As 2017 winds down, analysts are forecasting economic developments for 2017. Forbes identified three indicators that the U.S. housing market has recovered. Mortgage rates rose again last week; jobless claims fell and consumer sentiment jumped rose five points. The details:
Housing Market Recovery Complete: Forbes
Three conditions were cited by Forbes as evidence that the housing market has recovered:
Analysts said that homeowners are putting their homes on the market after years of waiting for home prices to peak. On the flip side, mortgage rates are expected to rise further and home buyers may be taking a “now or never” plunge into buying homes before market conditions and mortgage rates combine to make home prices unaffordable.
The Federal Reserve reported that U.S. mortgage debt increased by 1.90 percent in Q3 2016; this was the highest growth rate for mortgage debt since Q3 2008. While population growth and household formation are lower, the overall ratio of mortgage debt to disposable income is near historically low levels. Stricter mortgage qualification standards are keeping home buyers from borrowing mortgage loans that they can’t repay.
After years of high demand for short supplies of available homes, home builders are ramping up construction. Housing starts rose by 25 percent in October and matched construction rates not seen since mid-2007.
Mortgage Rates Rise, New Jobless Claims Dip
Freddie Mac reported higher mortgage rates last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose five basis points to 4.13 percent. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was two basis points higher at 3.36 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage also rose by two basis points to 3.17 percent.
New jobless claims fell last week to 258,000 new claims, which matched expectations and was lower than the prior week’s reading of 268,000 new claims. Job openings held steady in October with a reading of 5.50 million.
What’s Ahead
Next week’s economic calendar includes readings on retail sales and inflation along with the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee Statement and a press conference by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen. The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index will be released in addition to Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released.
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3792 S Tower Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85286
$575,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,042
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6730052
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Seller offering $5,000 credit! Well maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with a pool, irrigated front yard, newly painted interior walls. Great floor plan with 2 living areas on the main floor - open area when you enter the home plus great room concept kitchen and family room at the back of the house. The kitchen has ample storage and counter space and is open to the spacious family room with dramatic two story ceiling. All 3 bedrooms are upstairs. The oversized primary suite faces the back of the home. The attached bath features dual vanities, soaking tub, step in shower, and walk in closet. The secondary bedrooms are nice sized and both have ceiling fans. There is a nice built in desk at the top of the stairs plus upstairs laundry! BRAND NEW AC UNIT! The backyard has a covered patio, a meticulously maintained pool and waterfall feature. Plus mature landscaping and a fire pit! Great location near freeways and amenities!
22701 E Avenida Del Valle --
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$575,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,799
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6732380
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Contemporary 5 bed, 3 bath house with 2,800 sqft in Queen Creek's sought-after Meridian community. Built in 2018, with updated styling throughout. Enjoy a gourmet kitchen, spacious master suite, and a low-maintenance yard. The residence also boasts a 3-car garage. Experience Arizona living at its finest with access to the 5,000 sqft community pool and quick access to Queen Creek Marketplace, top-rated schools and scenic parks. This house is also pre-wired for 16 security cameras.
2315 E Monona Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85024
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,656
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6734118
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
JUST RENOVATED! AC & ROOF 2023. Welcome to this beautiful 3-bed, 2-bath home that has been recently remodeled! Vaulted ceilings and the open concept kitchen and family room make this a great space for gathering and entertaining. The kitchen has new stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, a pantry, white shaker cabinetry, and an island with breakfast bar. The large primary bedroom has a gorgeous en-suite bathroom with dual sinks, separate tub and shower, & a walk-in closet. Enjoy the privacy of the backyard & relax outside under the covered patio. This home also has brand new exterior paint, so from curb appeal to stylish interior finishes...this place is ready for you!
13357 W Mayberry Trail
Peoria, AZ 85383
$575,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,827
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6743221
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Very livable, Charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath plus Den home in the highly desirable Adult community of Trilogy in North Peoria! This special home has great curb appeal. Step inside to a nice open den space and split front bedroom. Initing living/dining and kitchen area where you will find a large seating island, granite counter tops, Clean white cabinets and stainless appliances. Primary bedroom with ensuite bath featuring dual vanities, beautiful step in shower and walk in closet. Wonderful outdoor living with large covered patio overlooking a beautifully landscaped yard with extensive use of pavers and artificial turf. Trilogy offers the very best of retirement living in Arizona - community pools, fitness centers, golf, tennis, pickleball and loads of classes and clubs!
6402 N 45th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85301
$575,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
2,681
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6744593
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this stunningly remodeled 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home, where no detail has been overlooked. Every aspect has been updated, featuring new tile flooring, Italian cabinetry, sleek black stainless steel appliances, modern windows, fresh lighting, new paint throughout, and so much more. The spacious open floor plan includes multiple living areas and a versatile den or dining room. Outside, enjoy a generous covered patio perfect for entertaining, alongside a garden area surrounded by mature citrus trees. Conveniently located within walking distance to schools and shopping, this home offers both luxury and practicality with space for everyone to enjoy!
2647 N Miller Road Unit 16
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,542
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6746341
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Rare Old Town Scottsdale Single Family Detached with Two Car Garage on the Coronado Golf Course. New paint in and out with BRAND NEW HVAC system. New Water Heater, and Appliances. Three 3yr old Roof and Updated fire sprinkler heads. This amazing home on a premium lot with a community pool and no common walls. A wonderful year-round home, winter getaway or income property. Large living/dining area with fireplace, tall ceilings, and golf course views. Owner's suite has golf course views, private bath, walk-in closet and patio exit. Third bedroom can be an office with french doors. Direct entry to kitchen with pantry from a 2 car garage with built-ins. Full size washer and dryer with lots of storage space. Enjoy premier Scottsdale art galleries, upscale shopping, restaurants, local music
3308 E Jasper Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$575,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,537
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747866
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Charming Family Home in Prime Location! This inviting 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers the perfect setting for family living. Featuring a versatile loft space ideal for a playroom, family movie nights, or a cozy home office. The spacious, fully turfed backyard is ready for endless outdoor fun, whether it's for games with the kids or relaxing under the stars. Located just a short walk from local restaurants and stores, this home combines the warmth of family living with the convenience of nearby amenities. A wonderful place to make lasting memories!
28721 N 128th Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$575,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,813
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749410
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This charming, meticulously cared for home has 2bd/2ba + den and is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the highly desirable, gated community of Trilogy at Vistancia. This lovely home has many upgrades including central vac, a large eat-in kitchen with loads of storage, s/s gas appliances, and it opens to the great room with a custom wall unit and built-in surround sound. Just off the great room is access to a tranquil, private courtyard complete with a gas fireplace. The backyard has lush landscaping, fire pit, fountain, mister system, artificial turf and generous use of pavers. The upgrades continue in the extended garage which has plenty of storage cabinets, shelving, mop sink, and epoxy floor. You can even listen to music/tv from the great room with the built-in speakers in the garage. You will absolutely love the world class amenities in the active adult community of Trilogy at Vistancia.
6309 N 14th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014
$575,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,226
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748320
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover this exceptional home nestled in an exclusive gated community of just 22 patio homes. Perfectly located for easy access to entertainment, shopping, downtown, and the airport, this residence offers the ultimate in convenience and luxury. Inside, you'll find two master suites, with a third bedroom that can easily serve as a guest room or home office. The spacious living room features a cathedral ceiling and a stunning fireplace, while the charming patio off the dining room offers an elegant oasis to unwind. Additional highlights include brand-new HVAC and flooring, and fresh interior paint!
1639 E Redfield Road
Gilbert, AZ 85234
$575,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,820
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750971
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
ALL ELECTRIC* ZERO UTILITY BILLS *MONTHLY REBATE FROM SRP* TOP OF THE LINE TESLA SOLAR SYSTEM WILL BE PAID OFF AT THE CLOSE OF ESCROW.* *HIGH EFFICIENCY HVAC SYSTEM 2023* *WOOD FLOORING AND CARPET 2024* *HALL BATH ENLARGE AND REMODEL 2024* *TESLA SOLAR SYSTEM 2022* PERFECT FAMILY HOME IN SONOMA RANCH. GREAT SCHOOLS CLOSE BY, NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, BEAUTIFUL YARD WITH SWIMMING POOL. NORTH SOUTH FACING HOME. HOME IS MOVE IN READY.
7723 W Encinas Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85043
$575,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,818
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751731
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover your dream home in Phoenix! This stunning property boasts a spacious 3,818 sq. ft. floor plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, perfect for growing families or those who love to entertain. Enjoy Arizona summers with your very own private pool, ideal for relaxing and hosting gatherings. The home features a brand-new AC system and updated flooring, ensuring comfort and style throughout. Located next to a beautiful greenbelt to the west, this home offers a peaceful outdoor environment while being close to local amenities. Don't miss out on this amazing home.
17392 W Grant Street
Goodyear, AZ 85338
$575,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,148
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6753144
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your new home in Canyon Trails! It's a 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3148 sf single-level home on an oversized corner lot with a 3-car tandem garage and RV gate! Enter through the charming courtyard that leads into a home rich with character. Enjoy a spacious open floor-plan with natural light pouring through the windows, neutral custom paint throughout, and a blend of tile and wood-look floors. The large kitchen shines with stainless steel appliances, wall ovens, tons of cabinetry for extra storage, granite countertops, and a large center island with a breakfast bar. Get a good night's sleep in the main suite, featuring backyard access, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with dual vanities, a soaking tub, walk in shower, and walk-in closet. 3 additional bedrooms, including another en-suite, plus a versatile den offers office potential towards the front of the home. Out back you'll find a low maintenance yard with a screened-in patio and Ramada ready for cooler temps! Easy access to major freeways, shopping, dining and Spring Training Games at Goodyear Ballpark. Don't miss out!