Last week’s economic news included reports on job openings, retail sales and recurring reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Job openings and hiring increased, which provided further evidence of stronger economic conditions. Retail sales were flat in July, new unemployment claims dropped and mortgage rates changed little.
Labor Reports Suggest Stronger Economic Trends
The Labor Department reported more job openings in June with 5.60 openings as compared to 5.50 million job openings in May. According to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, 5.13 million workers were hired in June as compared to May’s reading of 5.15 million hires. June’ JOLTS report also showed that voluntary quits were nearly double the rate of quits during the worst part of the recession. Analysts consider quits an indicator of worker confidence in job markets; in times when jobs aren’t easily found, workers are more likely to stay with current jobs rather than risking uncertainties associated with quitting.
New jobless claims were lower with 266,000 new claims filed against the prior week’s reading of 267,000 new claims filed and expectations of 265,000 new claims filed. Last week’s reading continued a long streak of new jobless claims under 300,000 per week. Labor market trends impact housing markets, as prospective homebuyers typically consider job security as a significant factor in decisions to buy homes.
Mortgage Rates Show Little Change
Freddie Mac said that average mortgage rates held near steady readings last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose by two points to 3.45 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was also two basis points higher at 2.76 percent and rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage averaged 2.74 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all three loan types reported. Consistently low mortgage rates help to ease concerns caused by rapidly rising home prices caused by short supplies of available homes.
Consumer sentiment fell short of the expected index reading of 91.50 with a reading of 90.40 but surpassed July’s index reading of 90.00. Participants in the University of Michigan Survey cited concerns over increasing prices coupled with slow income growth. Analysts said that consumer participants had grown acclimated to low mortgage rates, which may have offset consumer concerns about stagnant wages and higher prices.
What’s Ahead
This week’s scheduled economic releases include the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, Commerce Department Consumer Price Index and Core CPI reports along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.
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8104 E Petra Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$599,490
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,264
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781580
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A collection of brand-new single-family homes located in the master-planned community in Mesa, AZ. The community feeds into the highly rated Gilbert Public School District, making this an ideal place for growing households. There are many onsite amenities at the masterplan everyone will enjoy, including a swimming pool, basketball court, pickleball court, playground and picnic area. Commuters have easy access to Loop 202 and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for travel accommodations. This beautiful home features our platinum package including Sonoma Maple Linen Cabinets and quartz countertops. Super luxury 8 x 36 tile flooring. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.
20305 W Turney Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$599,343
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,705
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6788262
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautifully designed Copeland plan features our signature Loft-inspired 'Looks' collection, offering a cohesive and sophisticated interior design. The great room boasts a 12' multi-slider leading to a spacious covered patio, perfect for indoor/outdoor living. The kitchen shines with a large island, pendant lighting, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and GE Profile stainless steel appliances, including a wall oven. Retreat to the exquisite primary suite with double walk-in closets and a resort-style bath featuring a no-step shower with a rain shower head and double vanity. Wood-look tile flooring, ceiling fans, blinds, and Solar are all included. Don't miss your chance to make this gem yours! ***Up to $20K can be applied towards closing cost OR short / long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply
286 E Citrus Hollow Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85140
$599,132
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,678
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6644003
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Welcome to a brand new Valletta model. It has an expansive layout and this home is illuminated by an abundance of natural light. The kitchen stands fully equipped with modern stainless steel appliances and elegant granite countertops. With a culinary connoisseur's dream at its heart, including a gas cooktop, it's an ideal setting for hosting and delighting your guests. Both bathrooms have undergone exquisite upgrades, featuring tile surrounds and elevated fixtures. A few upgrades include quartz countertops at kitchen and bathrooms, huge sliding door at patio, gourmet kitchen appliances and a large smart space. Start living the good life at Encanterra today!
7450 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive Unit 1
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$599,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
6,252
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6723737
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New co-ownership opportunity: Own 1/8 of this turnkey home, professionally managed by Pacaso. Soak up desert views in this gated mountaintop retreat with a wrap-around balcony & walls of glass. Sleek, contemporary architecture creates seamless indoor-outdoor living, starting in the spacious great room. The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances & a quartz waterfall island. The dining table & executive bar make entertaining easy, as does the cooled whiskey and wine room. The primary suite features a fireplace, wine fridge & doors to the patio. The en suite bathroom has a soaking tub, tiled shower, dual sinks & a makeup vanity. An office & game room opens to the infinity pool & patio. The home, which includes an elevator, comes fully furnished & professionally decorated.
7450 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive Unit 2
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$599,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
6,252
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6723860
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New co-ownership opportunity: Own 1/8 of this turnkey home, professionally managed by Pacaso. Soak up desert views in this gated mountaintop retreat with a wrap-around balcony & walls of glass. Sleek, contemporary architecture creates seamless indoor-outdoor living, starting in the spacious great room. The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances & a quartz waterfall island. The dining table & executive bar make entertaining easy, as does the cooled whiskey and wine room. The primary suite features a fireplace, wine fridge & doors to the patio. The en suite bathroom has a soaking tub, tiled shower, dual sinks & a makeup vanity. An office & game room opens to the infinity pool & patio. The home, which includes an elevator, comes fully furnished & professionally decorated.
7450 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive Unit 3
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$599,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
6,252
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6723861
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New co-ownership opportunity: Own 1/8 of this turnkey home, professionally managed by Pacaso. Soak up desert views in this gated mountaintop retreat with a wrap-around balcony & walls of glass. Sleek, contemporary architecture creates seamless indoor-outdoor living, starting in the spacious great room. The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances & a quartz waterfall island. The dining table & executive bar make entertaining easy, as does the cooled whiskey and wine room. The primary suite features a fireplace, wine fridge & doors to the patio. The en suite bathroom has a soaking tub, tiled shower, dual sinks & a makeup vanity. An office & game room opens to the infinity pool & patio. The home, which includes an elevator, comes fully furnished & professionally decorated.
7450 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive Unit 4
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$599,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
6,252
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6723862
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New co-ownership opportunity: Own 1/8 of this turnkey home, professionally managed by Pacaso. Soak up desert views in this gated mountaintop retreat with a wrap-around balcony & walls of glass. Sleek, contemporary architecture creates seamless indoor-outdoor living, starting in the spacious great room. The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances & a quartz waterfall island. The dining table & executive bar make entertaining easy, as does the cooled whiskey and wine room. The primary suite features a fireplace, wine fridge & doors to the patio. The en suite bathroom has a soaking tub, tiled shower, dual sinks & a makeup vanity. An office & game room opens to the infinity pool & patio. The home, which includes an elevator, comes fully furnished & professionally decorated.
5618 W Hardtack Trail
Laveen, AZ 85339
$599,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,971
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775155
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
You'll FALL IN LOVE The Moment You Step Into This Grand Entrance With 2 STORY HIGH CEILINGS*NEUTRALPalette*Lots Of TILE Flooring*CLOVER Plan Has Room For Everyone*8 FT. Interior DOORS*GREAT Room W/Sliders+Open To ISLAND KITCHEN Featuring GRANITE Counters,42'' BIRCH Cabinets, GAS Stove,WALK-IN Pantry, SS Refrigerator STAYS*Formal DINING For Fun Gatherings*1BR/BA Down*Staircase Opens To LOFT*PRIMARY Suite Has PRIVATE BATH W/Separate Tub+Shower, WALK-IN Closet*Secondary Bedrooms Have MOUNTAIN VIEWS+Walk-In Closets*FLEX Room In Lieu Of 3rd Car*Extended PATIO*Backyard Is Ready For Your DESIGN+CREATIVITY*4 FT Garage EXTENSION*Xtra Insulation*Greenbelt 3 Doors Away*PLAYGROUND Around The Corner*SCHOOL Right Down The Street*Easy FREEWAY Access*LIKE NEW Condition*THE PERFECT PLACE TO CALL HOME!!
9374 W Sandstone Mountain Drive
Casa Grande, AZ 85194
$599,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,425
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6785934
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Stunning New 2024 home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated office, along with a spacious 3-car garage, all set on a full-acre lot in a highly sought-after area just minutes from I-10. Experience the open & inviting layout designed to make the most of every square foot. The kitchen shines with elegant Shaker-style white cabinets, luxurious Quartz countertops, modern stainless steel appliances & pantry. Relax in the bright Great room, which offers flexible options for dining or entertainment. Stylish neutral tile flows through the main high-traffic areas, while cozy carpeting enhances the bedrooms. Retreat to the expansive Primary suite, complete with a primary bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. Other features include fully fenced yard with block walls. Back shady patio and an expansive enclosed back yard with endless possibilities. HOA permits R.V.'s, Boats and other recreational vehicles for a low 30 per month. This treasure is ready for immediate occupancy.
2118 E Voltaire Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85022
$599,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,754
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772448
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
The Agave - A rare combination of Space, Style, Quality, and Value where Design Matters. Be inspired by the warm tones and natural textures of the desert where the Sagebrush and Adobe interior color schemes boldly echo the beauty of The Agave. Modern, Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinetry in Matte color-ways, Solid-surface, Spa-Inspired Flat-Panel vanity cabinets in natural-wood tone finishes in Bathrooms. Standard LVT flooring installed in the entire home, Quartz Countertops and Tile shower surrounds. Standard Accent painted interior doors and jambs for a bold, effortless design touch. Ceiling fans included as well as EV prewire. The Wren showcases a generous backyard and second floor deck to bring the outside in.
10556 S 297th Avenue
Palo Verde, AZ 85343
$599,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,312
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6666831
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning semi-custom residence spans over 2,300 sqft and is nestled on a generous 1-acre lot, free from HOA restrictions. Inside, you'll find a beautifully designed split floor plan featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Each room offers direct bathroom access with premium showers, ensuring comfort and convenience for everyone. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, equipped with SS appliances and elegant finishes. Step outside to enjoy the charm and privacy provided by the farm-style fencing. We warmly invite all buyers and buyer's agents to tour this remarkable property. Experience unmatched elegance and comfort!
4380 W Eagle Street
Show Low, AZ 85901
$599,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,632
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6730924
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience the beauty of White Mountain living in this furnished cabin located in the exclusive Eagle Mountain Estates. Built in 2020, this home showcases exceptional craftsmanship throughout its 3-bedroom, 2-bath layout. Set on a naturally landscaped lot with engineered drainage for peace of mind, this cabin offers oversized covered porches both in the front and back—ideal for taking in the serene surroundings and outdoor living year round. Inside, you'll find splendid features including granite countertops, custom cabinets, and elegant tile work. The vaulted ceilings add a sense of spaciousness to the home. Located in a peaceful, gated community, this cabin provides a perfect blend of tranquility and stylish amenities. Welcome home!