Last week’s economic reports included readings on new and existing home sales, a speech by Fed Chair Janet Yellen, and a report on consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.
New Home Sales Rise in July as Pre-Owned Home Sales Fall
Sales of new homes jumped in July to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 654,000 sales, which surpassed expectations of 579,000 sales and June’s downwardly-revised reading of 582,000 sales. This was the highest reading for new home sales since 2008 and represented a 31.30 percent increase since July 2015.
Builders were seen by analysts as addressing the need for more affordable homes; this trend contributes to a healthy housing market by supplying homes for a wider range of buyers. First-time buyers play a vital part in housing markets as their purchases enable current homeowners to buy larger homes or relocate.
Sales of pre-owned homes fell 3.20 percent to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.39 million sales as compared to expectations of 5.59 million sales and June’s reading of 5.57 million sales. Year-over-year, sales were 1.60 percent lower. Limited inventories of available pre-owned homes have narrowed buyer options; increasing prices and narrow choices were seen as factors contributing to lower sales. There was a 4.60 month supply of available homes in July. Real estate pros typically consider a six months a normal reading for homes on the market.
Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors®, noted that a slowdown in home appraisals may have contributed to July’s lower sales reading for pre-owned homes. Low mortgage rates prompted a surge in refinancing which created a backlog in home appraisals. While low mortgage rates may entice home buyers, stricter mortgage requirements can also keep prospective buyers at bay.
Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen indicated that the stage could be set for a federal rate increase as early as next month. If the Fed hikes its target federal funds rate, interest rates for consumer credit and mortgages can be expected to rise.
Mortgage Rates Hold Steady; New Jobless Claims Fall
Freddie Mac reported that fixed mortgage rates for 30 and 15-year loans were unchanged at 3.43 and 2.74 percent respectively. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage was one basis point lower at 2.75 percent. Discount points averaged 0.60, 0.50 and 0.40 percent.
New jobless claims were lower last week. 261,000 new jobless claims were filed against expectations of 264,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 262,000 new claims filed. Declining jobless claims can indicate strengthening labor markets, but can also indicate that workers are leaving the labor markets.
Consumer sentiment declined slightly in August due to concerns over the upcoming presidential election. Analysts expected a reading of 91.0 for August, but the reading for August was revised from 90.4 to 89.80.
What’s Ahead
Next week’s scheduled economic news includes reports on pending home sales, inflation, construction spending and consumer confidence. National unemployment, non-farm payrolls and ADP payrolls are also scheduled.
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841 E Mclellan Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85014
$1,499,000
4
Beds
4
Baths
3,740
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6724305
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This gorgeous home is the perfect house. It boasts 10' ceilings throughout. All four bedrooms have an attached bathroom. The kitchen was recently remodeled, with a beautiful island, granite counters, and high end appliances. There are very few hallways in the house so all the square footage consists of gigantic rooms, perfect for entertaining. It's around the corner from MTA and in the desirable Madison School district.
1227 E Jeanine Drive
Tempe, AZ 85284
$1,499,000
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
4,174
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769630
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
RARE Corona Ranch basement home with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 half baths is ready for you! This huge corner lot sits on just over a 1/3rd of an acre with mature landscaping, huge pool, built in jacuzzi and outdoor BBQ. Entering you have a huge living space, lots of natural light throughout, plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Plantation shutters throughout entire house. Full basement has room for all your media, toys, bar and 2 bedrooms w a full bath.Best lot in the community !
10220 E Cochise Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$1,498,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,133
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6716959
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
THIS STUNNING HOME IS HUGE! THE MAIN ROOMS ARE OVERSIZED. THE YARD IS HUGE!! THE GLASS POOL SPARKLES RAINBOWS!! ITS LIGHT, BRIGHT, IMMACULATE!!!! A NATURALLY LIT 3 CAR GARAGE WITH A FAN. WALK OUTSIDE INTO YOUR BACKYARD OASIS OUT OF ALMOST EVERY ROOM. COOK IN A GRAND KITCHEN WITH IMPRESSIVE CABINETRY. THIS HOME IS AWE-INSPIRING!!!! YOU CAN HAVE LAKE ACESS, WALK IN THE PARK, PLAY TENNIS, VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL.... EAT & SHOP AT OUR SHOPPING CENTER, JOIN CLUBS.
8533 E Montello Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$1,497,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,431
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777777
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The private Encanto Norte gated community is home to this beautiful single level custom home. The primary suite is a wonderful retreat including his and her walk in closets. The split floor plan has 2 more large bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. A great room floor plan with an updated kitchen and dining and an office/den. Gorgeous landscaping surrounds a front yard courtyard and accents the beautiful heated pool and spa in the private and spacious backyard entertaining space. The tranquil desert and mountain views complete this private and well maintained property. A new roof and new HVAC are added bonuses to this well priced home.
100 W Northern Avenue Unit 13
Phoenix, AZ 85021
$1,495,500
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,063
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6759072
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to 100 Northern! Nestled in the prime location of North Central Phoenix, this unique, gated new community features 3 different floor plans and only 17 homesites. Experience the elegant sophistication and uncluttered feel of these thoughtful, light flooded designs, where soaring ceilings, sleek lines, and open spaces all converge to evoke a true sense of serene ambiance throughout the home. This 2 level plan features the owner's suite and all primary living on the ground floor with additional bedrooms and flex loft upstairs. Subzero/Wolf appliances, Trane cont. AC units, and tankless water heaters all set the standard for the list of included high-end features. A community pool, dog park and walking path all provide the outdoor enjoyment without the upkeep.
Munds Park
AZ 86017
$1,495,000
3
Beds
6
Baths
4,000
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772459
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Currently a restaurant but was formerly a single- family residence. Could be changed back to residential and you would have a sprawling estate.
27722 E Mount Ord Drive
Fort Mcdowell, AZ 85264
$1,495,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,083
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6667696
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this stunning southwestern home in Sunflower, AZ, offering the perfect blend of comfort & luxury. Nestled in a private gated community, this property boasts breathtaking mountain views and enjoys the great climate of Sunflower. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a bonus room, providing ample space for relaxation. The open-concept living area is perfect for hosting gatherings, while the well-appointed kitchen, complete with modern appliances and a spacious island. Outside the property spans 5.22 acres across 3 parcels, making it ideal for horse enthusiasts. The property includes grass paddocks, corrals & hay storage, Solar Electrical System, Community well, whole home off grid.
5632 E Emile Zola Avenue
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
$1,495,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,934
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781991
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Your Dream Home in 85254! Back on the market and better than ever, this beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home boasts 2,934 sq. ft. of luxury living right across from Sereno Park! This meticulously designed home features a grand, vaulted living room with authentic wood beams, creating a warm and inviting space perfect for relaxation or entertaining. Two primary suites offer ultimate privacy, each with its own spa-like bathroom and generous closets. The heart of the home extends to a stunning backyard oasis on a sprawling 1/3-acre lot. Dive into the sparkling pool, fire up the outdoor kitchen, and enjoy endless Arizona sunsets in style. Don't miss this reimagined gem - set your private tour today and see what makes this home so special!
7180 E Kierland Boulevard Unit 509
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
$1,495,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,511
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6731549
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
Welcome to Optima Kierland turn-key luxury Living. This Beautiful East Facing Unit offers spectacular views along with all the amenities & location, location! Enjoy an open floor plan with lots of space. The split floorplan offers expansive windows & walk-in closets in each suite. The outdoor patio is a wonderful place to watch the sunrise or relax in the evening. This unit includes a storage unit located on L3. Optima Kierland has amazing amenities. Rooftop Pool & Spa with scenic views of Mountains and City lights. Walking/jogging track on the rooftop. The world-class fitness center, golf simulator, 2 yoga studios, indoor basketball/pickleball & more. Shopping & Dining within walking distance.
15407 N 19th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85022
$1,495,000
4
Beds
4
Baths
4,100
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766954
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VISTAS surround this refined remodel in a secluded cul-de-sac w/Phoenix Mountain Preserve trail access. Savor the sunrise& sunset from covered front & back patios of the hillside ACRE+ lot dressed in new landscape. Contemporary eat-in kitchen boasts professional appliances and sleek quartz counters. Relax away the day in the main suite w/stunning views, patio exit, soak tub. Two addt'l en-suite bedrooms w/walk-in closets. Built-in bar and yard entry set the stage for fun in the family room. Bonus multi-use den. Vaulted ceilings, wide-plank flooring, neutral paints, tasteful fixtures. Masterful split plan w/central great room enjoys a wall of sliding glass exits to the expansive tiered yard. Large lawn opens to pickleball court and spacious lower level w/room for a pool. -
14503 N Adero Canyon Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$1,495,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,583
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767292
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Nestled in the serene enclave of Adero Canyon in Fountain Hills, this brand-new home epitomizes upscale, ''lock and leave'' living. Designed for those who appreciate both luxury and low maintenance, this residence offers sleek, contemporary architecture along with expansive windows and doors, creating a feeling of both privacy and views. The residence is sited on one of the highly preferred, elevated private lots as it backs to the preserve and hills, with no neighbors behind. High-end finishes, open concept living spaces and smart home features complete this modern oasis, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a balance between sophistication and convenience. With two en-suite bedrooms and study/office in the main residence, plus separate entry casita and upgraded patio yard with spool, no detail has been forgotten in this picture-perfect home!
4825 N 72nd Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
$1,495,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,235
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6780709
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Welcome home to your jewel box in the heart of Scottsdale's high-profile 85251 zip code! This modern masterpiece sits in Royale Gardens, a lush and tranquil tree-lined community reminiscent of Old Hollywood. Completely redeveloped from the foundation up and featuring both Scandinavian and contemporary design, this custom two-story residence features a rare 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom layout that is both spacious and perfect for entertaining. Stunning from the finest materials used, including imported hardwood floors, floating staircase, glass enclosed showers, recessed LED lighting, marble bathrooms, and a world-class gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero integrated refrigerator and Corian countertops.