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.
Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth
804 N Wilderness Circle
Payson, AZ 85541
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,686
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762747
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautifully maintained and updated home is located in the Woodhill subdivision on a quiet cul-de-sac. The home offers large rooms, a split floor plan, a generous primary suite with an oversized closet, hickory extended cabinets, a breakfast bar, vaulted ceilings, and a large screened covered patio. It has new exterior paint, a new Electric Heat Pump, water heater, primary bathroom shower, beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring, a roof replaced two years ago, and much more. You do not want to miss out on this perfect place to call your home!
4323 W Villa Theresa Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,098
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6763477
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The search is finally over! This coveted corner lot property greets you with a 2-car garage, an RV gate, a tasteful brick facade, and a paver walkway. You'll find a living room with new paint, a charming bay window, and new wood-look flooring. The great room has an inviting fireplace for relaxing evenings. Cook delicious meals in the kitchen, equipped with granite counters, ample wood cabinetry, a tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a handy pantry. You'll also find a versatile den ideal for an office. The main bedroom includes sliding door access to the backyard for seamless indoor-outdoor living, a wakj0ub closet, and an ensuite with dual sinks. The backyard boasts a covered patio, pristine natural turf, and a pool for endless summer fun. Make this yours!
6063 W Pinon Way
Pine, AZ 85544
$575,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,200
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6765502
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Pine Creek Canyon at the Portals II nestled in the Ponderosa Pines! The majestic views are breathtaking. This cozy 2 bedroom 2 bath home comes furnished. Extensive paver work recently done makes the entry to the home inviting and gives a fresh updated look. There is a newer AC/Heat Pump as well as a stone fireplace. You will have access to Portal II amenities such as basketball courts, shuffleboard, and tennis courts.
4429 E Del Rio Drive
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$575,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,460
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767453
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A beautiful 4 bed, 2.5 bath in Laredo Ranch is now for sale! Nestled on a premium corner lot and boasting great curb appeal, a manicured landscape w/lush natural turf, and a 2 car tandem garage! Come inside to discover spacious dining & living areas w/tile flooring and trending palette throughout. Prepare delicious meals in this chef's kitchen comprised of staggered cabinetry w/crown moulding, granite counters, mosaic tile backsplash, pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. Upstairs you'll find a sizeable loft w/soft carpet, where you can spend a relaxing Sunday evening! Double doors open up to the primary bedroom, showcasing a mirrored walk-in closet, and a full ensuite w/dual sinks for added comfort. Don't forget about the large media room w/custom coffered ceilings! Lastly, the expansive backyard includes a covered patio, mature shade tree, and a sparkling blue pool! This is sure to be the home you've been looking for, hurry and act now!
5023 E Desert Forest Trail
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,527
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766899
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover this modern, open-concept home featuring a spacious 15-foot multi-slider door that seamlessly connects to an extended, private covered patio—perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen boasts a large island, 42-inch Timberlake upper cabinets, granite countertops, and Whirlpool stainless steel appliances, ideal for cooking and entertaining. The split-bedroom floor plan offers a private master retreat, complete with 8-foot interior doors and stylish tile flooring throughout. Located near shopping, dining, and the best of Cave Creek living!
2809 N 70th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$575,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,217
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768285
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
VOTED BEST OUTDOOR SPACE-Scottsdale Tour! Where artistic design and nature combine. Large front and backyard with mature, low maintenance, desert acclimated flowering plants. Tasteful artistic design add to the serenity of the home. New roof, exterior paint, and natural gas heater/AC unit this year. Newer natural gas tankless water heater keeps utility costs to a minimum. Ready to move in and enjoy but plenty of space to add on should you desire.
1844 W Virginia Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85007
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,750
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6770895
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Charming 3-bed, 2-bath Home backed up to the beautiful Encanto Golf Course, this home offers breathtaking views! With new Anderson windows and a sliding door, plus custom stonework inside and out, this house blends elegance with durability. The AC system is only 2-3 years old and comes with a premium dust-collecting filter, an upgrade valued at $1,250. The kitchen floor is finished with luxurious Colorado stone, New dishwasher and washer ready to go. The property features beautiful landscaping, a large garage that fits both a sedan and a truck. New electrical box. All the fascia and soffits are covered, so you'll never need to repaint. Enjoy energy efficiency with awnings on all windows, and the monthly electric bill is just $168 for this all-electric home. Don't miss this opportunity!!!
624 Leisure World --
Mesa, AZ 85206
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,269
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6782156
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful home on the lake. Large open floor plan, lake views from the entrance. Two great patios for entertaining. Large 2 car garage as well as an additional door for your golf cart. Located in a quiet cul-de -sac in a central spot in Leisure World. This community is a safe, fun and clean place to live in full time or for your winter get away. All this in the Premiere Active Adult Community of Leisure World with 36 holes of private golf, new tennis complex, pickle ball, swimming pools, library, state of the art fitness center, theater, arts and crafts, billiard room, and much more!
8143 E Obispo Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$575,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,516
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774113
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Move in ready home in a super convenient location! Convenient floor plan with ample living space and large bedrooms w/ walk in closets. NEW Interior paint. Wood plank tile flooring and modern fixtures. Kitchen features granite counters, newer cabinets, custom tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms updated with custom tile showers, vanities, toilets, tile accents, and lighting fixtures. Lots of storage and indoor laundry room with large pantry. French doors lead to the spacious low maintenance grassy backyard with pool and covered patio & RV gate. Playset conveys with property. 1 New AC unit! Community park is 2 doors down. Did I mention the private pool? 2 doors down from a community park
22850 E Calle Luna --
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$575,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,311
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779462
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful one level 5 bedroom 3 bathroom home located in Meridian community which features a community park walking paths and community pool. Upgraded kitchen featuring stunning cabinetry granite counters mosaic backsplash black/stainless steel appliances gas range and a spacious island that fits 4 barstools & large pantry. Kitchen opens to the dining area & great room. Home has high ceilings tile flooring and recessed lighting throughout. The great room has a sliding glass doors leading to private backyard, plumbed with a gas line for outdoor cooking/barbecuing. Low maintenance front & backyard with paver boarders & paver walk path. 2 front side gates. Primary bedroom has walk in closet and walk in shower 2nd bedroom has private bathroom. Home has reverse osmosis and a water softener.
27602 N Denver Hill Drive
Wittmann, AZ 85361
$575,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,278
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778733
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your private desert retreat! A home that offers not just comfort and space, but a true sense of community in a peaceful neighborhood. Set on a quiet dirt road, this property is surrounded by friendly, welcoming neighbors and picturesque land with expansive mountain views. Both levels provide a cozy, private flow between the separate rooms. Designed to accommodate a range of outdoor interests, this property is ready for whatever you envision—from horseback riding, gardening, ATV trails, and more. An RV station with power and water hookups ensures guests can comfortably share in the beauty of this property. Located only 30 minutes from Wickenburg, and 20 minutes from Surprise, this home offers the perfect balance of rural living, without being a far drive from the city.
905 S Canal Drive Unit 17
Chandler, AZ 85225
$575,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,092
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779711
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Home Sweet Home! Discover the charm of this beautiful 3-bed, 2.5-bath townhouse in Mission Crossing at Chandler Ranch! This Home exudes elegance with modern light fixtures, neutral paint, tons of natural light, and wood-look tile flooring w/plush carpet in all the right places. You'll LOVE the spacious, perfectly flowing open layout! The impressive kitchen boasts black SS appliances, quartz counters, a pantry, ample white cabinetry, & a large island w/breakfast bar. There is an ample storage room under the stairs! All bedrooms await upstairs, along with a versatile loft. Main bedroom has an ensuite with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. Outback, you have a covered patio, artificial turf, & well-laid pavers. Community Pickleball Court is right next door! Move-in ready!