Last week’s economic news was plentiful with releases on Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and pending home sales. Readings on government and private sector jobs created, the national unemployment rate and weekly readings on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s mortgage rates survey were also released.
Case–Shiller: Western Cities Dominate Home Price Growth
Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index reported that Seattle Washington topped year-over-year home price growth with an increase of 11.00 percent. Portland, Oregon followed closely with a reading of 10.90 percent, and Denver Colorado held third place with year-over-year home price gains of 8.70 percent.
San Francisco, California, which had posted high home price gains in recent years, posted a month-to-month reading of -0.40 percent and a year-over-year gain of 5.70 percent. Analysts said that this reading was evidence that home prices in high cost areas were topping out. Affordability, strict mortgage requirements and low inventories of available homes continued to present obstacles to home buyers.
Mortgage Rates Rise, Pending Home Sales Dip
According to the U.S. Commerce Department, pending home sales dipped in October to 0.10 percent as compared to a growth rate of 1.50 percent in September. Winter weather and holidays can cause would-be home buyers to postpone their home searches until spring.
Freddie Mac reported higher mortgage rates last week, although the 10-year treasury rate, which is tied to mortgage rates, was unchanged from the prior week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was five basis points higher at 4.08 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose by nine basis points to 3.34 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose by three basis points to 3.15 percent. Mortgage rates have risen by 51 basis points in three weeks. This trend, coupled with high home prices, doesn’t bode well for first-time and modest income home buyers.
Consumer spending for October increased by 0.30 percent as compared to predictions for a reading of 0.50 percent and September’s 0.70 percent reading. The core inflation reading for October was unchanged and in line with analyst expectations at 0.10 percent. The core reading excludes volatile food and fuel sectors.
Labor Reports: Job Creation Grows, Unemployment Rate Lower
According to the Labor Department’s Non-Farm Payrolls report for November, 178,000 government and private sector jobs were created as compared to expectations of 200,000 jobs created and October’s reading of 142,000 jobs created in October. According to the Commerce Department, the national unemployment rate for November was 4.60 percent as compared to the expected reading of 4.90 percent and October’s reading of 4.90 percent. Analysts noted that while a lower reading could indicate good news, it was also the result of fewer workers in the work force. The unemployment rate is based on unemployment claims filed by those actively seeking work; it does not include those underemployed or those who have stopped seeking work.
First-time jobless claims rose to 268,000 as compared to expectations of 250,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 251,000 new claims filed.
In spite of higher mortgage rates and dubious labor reports, the Consumer Confidence Index rose to 107.1 in November from October’s reading of 100.8; Analysts had expected an index reading of 102.5.
What‘s Ahead
Next week’s economic reports include releases on job openings and consumer sentiment along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.
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17572 W Polaris Drive
Goodyear, AZ 85338
$599,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,011
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750396
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
RARE 4 CAR GARAGE. Nestled at the base of the Estrella Mountains is the highly desired community of Estrella Mountain Ranch. This is where you'll find this rare 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with a 4 car garage, and pool. As you enter, you'll love the vaulted ceilings that provide ample natural light that fills the rooms, not to mention the plantations shutters. This will lead into the open concept kitchen - family room that features lovely views to the backyard that boasts a sparking pool, grass areas, large covered patio, tasteful landscaping and, your very own: two 30+ foot palm trees. The kitchen features stainless appliances, Corian counter tops along with 42'' cabinetry. You'll also love that there's a bedroom and adjacent bathroom on the main floor which is perfect for guests: see more Or multi-general living. Upstairs is where you'll find a large loft space along with 3 nice sized bedrooms serviced by a full bathroom with shower and dual sinks. The primary bedroom sports terrific views and a large en suite bathroom featuring separate tub and shower, dual vanities, private toilet room, and a large walk-in closet. You're just a short walk or bike ride to the lakes here in Estrella. This amazing home is just a couple minutes drive to Mountain Ranch Marketplace which is home to Safeway, Starbucks, Subway, medical and dental care and a list of many more services. By the way, you can cancel your gym membership as Estrella offers two residence clubs both with state-of-the-art workout facilities. These clubs also feature swimming pools, banquet facilities, restaurants and more. The community boasts two elementary schools and a highly touted high school. This home is a rare find in a vibrant community, offering the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and style. Don't miss the opportunity to make this your dream home!
13827 N 41st Place
Phoenix, AZ 85032
$599,000
6
Beds
3
Baths
2,235
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6759305
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Rare 6 bedroom home in sought after North Phoenix neighborhood. Close to Desert Ridge, High Street and new Paradise Valley Mall Development. Large covered patio and cozy gazebo for entertaining. Freshly painted exterior and low maintenance desert landscaping. All furniture included.
902 E Le Marche Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85022
$599,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,124
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6765470
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
WELCOME to your beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath home with a pool and stunning mountain views, located in a desirable neighborhood with no HOA. This immaculate property features a renovated kitchen and bathrooms, with the additional playroom, perfect for families. The home is equipped with owned solar panels for energy efficiency. Conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants, and more. The perfect family home, offering comfort, space, and breathtaking views. Don't miss out on this move-in ready gem!
5851 E Singletree Street
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
$599,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,350
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6774610
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Lovely family or retirement home,with gorgeous mountain views and all the peace & quiet you want. Sip your cocktails on the back patio while watching the birds and the squirrels and the occasional deer that wander through the property. Awesome city light views are a bonus from your outdoor kitchen pad. Inside is a spacious kitchen & dining area combined for the perfect entertaining space. Beautiful desert views from every window! Detached garage and separate storage shed are part of the package.
9305 W Calle Lejos --
Peoria, AZ 85383
$599,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,865
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6775737
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The American dream has always been classified as owning your very own property... and this home certainly has A LOT of it! This 1865 sqft home sits on an acre of land with countless possibilities: horses, homesteading, room for expanding or building a workshop, you name it! Come and personalize this 3 bedroom 2 bath home (complete with two living spaces)! When you make this home your own you'll be less than thirty minutes away from Lake Pleasant, so bring your boat! You'll also have access to great food and shopping just four minutes away at Lake Pleasant Towne Center. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own so much land for a great price.
2760 E San Tan Street
Chandler, AZ 85225
$599,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,913
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6778218
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful, Upgraded 3 Bedroom, 2 full bath home, in the popular and centrally located Dobson Place subdivision. Split bedroom floor plan, Large Great Room open to Kitchen and Breakfast room, Separate formal dining area. Backyard is Beautifully designed for entertainment, with Covered Patio and Heated Pebble-Tech Pool, with Rocks Waterfall. Home has been kept well and maintained, with many upgrades and updates. All New Roof (jan/24), all New windows throughout the house, Recently remodeled Kitchen Counters, Cabinets and appliance, updated bedrooms (Master and guest), updated Tile floor through out the entire house. Other Features: Natural Gas hook up for Gas Grill. Natural Gas Heated Pool, Additional Storage above Garage, Natural Gas Fireplace.
29817 N 223rd Avenue
Wittmann, AZ 85361
$599,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,561
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6778300
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Fantasic custom home that is priced to sell. The open floorplan has split master with 2nd guest quarter or master on opposite side. The two other bedrooms are split off and have a jack and jill bathroom with private vanities. The back yard has a block wall around the perimeter with an RV Gate on both sides. Extra large back patio has tongue and grove ceilings. Beautiful upgraded quartz cover the countertops. Beautiful Custom wood cabinets throughout make this home extra special. Kitchen island is 4X9 w breakfast bar overhang. Exterior was just painted. This is on a 4 part shared well w huge storage tank. The surrounding homes are excellent custom homes. Bring your horses and your toys. No HOA
959 N 97th Way
Mesa, AZ 85207
$599,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,050
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6786673
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
BRAND NEW Construction with Custom-Quality Upgrades throughout! This beautiful Modern Farmhouse is located on a 1/4 ACRE FENCED YARD with NO HOA. FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING INCLUDED. Gourmet Kitchen w/ high-end Cabinets w/ 42'' uppers, White Quartz Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances & Wood Plank Tile Floors. Stunning Master Bathroom w/ Freestanding Soaking Tub & a BEACH ENTRY Glass Shower. Exceptional Energy Efficient - boasting Spray Foam Insulation, Premium AC unit & High-end Windows. Superior Construction and Craftmanship includes Premium Roofing System, Premium Synthetic Stucco & much more! COMPLETED in April/May 2025.
25409 N 40th Lane Unit 0
Phoenix, AZ 85083
$599,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,134
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786652
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
DROP DEAD GORGEOUS PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING ...A LARGE FAMILY...WORKING FROM HOME...CLOSE TO MANY AMENITIES
10696 S 297th Avenue
Palo Verde, AZ 85343
$599,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,317
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771316
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home in Buckeye, AZ! This luxury residence sits on a one-acre lot with an efficient irrigation system, ensuring a lush green landscape year-round. Inside, enjoy a grand foyer leading to an open-concept living area, featuring four spacious bedrooms and three and a half elegant bathrooms with high-end finishes.The gourmet kitchen boasts top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and a large island, flowing into the dining area and inviting great room, where large windows frame breathtaking mountain views. Step outside to a private patio, perfect for outdoor dining, overlooking the expansive yard. Surrounded by other luxury ranch homes, this peaceful neighborhood offers the ideal blend of tranquility and exclusivity. Experience the best of Arizona living in this home!
7709 W Boca Raton Road
Peoria, AZ 85381
$599,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,642
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6698687
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your fully renovated, modern oasis! This stunning four-bedroom, two-bathroom home has been thoughtfully updated from top to bottom. Step inside to discover a light, bright, and open floor plan with all-new flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the space. The heart of the home is the gorgeously remodeled kitchen, featuring sleek cabinetry, high-end countertops, and brand-new appliances. Prepare to be amazed by the stunning limestone backsplash and the focal point of the kitchen, a breathtaking waterfall island that offers both beauty and functionality. The kitchen also boasts an eat-in area with tons of seating, making it the perfect spot for casual meals or entertaining guests. The vaulted ceilings add to the sense of space and grandeur, creating a truly luxurious feel. Both bathrooms have also been meticulously updated to provide a spa-like experience, with modern fixtures and finishes. Gather around the new fireplace in the spacious living area, perfect for cozy evenings with loved ones. Outside, a brand-new RV gate provides convenient access to the oversized corner lot, offering ample parking, including space for an RV. Enjoy the outdoors in the newly landscaped front and back yards, providing the perfect backdrop for entertaining or simply relaxing in the Arizona sun. NO HOA!!! For those interested, all the furniture is available for purchase on a separate bill of sale. Please see the list of updates in the documents tab. Don't miss the opportunity to make this beautifully renovated home your own!
1436 N Bernard --
Mesa, AZ 85207
$599,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,556
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6784104
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
''Investors here is the opportunity you've been waiting for. This Incredible 2 story home is perfectly situated in the sought after community of Sierra Estates. A fantastic floor plan with spacious living area and vaulted ceilings throughout. Great use of the over 3500 sq ft featuring 4 bedrooms 2.5 baths and gorgeous vaulted ceilings. The Back yard has outdoor kitchen, with pool and open space. Bring your vision and skills to a home that is ready for you to make it shine. Mostly cosmetic repairs needed and will be an incredible investment opportunity for some sweat equity.