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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6782 W Firebird Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$629,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,125
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6783697
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled in the highly sought-after community of Arrowhead Ranch, this beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bath +Den home stands as a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. Every inch of the property has been meticulously maintained, showcasing an elegant balance of style and function. Eye-catching custom woodwork graces the interior, from intricate design to handcrafted cabinetry, adding warmth and sophistication to every room. The spacious open floor plan invites natural light to pour in, enhancing the home's inviting ambiance. Outside, the manicured landscaping and peaceful surroundings offer a serene escape while still being close to all the amenities that the Arrowhead area has to offer. **Please check documents tab for the list of upgrades as well as the Home floor-plan. **
21816 E Saddle Court
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$629,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6708893
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a multi-sliding glass door in the great room, cozy breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.
24006 N 171st Drive
Surprise, AZ 85387
$629,995
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,844
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6678786
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome Home! Darius plan provides a sophisticated and accommodating plan for livability that checks all the boxes on your wish list. In addition to a lavish owner's suite—with a roomy walk-in closet and attached double-sink bath—this home includes a second owner's suite with an adjacent living room, perfect for multi-generational living. You'll also enjoy a 3-car garage, a study, a great room with a covered patio featuring a multi slide door to bring the outdoor living indoors. Inviting gourmet kitchen with a generous island, dining nook for all entertaining gatherings! Airy 10 ft ceilings ,desired jack and jill bathrooms and so much more! This is a must see!
21970 E Stirrup Court
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$629,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6709030
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a multi-sliding glass door in the great room, cozy breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.
21881 E Saddle Court
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$629,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6731553
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.
23997 N 172nd Avenue
Surprise, AZ 85387
$629,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,734
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6732038
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Estates at Asante, a beautiful community with surrounding views to enjoy! This community offers single story homes with floor plans you will love, like our beautiful Julia plan! This home sits on an oversized, cul de sac, corner lot with mountain views. Once you walk inside the Julia, the extended entry leads to an expansive gourmet kitchen with an extended Quartz center island and 42'' cabinets; a large Butlers Pantry with a wetbar, breakfast nook and great room with a 15ft center meet slider, for indoor and outdoor entertaining. In addition, there is a formal dining room with adjacent covered courtyard off to the side of the home accessible by the center meet doors! This home is set up with 3 bedrooms, 2 and half bathrooms, 3 car garage with additional storage. Welcome to the home of your dreams!
25388 N 76th Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$629,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,150
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6704857
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Brand new community in North Peoria! This stunning single story home offers 2,150 sq ft of functional living space. It features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, den, and a 3 car tandem garage. The open concept kitchen is perfect for entertaining and features a large Island, walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances. It also offers our Coastal Design Palette which includes Fairview White Painted 42'' Cabinets, Crisp Stria Quartz kitchen countertops, Zelige Cielo 4x4 kitchen backsplash, and 6x36 wood looking plank tile in all the common areas. The great room offers a 4 panel center sliding glass door so you can step out into your covered patio to enjoy indoor/outdoor living in your backyard with friends and family. Great location close to dining, freeways, parks, and entertainment!
22884 E Lords Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$629,990
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,111
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6726730
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step into this delightful quick move-in home, featuring our Daisy floorplan with 3111 sqft, boasting 4 bedrooms, a den, a loft, and 3.5 bathrooms. The Daisy floorplan offers a spacious kitchen with a large island, pantry, and expansive dining and great room areas, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quality family time. Embrace the elegance of our fine finishes, featuring 6 x 24 plank tile floors in the main living areas, plush carpeting in the bedrooms, stylish 42'''' gray shaker upper cabinets with sleek Black Bronze hardware, and stunning quartz kitchen countertops paired with a white 4 x 16 tile backsplash. The kitchen comes fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and white washer and dryer. Additionally, the kitchen is pre-wired for pendant lighting, allowing for easy customization, and features a painted grade mission railing and soft water loop. This home is truly a gem, with 8' doors throughout, a 4-panel slider in the great room, and a mission stair railing adding to its allure. It's just waiting for your personal touch to make it complete. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Begin your journey to owning your dream home at Madera!
23043 E Lords Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$629,990
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,568
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6757137
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Brand new phase!. Our beautiful Juniper plan is conveniently located to all that Queen Creek has to offer. Minutes from the brand new Costco, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Market Place and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.
2434 W Rowel Road
Phoenix, AZ 85085
$629,990
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,964
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755330
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your NEW HOME at Aster in Union Park! This home offers 1,964 sq ft of living space with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The primary bedroom has dual walk-in closets and a private deck. The Design features are the Elevated A package of upgrades including 42'' flagstone cabinets, quartz countertop, custom backsplash, large island, stainless steel gas range and tile flooring. HOA includes Union Park Amenities, front yard landscaping & maintenance along with concierge trash pickup. Union Park residents will enjoy the abundance of amenities that include, resort styled pool and lounge areas, a 5800 sq ft clubhouse, pickleball courts, basketball courts, 11 parks, playgrounds and walking paths. Easy access to 3 freeways within 10 minutes and 25 minutes to Airport.
11506 E Utah Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$629,990
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,615
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6728747
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to the Garnet at Destination at Gateway in Mesa, Arizona. This stunning single-story home boasts 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a den. With 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, the space feels open and inviting. The gourmet kitchen features GE stainless steel appliances, a 36-inch gas cooktop, built-in wall oven and microwave, shaker cabinets with hardware, quartz countertops, and a tile backsplash. Enjoy 6x36'' wood-look tile in the main areas and upgraded carpet elsewhere. A 4-panel sliding glass door connects the great room to a covered patio. The primary bathroom includes a separate shower, soaking tub, dual sinks, and vanity. Bathrooms have upgraded vanity lighting with matte black faucets and fixtures.
7444 W Quail Track Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$629,900
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,989
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755375
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Ahh the smell of new-October completion! Experience the charm of Aloravita, nestled within the scenic mountains of Peoria. This community boasts breathtaking views and is conveniently located minutes away from shopping, dining, hiking trails and more! Our popular 'Amherst' floorplan features 3 full bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 Car-Garage and a private yard with views! Designer selected finish includes White Cabinetry, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Wood Like Tile Throughout, and Plush Carpet in all the bedrooms. This beautiful home will have it all including 8' doors, Gourmet Gas Kitchen, Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Appliances, Blinds, Pre-Plumb for Soft Water, and Smart Home Technology. Photos of similar spec home to show layout, options may vary**