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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3731 E Mitchell Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$565,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,635
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768183
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THIS 3BD 2.5BA COMPLETELY REMODELED TOWN HOME IN THE HEART OF ARCADIA LITE! Private, gated community. All tile throughout on the main floor; great room, dining room & large kitchen w/pantry Stainless steel appliances & powder bathroom downstairs. Wood-like, laminate flooring up the stairs & throughout the 2ndfloor. Large primary suite w/private balcony, full primary bath w/separate tub. shower & walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms upstairs each w/walk-in closets & Jack-n-Jill bathroom set up. Ceiling fans in great room & all bedrooms. Laundry room conveniently located on the 2nd floor-washer and dryer included! Two-car attached garage, large rear private patio. Located at the end of the Culdesac street. YOU HAVE TO SEE TO THIS ONE TO BELIEVE IT! & PRICED TO SELL!
9829 E Talon Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$565,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
1,968
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772594
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to 9829 E Talon Ave, a wonderfully designed 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, PLUS a den, nestled within the beautiful community of Cadence. This inviting residence features an open-concept layout, perfect for entertaining. New carpets were installed in March! Enjoy the modern kitchen with sleek appliances and ample counter space, while the spacious living area leads to a private backyard oasis, ideal for relaxing or hosting gatherings. The primary suite offers a tranquil retreat with an en-suite bathroom. Conveniently located near parks, shopping, and top-rated schools, this home is a must-see. Don't miss your chance to own this gem in Mesa!
8374 W Palo Verde Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85345
$565,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
3,704
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776559
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Enormous opportunity for this BIG home in a gated neighborhood. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms with the master conveniently located on the main floor. Beautifully updated master bathroom with separate tub and shower, private toilet room and large master closet. First floor has newer luxury vinyl flooring. Breakfast island in the kitchen plus dining area. Adjacent family room allows for maximum entertainment options with an exit to the large covered patio. Upstairs, you'll find a large loft area, 4 bedrooms ( some with walk in closets), 2 full baths and storage closets. Updates include: windows, tankless heater, appliances. Over sized triple garage can accommodate a full size SUV.
31020 N 42nd Way
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$565,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,857
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6732311
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Great opportunity to live in Tatum Ranch at the right price! Barely lived in home has been lovingly maintained over the years, just bring your remodeling ideas! Open and inviting floorplan with elevated entrance. Separate formal living room perfect for his or her space, media room, or kids area. Open great room with kitchen island and large family room area complete with built-ins. Split floorplan with two bedrooms, bathroom, and laundry room separate from master bedroom with large bathroom and walk-in closet. Enter your backyard complete with sparkling pool and water feature, mature landscaping, and automatic watering system. Pool resurfaced 2024 and new variable speed pump installed 2023. Two car garage with extra shelving for storage. Tatum Ranch is a perfect community for those looking to live a little outside the hustle and bustle of Phoenix, but still enjoy plenty of close amenities such as restaurants, shopping, golf courses, and hiking. Desert living at its finest!
12947 W Fossil Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$565,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,798
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6737283
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
$20,000 PRICE REDUCTION on this PRISTINE & PERFECT SIDUS Model home. Tile Flooring Throughout, No Carpet. Kitchen Boasts UPGRADED STAGGERED CABINETS, CROWN MOLDING, ROLL OUT SHELVES, UNDER CABINET LIGHTING, STAINLESS APPLIANCES & ENGINEERED STONE COUNTER TOPS, with TILE BACKSPLASH. Large Smart Room with an ABUNDANCE OF CABINETS for EXTRA STORAGE, W/D, 2 Desk Work Areas & LARGE PANTRY. Open Living area features WALL OF GLASS SLIDER that opens to Tiled & Paver Private Patio with a Raised Planter Bed for your Herb Garden or Flowers, & NEW Synthetic Grass. MURPHY BED in Den. Master BR w Bay window for Seating. Step into Master Bath w TILE SHOWER & DUAL VANITIES. This Lightly Lived Home Features Everything You Need, including Mature Landscaping for added PRIVACY & Extended Garage & MORE!
6208 W Grandview Road
Glendale, AZ 85306
$565,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,330
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6755708
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Bring the family and the pets! Beautiful 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2-car home in Glendale's Brandywyne community! Park like backyard with refinished pool, RV gate, fire pit and sitting areas. Bright and open with large bay windows front and back and tile flooring throughout! Kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless appliances and a walk in pantry. Large living areas with high ceilings, classic brick fireplace and access to covered patio and landscaped backyard with your own private pool with removable fencing! Primary bedroom located upstairs is complete with large tub, dual vanity, and walk-in closet! New A/C, upgraded electrical panel and upgraded insulation. recent hot water heater and energy efficient solar panels with a very affordable lease... Yes... You can afford to crank that AC!
16472 W Shangri La Road
Surprise, AZ 85388
$565,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,348
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6765097
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is perfectly situated near shopping and entertainment centers, making it an ideal primary residence or investment property. With a den and great room, this home offers a spacious floor plan for your comfort. Currently operating as an Airbnb, the furniture is available by separate bill of sale. The split primary bedroom features a full ensuite bathroom, while the interior is filled with natural light from large Dual Pane Low-E windows. The kitchen boasts a walk-in pantry, granite countertops, a breakfast bar, and plenty of cabinet space. Step through the sliding glass door to a covered patio that overlooks a beautifully landscaped backyard with a heated pool and an above-ground heated spa - perfect for year-round relaxation!
927 W Horseshoe Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$565,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,104
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781236
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nice Tri-Level home in desirable location. New flooring, fresh paint. Large kitchen with plenty of storage and beautiful bay windows. Cozy fireplace in family room. Large back yard that features a refreshing pool.
6202 E Mckellips Road Unit 42
Mesa, AZ 85215
$565,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,587
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762857
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home in the gorgeous, gated community of Tuscany Villas! This beautiful detached home comes **FURNISHED** and offers a prime location right on the **golf course,** perfect for enjoying peaceful mornings or sunset views. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, a personal vacation getaway, or a lock-and-leave option, this property delivers versatility and luxury. Inside, you'll find an open kitchen, granite countertops and high-quality furnishings throughout. Recent updates include a new HVAC system and water heater. Please see documents tab regarding items that do not convey as well as HOA information.
4550 E Corral Road
Phoenix, AZ 85044
$565,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,796
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6742076
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Why drive to your next hike? Live nestled among the 16,000 acres of South Mountain Park (trailhead access around corner). Homes seldom come to market in this neighborhood, especially a single story, Great Room concept one. Enjoy engineered hardwood floors through out most of the house & brand new carpet in the secondary bedrooms. Dual pane windows make summer a whole lot easier to handle. Once we cool off, the two-way wood burning fireplace gives your nest an ambience you never knew you ''needed.'' Outside, the front courtyard is the perfect party patio. Use the Tuff Shed for extra storage or hobbies. With electiricity & a loft the possbilties are endless! There's no HOA. Parking an RV or boat on your concrete slab space is A-ok here. A nest perfect for those who love the great outdoors!
16085 W Alameda Road
Surprise, AZ 85387
$565,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,019
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772867
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The seller is offering a 3% concession. This beautiful, move-in-ready home features a gourmet kitchen with upgraded cabinetry, a stylish backsplash, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a walk-in pantry. The spacious great room opens to a backyard that is ready for you to create your ideal outdoor oasis. Bedrooms #2 and #3 share a guest bathroom and are separated from the primary bedroom for added privacy. Enjoy shutters and ceiling fans throughout, and soft water system. The community provides exceptional amenities, including an aquatic center, pickleball, sand volleyball, bocce ball, playgrounds, trails, zip lines, and frisbee golf! Special financing incentives are available on this property through SIRVA Mortgage.
17514 N Horseshoe Drive
Surprise, AZ 85374
$565,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,298
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747590
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS HOMES IN THE PRESTIGIOUS 'PINNACLE' AREA OF THE GRAND * SOLAR LEASE HAS BEEN PREPAID TILL 2032 SO NO MONTHLY EXPENSE. (SAVE 1,000S ) YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS ONE !!! EXCEPTIONAL UPGRADES GALORE*FAUX STONE FRONT*STUNNING 18 INCH PORCELAIN TILE*MAGNIFICENT GRANITE COUNTER TOPS & BACKSPLASH * EXQUISITE CUSTOM DESIGNED CHERRY WOOD KITCH CABS, LIBRARY, DEN, MEDIA CENTER * SURROND SOUND* SMOOTH TOP RANGE * 2 OVENS-CONVEN&CONVEC * * GORGEOUS PVT BCKYD W/HUGE PATIO-W/BI BBQ,& SPECTACULAR WTRFALL*3 CAR GAR WITH SERVICE DOOR AND UTILITY SINK*LOW E WINDOWS* ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED. BEDROOMS HAVE NEW CARPET. PERFECT HOME FOR ENTERTAINING. ACROSS FROM GOLF COURSE AND WATER VIEW. The Grand is a 45+ master planned golf course community Sun City Grand, an active adult community in Surprise, Arizona, offers a variety of amenities including: Four 18-hole golf courses Two fitness centers Two resort-style pools Two outdoor lap pools One indoor pool Tennis courts Pickleball courts Bocce ball courts