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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2423 E Pony Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85295
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,906
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779360
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Move in ready, clean, bright 3BR, 2BA with designer touches and extended 2 car garage. Large lot size with private bacyard. All new windows, security door, newer A/C and all appliances included. Newly updated bathrooms. Great location and close to shopping, highways, schools etc.
1103 W Pebble Beach Drive
Tempe, AZ 85282
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,731
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6737458
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Location, Location very good center location close to Arizona state university only 2-3 miles , easy access to major freeways and sky Harber airport. 4- bedroom high ceiling new flooring in all bedrooms. Freshly painted, perfect rental or family home large cozy back yard remodeled with brand new artificial Graas, low maintenance. short drive to mill Ave, Tempe town lake and Papago hiking and golfing. Night life restaurants shops Ets.
41333 N Belfair Way
Anthem, AZ 85086
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,616
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6746580
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
If you are looking for a remodeled home for under the average list price in Anthem Country Club, stop right here, you have found it! With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home is perfect for a small family or a couple who needs room for visitors. The remodeled kitchen and bathroom, and the updated flooring ensure that the home is move-in ready. You will love the storage space in the kitchen, which includes a large pantry. The updated stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops and natural light from both large and small windows give the kitchen and family room a fresh, bright, and cheery feel and look. This home is a private oasis within the spectacular community of Anthem Country Club which offers anything you could ask for in a Country Club setting. Two Club Houses with restaurants, two fitness centers, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, two private heated pools and so much more. Come see for yourself, we are certain you will love it!
5020 E Morning Star Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85044
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,878
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760957
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
ENJOY LIVING IN AHWATUKEE'S ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY IN THIS COMPLETELY RENOVATED HOME. INVITING OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH ABUNDANT UPDATES. EAT-IN KITCHEN FEATURES QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, TILED BACKSPLASH, UPGRADED CABINETRY, GRANITE SINK, PANTRY & STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES. GAS FIREPLACE IN FAMILY ROOM. MASTER SUITE BATHROOM INCLUDES GRANITE COUNTERTOP & WALK-IN SHOWER WITH GRAB BARS. WALK-IN CLOSETS IN SECONDARY BEDROOMS PLUS HALL BATH CONNECTS TO BEDROOM TWO. LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT WITH TILE IN THE BATHS. ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS OF REMODEL INCLUDE RECESSED LIGHTING, RAISED-PANEL 3-HINGE DOORS, CUSTOM BASEBOARDS/MOLDING, DUAL-PANE WINDOWS TANKLESS WATER HEATER, SOFT WATER SYSTEM WITH ENTIRE HOME WATER FILTRATION, FRONT & BACK ARTIFICIAL GRASS & COVERED PATIO WITH MISTING SYSTEM.
3600 W Cobalt Court
San Tan Valley, AZ 85144
$550,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,614
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6752633
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence in The Preserve at San Tan! Discover an inviting great room with high ceilings, recessed lighting, a soothing palette, blinds, and stylish wood-look flooring. The delightful kitchen boasts quartz counters, ample white shaker cabinets, chic pendant lighting, a subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a versatile den, ideal for an office or study. Upstairs, the cozy loft offers additional living space. The serene main bedroom includes plush carpeting, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture outside to the backyard, featuring a covered patio for al fresco dining and ample space to create your dream oasis. The community also offers a dog park, pickleball court, community grills, outdoor theater/amphitheater, fire pits, walking/biking trails and SO MUCH MORE! Come see it today!
44049 W Palo Nuez Street
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,820
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751432
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Elegance, luxury, and practicality combine in this one-of-a-kind home. BEAUTIFUL HOME IN MARICOPA WITH A POOL AND RV GARAGE. The curb appeal is off the charts with a paved driveway, cozy courtyard, and LARGE 45' RV GARAGE. Spacious floor plan with open kitchen concept boasting beautiful granite countertops, oversized pantry, and huge island, all overlooking a great room and backyard. Large primary bedroom with roomy bathroom featuring dual vanities and walk-in shower, but it's the backyard that will capture your attention; mature backyard complete with lots of artificial grass for the little ones, oversized pergola, and REFRESHING SWIMMING POOL for those hot AZ afternoons or weekends with friends. Never pay for RV storage again; come by and look and make this beautiful home yours.
1171 E Crestridge Drive
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
$550,000
7
Beds
4
Baths
3,443
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766760
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This impressive 7-bedroom, 4-bath, 2-story home boasts 3,443 sqft of elegant living space, offering both beauty and functionality. The exterior is aesthetically appealing, while the interior feels cozy and bright, with dark wood cabinets and lighter wood-look tile contrasting beautifully with the cream-colored walls. The spacious primary bedroom, located downstairs, features a split layout and a walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms have walk-in closets, providing ample storage. The great room is perfect for gatherings, and the kitchen features a pantry, granite countertops, a kitchen island, and a breakfast bar. Step outside to the covered back patio and envision creating your own oasis in the low-maintenance yard, currently awaiting your personal touch. A 3-car garage completes this home!
3730 W Memorial Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85086
$550,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,168
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6754352
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
With understated elegance & the perfect 5 bdrm family home, this property is located in a very friendly neighborhood of the highly sought after Anthem community. This lovely abode is located within walking dist.to a very well maintained park & close to numerous shopping centers, boutiques, delicious dining along with all the wonderful amenities Anthem has to offer: workout facilities, tennis, pickleball, swimming, waterpark, walking paths and community parks. It boasts a very popular and attractive floor plan with open vaulted ceilings with 2 bdrms downstairs and 3 bdrms upstairs. The back yard is extremely private, relaxing, has a large patio area, a privacy wall and a very cozy fire pit with bench seating. Easy to maintain landscaping. Come & build your cherished family memories here!
24098 N Wheat Road
Florence, AZ 85132
$550,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,407
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755862
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This stunning residence features a rare, massive RV garage and RV gate! Step into the backyard oasis where a sparkling pebble-tec pool awaits, framed by a beautiful travertine deck and a spacious covered patio—ideal for relaxing and entertaining. Inside, the modern home boasts sleek stainless steel appliances, island with elegant granite countertops, and a convenient walk-in pantry. Enjoy the vibrant community amenities including a playground, basketball court, and green spaces—perfect for fun weekends! Hurry before this opportunity is gone!
300 N Gila Springs Boulevard Unit 181
Chandler, AZ 85226
$550,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,937
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6761447
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Enjoy Luxury living in this gated community. Beautiful contemporary condo that has never been lived in full time and it shows! Main level consists of a tandem garage, laundry, kitchen, dining room, family room, half bath and large patio. Second level has three nice sized bedrooms, full bath and loft area. Top floor is for the entire primary suite. Enjoy a large kitchen with stainless appliances, pantry and bar seating. The formal dining room and family room are right off the patio making it great for entertaining guests. The guest rooms on the second level are split with a bathroom in between and a loft area can be used for fitness equipment, office or quiet reading space. The primary level is a dream for condo living. The bedroom has a patio large enough for chairs and a table so you can enjoy sunrises and sunsets. Lots of storage for linens and towels that leads you to the ensuite with dual sinks, private toilet room and a massive walk in closet! This gated community has a pool, spa, basketball hoop, fenced in grass area with picnic table and ample open parking. This particular unit is on the end making you only share one wall with no one below or above you. The owners spared no expense with this unit when it came to upgrades! They literally upgraded every single option you could do! Sit on the all turf patio with cute market lights and enjoy a glass of wine while you marvel in the architecture of this community. Furniture available of separate bill of sale.
4443 E Camino De Cafe --
Hereford, AZ 85615
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,912
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756980
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on .88 acres, surrounded by mountain and valley views. Home amenities include granite throughout, tile flooring throughout living spaces and in office, carpet in bedrooms. Spacious master bedroom, master bath includes soaking tub and spacious walk-in shower with rain glass. Large walk-in closet through bathroom. Kitchen includes all appliances. Each room installed with cable/internet, fiber throughout. Water softener attachment installed, gas grill attachment installed for future outdoor kitchen, and electrical outlet for jacuzzi spa. Ground mounted solar and garden shed included. Walled back yard with covered porch.
2236 W Aston Drive
Queen Creek, AZ 85144
$550,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,560
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6758921
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautiful well appointed home. This spacious 4 bedroom + den and 2.5 baths sit on a huge lot for outdoor entertaining. The huge kitchen has a massive island and a huge stainless built-in freezer fridge. The quartz countertops and white cabinets gives a sense of elegance which overlooks the huge great room. Plantation shutters are throughout the entire house with ceiling fans in every room. The garage is an over height 3 car tandem arrangement for that extra workshop area. There is an RV gate that leads to the backyard with sails covering the raised vegetable and flower beds. The backyard also has been pre-wired for a spa. Rainwater capture system located on the northeast corner of house and plastic storage box on west side of house does not convey with sale.