. Raising the federal funds rate would cause mortgage rates to rise and is considered a further concern for the gap between growing wages and rapidly rising home prices.

287 E Citrus Hollow Way Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$593,818
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,678 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6597679
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
This brand new Valletta model is move-in ready! It features a spacious layout with plenty of natural light. The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. It has a gourmet kitchen, gas cooktop and will be the perfect place to entertain your guests. Both bathrooms are highly upgraded with tile surround and upgraded fixtures. The resort collection at Encanterra offers you the perfect balance if you are a seasonal owner or full time. Book your tour today and start living the good life at Encanterra now!

1732 E Dobbins Road Phoenix, AZ 85042

$593,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,866 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786266
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Two Homes, One Incredible Opportunity! This unique property offers two private living houses on the same lot, surrounded by stunning South Mountain views! Featuring a private pool, a separate large multi-use room, a spacious fenced backyard and new AC units! The main house boasts 1,866 SF of beautifully upgraded living space, including 3 bedrooms, 2 remodeled bathrooms, and a renovated kitchen with modern finishes. Tile flooring adds style and durability throughout the home and enjoy large picturesque windows overlooking the glistening pool which has a new pump. The primary suite includes an ensuite bathroom and a sliding glass door to the backyard. The 512 SF guest house has a spacious bedroom, a full kitchen and bathroom, washer/dryer hookup, and tile flooring throughout. It also features its own private backyard for added convenience and privacy. Oversized, low-maintenance yard, 2 car garage and plenty of parking. NO HOA! Savor breathtaking mountain views just steps from your door, complemented by dazzling cityscapes and sparkling lights that come alive at night. Bus stop and local shopping just minutes away, enjoy easy access to hiking and mountain bike trails nearby. This property provides the perfect opportunity to subsidize your mortgage, provide multigenerational housing or host extended family and friends with ease. Don't miss out on this rare gem!

5727 N 16th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016

$593,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,696 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760351
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in vibrant Uptown, this updated mid-century gem features a 3-bed, 2-bath main house and a newly remodeled 1-bed, 1-bath guest house, offering flexibility for rental income, a home office, or visiting guests. The main house boasts spacious bedrooms, a modernized kitchen and bathrooms, new vinyl flooring, a newer AC system, and a charming patio that opens to a fully fenced backyard for privacy. The 400 sq ft guest house is equipped with a kitchenette, living room, bedroom, and bathroom, and it has its own entrance and parking. This versatile space offers numerous possibilities, including short or long-term rental potential (currently generating $950/month), a quiet, spacious home office, a professional space to meet clients with dedicated parking, comfortable living quarters for extended family, an art studio or workshop, a private master suite, or ideal guest accommodations for seasonal visitors. Both front and back yards are designed for low maintenance, ensuring easy outdoor enjoyment. Just minutes from shopping, dining, and recreation, this home offers a 5-minute drive to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve for hiking, a 5-minute bike ride to the Arizona Canal, and only 10 minutes to downtown Phoenix. An excellent opportunity for first-time buyers, investors, or those eager to embrace the Uptown lifestyle!

9935 S Centennial Road Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$592,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,432 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750764
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. The Avelino floor plan offers a refined single-story design with four bedrooms, including an AllGen suite, and a spacious flex area ideal for an office, TV room, or study. Featuring front yard landscaping, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Conveniently situated near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.

4311 Sawbuck Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$592,561
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,538 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770321
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the Thrive floor plan featuring 1,507 sq ft, 2 beds & 2 baths, located in the desirable Homestead neighborhood. This Shea Designer Home includes a built-in induction cooktop, quartz countertops in the kitchen & baths, custom mosaic tile, & soft-close drawers with generous cabinet pullouts & recycling. Enjoy a heavy glass enclosure in the primary shower, satin nickel hardware, a 15ft sliding glass wall in the living room, extended patio, $20k in upgraded tile flooring, a 4-ft extended garage, & custom landscaping front & back. Additional features include under-cabinet lighting, audio/video wall sleeve, & Blanco under-mount sink at the kitchen island. Discover current incentives at Shea sales office.

22431 E Oriole Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$592,327
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,726 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784920
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BRIGHT GREAT ROOM HOME THAT IS READY TO MOVE IN! FULLY LANDSCAPED FRONT AND BACK, WITH ARTIFICIAL TURF AND PERGOLA IN THE BACKYARD. 3 BEDROOM , 2 BATH, 3 CAR GARAGE. BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT FINISHES, PLANK TILE FLOORING EVERYWHERE EXCEPT BEDROOMS, GRANITE TOPS, TILE BACKSPLASH, SPA SHOWER IN MAIN BATH, INCLUDES WINDOW COVERINGS , CEILING FANS,, GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER ENERGY STAR RATED,, ETC.! . ALL THIS IN THE NEW PREMIER MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY, LOCATED IN QUEEN CREEK. FEATURING A 22 ACRE LAKE, THAT IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE COMMUNITY. KAYAKING, CANOEING, AQUATIC CENTER WITH LAP AND SPORT POOL, SPLASH PAD, BOCCE BALL, PICKLE BALL. BOARDWALKS AND RAMADAS AROUND THE LAKE AND MUCH MORE...KATHERINE MECHAM BARNEY SCHOOL IN THE COMMUNITY.

966 E Mulberry Place -- Chandler, AZ 85286

$592,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,273 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6638729
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Charming 3 bedroom and 2 bath home in new Chandler community. Hamilton Landing includes 36 single level homes each with their own front porch, private driveway for 2 vehicles and a single car garage and a small, pet friendly rear yard. Each home has 10' flat ceilings, white cabinets, luxury vinyl plank flooring in every room, two tone paint, beautiful wood trim around windows and doors and granite/quartz countertops in the kitchen and baths. The community includes a dog park with a covered ramada. These homes will be ready for occupancy between March and June of 2024. All photos are of a similar home completed in a previous community.

10018 W Verde Lane Avondale, AZ 85392

$591,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,485 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752684
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
***TO BE BUILT*** Find your dream home at Acclaim-a Fulton homes master planned community! The Lincoln Beach is an incredible single story home with a spacious 40' RV plus 2 car tandem garage. Many included features such as gourmet kitchen, 10' ceilings, 8' doors, paver driveways, ceiling fans, 2'' faux wood blinds and much more. Customize with a 4th bedroom, a spa shower, additional electrical and much more. Buyer can select interior finishes at our incredible 13.000 sq. ft design center. Fulton homes are ''Zero Energy Ready'' and include tankless water heaters, spray foam insulation, electric vehicle ready and pre plumb for solar installation. Residents enjoy a community pool, basketball courts, pickle ball courts, sand volleyball, bocce ball, greenbelts and children's playgrounds.

4106 W Eli Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$590,005
5 Beds
4 Baths
2,762 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748793
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Pacific plan offers space for the entire family. This home features 4 bedrooms upstairs with a guest bedroom downstairs. A perfect retreat for long-term guests. The spacious kitchen offers ample counter space and opens to the great room for ideal entertaining. Custom interior finishes include: matte granite countertops, shaker cabinets, custom kitchen backsplash, and natural wood-look tile flooring in all the right places.

1365 W Laguna Azul Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$590,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,074 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765770
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Have you been looking for your forever home in Dobson Ranch with over a 10,000 sq ft lot? If so look no more, this home is completely remodeled from top to bottom. Recent upgrades include renovated bathrooms, dual pane windows, massive security gate, electrical service panels in the garage, newly installed Ho2 system, sliders, drop ceiling removed to give you actual space in the living areas, new kitchen with custom cabinets, stainless appliances and high grade quartz counters. The master is oversized with own access to courtyard. Come check out all this home has to offer. This home is located in the prestigious Dobson Ranch Subdivision with community pool, many activities, close to freeway access, shops, restaurants and so much more.

1047 W Elna Rae Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$590,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769188
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NO HOA!! Remodeled 5 bd/3 bath located in the heart of Tempe features open and bright layout with new flooring throughout, new granite countertops, new light fixtures, and new paint. Located near ASU, Tempe Beach Park, the Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Botanical Gardens, Sky Harbor International Airport - and easy to get to!

9112 S 15th Way Phoenix, AZ 85042

$590,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,214 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780934
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
What a RARE find! Located in the gated Montana Vista Estates, this beautiful 3-bedroom home will leave you in awe. Its charm starts with a manicured landscape & a 3-car garage w/paver driveway. Fabulous interior features abundant natural light, archways, neutral paint, and stone tile flooring w/carpet in bedrooms. You'll LOVE the separate living room & a formal dining room w/wood-look floors! The gourmet kitchen boasts granite counters, recessed lighting, a pantry, wood cabinetry, a large island, a breakfast bar, and SS appliances w/cooktop gas. Main bedroom has an ensuite with dual sinks, separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. The spacious back & side yards offer a fireplace and two covered patios. This gem also sits on a corner lot by the Community gate, with mountain views! Just WOW!