Housing news was boosted by the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, which posted its highest readings since July of 2002. In other news, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee voted to raise the federal funds rate and Fed Chair Janet Yellen gave a press conference. Mortgage rates rose and weekly jobless claims fell.
Home Builder Confidence Highest in 14 Years, Home Construction Lags
According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence in housing market conditions reached its highest rate since 2002 in December. The NAHB Housing Market Index reading topped out at 70 as compared to November’s reading of 63. Analysts said that December’s high reading resulted from a post-election bump in builder confidence. While high builder confidence could bode well for supplies of new homes, construction rates continued to lag strong economic indicators such as low unemployment and high demand for homes. While builders gained confidence in current and projected housing market conditions, they continued to face shortages of labor and buildable lots.
Fed Raises Rate
The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve announced it would raise the federal funds range by 0.25 percent to 0.50 to 0.75 percent. FOMC said strengthening job markets, lower unemployment and rising household spending supported the decision to raise the federal funds rate. Inflation, while below the Fed’s target of 2.00 percent, is gradually moving toward the Fed’s medium term goal. FOMC’s statement indicated that the Fed’s monetary policy would remain accommodative.
Fed Chair Janet Yellen held a press conference and cited “considerable progress” toward the Fed’s dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability as factors supporting the decision to raise the target federal funds range. Labor markets continue to improve; Chair Yellen said that the economy has added 180,000 jobs per month over the last three months. 15 million jobs have been added in the past seven years. Inflation is growing gradually, and the Fed expects to achieve its target inflation rate of 2.00 percent over the next two years.
Month-to-month consumer spending readings held steady at 0.20 percent growth. Core consumer price index data, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, rose from 0.10 percent to 0.20 percent in November.
Mortgage Rates, Weekly Jobless Claims
Mortgage rates were higher last week, but Freddie Mac said that its survey data was collected before FOMC raised the federal funds rate. Analysts at Freddie Mac suggested a wait-and see position on rate forecasts due to the changing political climate. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was three basis points higher at 4.16 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose one basis point to 2.37 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was two basis points higher at 3.19 percent. Average discount points for fixed rate mortgages held steady at 0.50 percent and dipped to 0.40 percent for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage.
New jobless claims were lower last week at 254,000 claims filed. Analysts had expected a reading of 250,000 new claims based on the prior week’s reading of 258,000 new claims filed. Volatility in weekly readings for new jobless claims can be expected due to seasonal hiring and layoffs.
What‘s Ahead
Next week’s economic releases include readings on new and previously-owned home sales, inflation and consumer sentiment. Readings for mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released.
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3836 W Antelope Way
San Tan Valley, AZ 85144
$620,995
6
Beds
4.5
Baths
3,164
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779216
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Check out this beautifully crafted home with well-appointed interior finishes. The pronounced front entry opens to a two-story foyer with a grand staircase. Premium finishes in the kitchen include name-brand appliances, upgraded cabinets, and tile floors. The open-concept great room is the perfect atmosphere for entertaining, with connectivity to the dining area and expansive views of the outdoor living space. A large loft space on the second floor creates an abundance of living options that are perfect for the way you live. Come experience your dream home today!
15531 W Piccadilly Road
Goodyear, AZ 85395
$620,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,154
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778730
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
South facing beautiful golf course home with front courtyard entry. Enchating outdoor living area with outdoor pergola, outdoor kitchen, outdoor bar, Misting system, Personal size Shasta Pool and heater if you want. Great landscaping for your privacy. Owner Solar with new solar converter, and if you have a green thumb a potting station, new heating and air, water softener system located in garage that as extra space for golf cart plus a hand wash sink in garage, front and back yard water system in him RO water system under sink. Sunburst shutters in Bedrooms and custom home office with built in custom cabinetry, Bedrooms both have walk-in closets. Both bathrooms updated. This home impresses with its high ceilings custom designed ET wall with lighting and built-in surround sound system with amplifier with builtin speakers. Great room with gas fireplace, 60in TV and windows have Hunter Douglas custom window treatments. bump out windows in kitchen nook second bedroom, ceiling fans, Stunning granite counters and klithen is upgrades and has under cabinet lighting, Spacious Utility Room. Also garage has storage cabinets. carpet free home, fence backyard. Seller is providing a home warranty.
Glendale
AZ 85305
$620,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,700
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6725528
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Up to 3% of total purchase price towards closing costs incentive offer. Brand New Move In Ready Home on prem. lot in highly sought-after Stonehaven Community* This Adelaide floorplan is stunning 4 bed/3 bath/3 car garage single-story gem!! Home has open floor plan. Gourmet Chef's kitchen featuring upgraded 42'' cabinets, large kitchen island, quartz countertops, WI pantry, SS appliances. Owner's retreat is spacious w/dual sinks, walk in shower & large walk-in closet. Other bedrooms are spacious. Tile in all the high traffic areas. Private CASITA w/ ensuite bathroom & sitting room. Low maintenance ft & bkyard. Community features community pool, walking/biking paths, parks, playgrounds, etc. Great Location: minutes to Westgate Entertainment Center, Cardinals Stadium, & restaurants, etc.
4380 E Prairie Lane
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
$620,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,855
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6740171
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This stunning, newly built property is perched atop a scenic hill, offering breathtaking mountain views from every angle. The modern design of the home seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, featuring a split floor plan. Inside, the open-concept layout is highlighted by high ceilings, sleek finishes, and an abundance of natural light. The expansive outdoor patios provides the perfect spot for enjoying the serene surroundings and picturesque sunsets.
2774 Airpark Drive
Overgaard, AZ 85933
$620,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,664
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751278
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Pilots and aviation enthusiasts, a beautiful 3BR/2.5 BA Mogollon Airpark home. A 5 min walk to aircraft tie downs, lodge, BBQ, ramadas, pickleball, tennis, & basketball courts! Well cared for immaculate move in ready home, with most furniture included! Spectacular knotty pine vaulted ceilings, soaring stone gas fireplace, open concept living room with an impressive wall of windows. Massive wrap around deck with plenty of room for outdoor entertaining or relaxing. Large screened-in all season room adds more living space. Enjoy the heavily treed, private 0.83 acre partially fenced lot and the wild life that abound. Attached 2 car garage. We are an active social, EAA Chapter 1044 and aviation community, come join the fun!
3039 E Nance Street
Mesa, AZ 85213
$620,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,331
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6763881
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Four bedrooms, with the 4th utilized as an office with built-in shelves, but no closet. Original owner of this well-maintained and upgraded home, which sits upon an interior north facing lot. Plantation shutters, skylights, fireplace, wood, tile and carpet flooring, kitchen island, granite kitchen countertops, vaulted ceilings, 2 X 6 construction, double glazed windows, large 3 car garage with workspace and cabinets. Elementary and Junior High School nearby. Front and backyard low maintenance. Tour this home. You'll not be disappointed. Oh, and no HOA in this beautiful community.
16116 W Alameda Road
Surprise, AZ 85387
$620,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,290
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768724
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This Lovely Home features 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2 Bonus Rooms, Gourmet Kitchen with Sparkling Blue POOL nestled against an Open Area. This Nearly New Home boasts Artistic Custom Wall Features, Soft Eyebrow Arches, Gentle Color Palette, Wood Plank Vinyl Flooring, Full Wall Double Glass Sliding Doors, Upgraded Fans and Lighting, Travertine Decking and Artificial Turf. A Generous Entry leads to the Open Concept Living area complete with a multi use Bonus Room with Quartz Ledges. Gourmet Kitchen boasts 5 Burner Gas Cooktop, Stainless Steel Appliances, Wall Ovens, Tile Backsplash, Large Walk In Pantry, Island, Quartz Counters, Granite Sink, RO system, Pale Grey Cabinetry and under Cabinet Lighting. Primary Ensuite includes a Spa Shower, Double Sinks and Walk In Closet. Near Shopping and the 303
18788 E Blue Sky Drive
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$620,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,380
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769353
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Great Lock & Leave - move in ready, with access to the luxury amenities of the prestigious Tonto Verde Community! As you step into the home, you are greeted by an abundance of natural light that floods through the open floor plan. The strategically designed layout accentuates the seamless flow between living spaces, providing an ideal setting for both relaxation & entertaining. The modern kitchen features quartz countertops that perfectly complement the cabinetry. Beautiful tile flooring graces the entire home, adding a touch of elegance & easy maintenance. The master suite boasts a spacious layout & an enormous shower. Yard is fully fenced w/privacy wall. Mountain Views! Easy access to walking path which lead to Tonto Verde Community.
27448 W Yukon Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$620,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,580
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771924
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
SOLAR-POWERED JOURNEY MODEL WITH OPEN SPACE BEHIND AND DRESSED TO THE NINES. This 2 Bed/2.5 Bath home is almost 2600 square feet with wood-look tile throughout. Guest bedroom is ensuite plus a Den offering privacy for visitors. Windows are covered with Plantation Shutters yet there's lots of light due to the 5 Solar Tubes. There's 2 in the Great Room, and 1 each in the Laundry, Primary closet and Primary Bath. Speaking of Solar, this home has a huge, owned, 35-panel system which has eliminated APS bills. The garage has storage galore with added cabinetry. Also in the garage the newer, updated and larger Tankless Water Heater. Behind the fenced rear yard is a wash offering privacy from the neighbors. See the pictures, 3D tour and documents tab for more on the many upgrades.
18737 N Celosia Lane
Surprise, AZ 85387
$620,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,312
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6773515
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Wonderful Stonecrest with golf course views from the large patio, breathtaking fairway and distant mountain views. A patio fountain is a plus on the back patio. ***NEW ROOF SEPT 2024*** HVAC system recently updated. 2.5 extended garage, with room for golf cart and 2 cars. Gourmet kitchen, with wall oven and cooktop, surrounded by beautiful granite counters and cherry cabinets. Don't pass by this beautiful Cimarron home.
4808 N 24th Street Unit 1125
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$620,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,361
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6773318
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS! Floor to ceiling dual pane windows boast expansive city light and mountain views. Come see this charming 11th floor condo w a spacious 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 1361sq/ft floor plan. All this in the luxurious Optima Biltmore. Condo has been tastefully remodeled with engineered hardwood floors, designer modern pantry w slider glass floor to ceiling doors, new paint, ceiling fans & lighting. . Optima's known for it's amenities including Gym, sauna, community room, concierge, rooftop zero edge pool,spa, BBQ, . Why drive when you can live in the heart of Biltmore & walk to dining galore, shopping, movies, spas & more!
5839 W Charter Oak Road
Glendale, AZ 85304
$620,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,054
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778827
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this stunning home located in the desirable Mission Groves Subdivision. Nestled on a spacious lot, offering an inviting oasis completed with sparkling salt water POOL. Boasting 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this residence is designed for comfort and style. You'll have a nicely renovated interior with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, laminate flooring, and fresh paint throughout to create a modern and inviting atmosphere providing the perfect space for entertaining family and friends. The spacious back yard allows for additional outdoor possibilities, whether it's gardening, outdoor gatherings, or simply enjoying the open space. The 3-car garage provides ample parking and storage.