Last week’s economic reports were in short supply due to the Christmas holiday. Events reported included Case-Shiller home price indices, pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Consumer confidence was also released.
Case–Shiller Readings Indicate No Slowdown in Home Price Gains
Case-Shiller’s October readings for its home price indices showed continued growth in home prices. In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, high demand for homes and slim supplies of homes for sale continued to fuel higher home prices.
According to Case-Shiller’s national home price index for October, home prices rose 5.60 percent on an annual basis as compared to September’s reading of 5.40 percent. The 20-city home price index rose to 5.10 percent from September’s reading of 5.00 percent. Case-Shiller’s 10-city index also gained 0.10 percent in October with a reading of 4.30 percent year-over-year.
Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon and Denver, Colorado had the highest year-over-year home price gains in October with readings of 10.70, 10.30 and 8.30 percent respectively. David M. Blitzer, Managing Director and Chairman of the S&P Indices Committee, said that “Home prices and the economy are both enjoying robust numbers,” but he also cautioned that rising mortgage rates and home prices growing faster than wages continue to pose obstacles for some home buyers. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise its federal funds rate in 2017, which is expected to prompt rising mortgage rates.
Mortgage Rates Mixed, Pending Home Sales Fall
Pending home sales fell 2.50 percent in November. Analysts said that post-election reaction helped to drive mortgage rates higher, which made homes less affordable for first-time and moderate-income buyers; Sellers and buyers may have postponed decisions to sell or buy as they waited for volatile post-election responses to ease.
According to the National Association of Realtors®, pending home sales fell to their lowest level in almost a year with an index reading of 107.30 in November. September’s reading was 110.00. The holiday season and rising mortgage rates were seen as contributing to fewer pending home sales.
Freddie Mac reported the ninth consecutive week that fixed rate mortgages rose. In the final mortgage rates survey for 2016, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage rose two basis points to 4.32 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was three basis points higher at 3.55 percent. 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rates averaged 3.30 percent, which was two basis points lower than the prior week. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all three mortgage types.
New jobless claims were lower last week with a reading of 265,000 new claims filed. Analysts had expected 270,000 new claims filed based on the prior week’s reading of 275,000 new claims filed.
In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, consumer sentiment was higher than expected in December with a reading of 113.70 as compared to expectations of 110.00 and November’s reading of 109.40.
What‘s Ahead
Next week’s scheduled economic reports include Labor Department releases on Non-Farm Payrolls, and the national unemployment rate. ADP payrolls and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released. Financial markets are closed today in observance of New Year’s Day.
Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth
1371 N Alison Way
Chandler, AZ 85226
$629,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,037
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6754121
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
* CHANDLER STUNNER * PREMIUM CORNER LOT * FORMER MODEL * ACROSS FROM COMMUNITY POOL * LIKE LIVING IN A RESORT * LOFT-STYLE HOME * QUARTZ COUNTERS * STAINLESS APPLIANCES * UPGRADED CABINETS * OVERSIZED SLIDER * WRAPAROUND BALCONY * UPGRADED RAILINGS * LOFT WITH VIEWS * MASTER SHOWER WITH TILE SURROUNDS * CASITA WITH HALF BATH * VIEWS OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN * GET IT BEFORE ITS GONE! *
8215 W Gardenia Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85303
$629,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,643
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6761936
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to the home that checks every box! This stunning residence offers a spacious split floor plan with 3 bedrooms, a versatile den, and a large bonus room—ideal for work, play, or relaxation. You'll have plenty of parking for all your vehicles and toys, RV Parking plus a generous 3-car garage for additional storage. Inside, the open layout connects the gourmet kitchen, with premium appliances and ample counter space, to the sunlit great room and living room. Step outside to your own resort-style oasis featuring a private pool, patio, and beautifully landscaped yard—perfect for entertaining or unwinding. With owned solar, enjoy energy savings year-round!
14104 W Cottontail Lane
Surprise, AZ 85387
$629,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,444
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6779366
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come explore this beautiful 3 bed 2 1/2 bath cul de sac home with a massive 17, 082 sq. foot lot to build your dream yard. This home has over $100k in upgrades including iron front door, large sliding glass doors in great room, extended covered patio, quartz contertops in kitchen and bathrooms, custom backsplash in kitchen, reverse osmosis water filtration for drinking water, gas line for outdoor kitchen, upgraded kitchen cabinets, additional cabinets throughout home, GE gourmet gas cooktop, additional electrical outlets added inside and outside the home, under cabinet lighting in kitchen, surround sound, free standing tub in primary bathroom and custom tile shower with rainshower head, additional insulation in ceiling, garage and plumbing walls, custom tile, new carpet and paint.
3582 N 160th Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85395
$629,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,829
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781415
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!! Sits on a very unique lot located in the highly sought after Tuscany side of Pebble Creek. This lovely and well cared for home sits on a very unique lot. Featuring 2 bedrooms plus a den, fresh interior 2 tone paint, UPDATED KITCHEN AND BATHS, granite counters throughout, custom plantation shutters, newly installed soft water system, 3 car garage with epoxy floor and built in cabinets, golf course views from the back AND front with neighbors on only one side!! PLUS, BRING US AN ACCEPTABLE OFFER AND WE'LL THROW IN THE GOLF CART, recently serviced with all new batteries!! MOTIVATED SELLERS BRING US AN OFFER!
368 S 172nd Drive
Goodyear, AZ 85338
$629,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
4,019
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6754016
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover plenty of space and comfort in this stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom Canyon Trails home. It features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and center island, perfect for any cook. Enjoy privacy in the attached guest casita with its own living room and entrance. PRE-PAID Solar panels offer eco-friendly living and lowered electric bills for years to come. The backyard is an oasis with a private pool, huge extended covered patio, and BBQ area, all overlooking the community green belt with no neighbors behind. Plus, enjoy community amenities like a recreation room, parks, and community pool.
1145 N 293rd Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$629,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,067
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6758593
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover the ultimate in custom home, unencumbered by HOA fees or regulations. This stunning new build ranch-style residence boasts 2,067 square feet of living space on a serene 1.2-acre lot. The sophisticated open-concept living area features stylish paneled walls, vaulted ceilings, and an abundance of natural light and recessed illumination. A sleek white kitchen, complemented by a spacious island, provides an ideal setting for culinary pursuits. The serene master suite offers a tranquil retreat, complete with a spacious en-suite bathroom and ample closet space. Three additional bedrooms provide versatility for family, guests, or a home office. The expansive, backyard, boasts block fencing valued at over $60,000, and dual RV gates, perfect for accommodating large vehicles or horses.
6735 N 10th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014
$629,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,703
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6763810
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Vintage meets contemporary in this delightful home in the heart of north central Phoenix. Remodeled in 2019 to add new A/C, electrical panel, and all new kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances and soft close modern cabinetry. Tons of additional upgrades added over the last 3 years, including new epoxy sewer lining, lighting/fans, roman shades, paint, baseboards, contemporary black door hardware, storage shed, block fence, side gate & front door. Abundant natural light throughout the home through efficient dual-pane windows. Huge great room with vaulted ceilings and built in fireplace. Dreamy primary suite has 2 closets including a spacious luxury walk-in. Mature fruit trees grace the private, quiet back yard, with the perfect patio for entertaining. Top rated schools.
535 S Barnwood Trail
Munds Park, AZ 86017
$629,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,824
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6764043
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Your private, dream home on large lot in the cool pines of Munds Park awaits your arrival! Rather year-round or seasonal, this spacious 3bed, 2 bath home has a/c, wood burning fireplace, 10x16 shed, carport, metal roof, upgraded flooring, bathrooms, ceiling fans, lighting, etc. Kitchen has plenty of cabinet and counter space, as well as an island. Enjoy relaxing on the large custom deck that was newly added on, with NO neighbor to the north! The yard is fenced in and perfect for your pets. No HOA. Come and be a part of this special, desirable Munds Park community! You will be walking distance to the well-known Pinewood Country Club, close to the national forest, lake, hiking/ biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, park, restaurants, convenient store, and more. Munds Park is only 17 miles South of Flagstaff and a 2-hour drive from Phoenix to escape the heat. Come see your new home in our neck of the woods!
2078 E Donner Drive
Tempe, AZ 85282
$629,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,005
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779043
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful Corner Lot Home in the Heart of Tempe with Private Pool! No HOA! Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, perfectly situated on a spacious corner lot in the heart of Tempe. With its beautiful open floor plan and a large private pool, this home is an entertainer's dream. Inside, you'll find a modern kitchen with an inviting living area, and an enclosed laundry room for added convenience. Brand NEW AC and Brand New roof (2024). Enjoy the added benefit of no HOA! Located just minutes from ASU, major freeways, and an array of restaurants and shopping, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. BOOK a tour today.
4318 E Smokehouse Trail
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$629,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,412
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6721909
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this charming property that combines modern amenities with elegant charm. Recently updated with fresh interior paint and new flooring in parts, the neutral color scheme creates a calming atmosphere for all who enter. The kitchen is a cook's delight, featuring an inviting island and stainless steel appliances. Relax or entertain on the covered patio or enjoy privacy in the fenced backyard. This sought-after addition provides ample space for daily routines. From indoor comfort to outdoor luxuries, this property blends modern comfort with classic charm. If you seek a meticulously maintained home with exceptional attention to detail, don't miss the chance to make this beautifully updated property yours. It's the perfect plac
795 E Reindeer Drive
Munds Park, AZ 86017
$629,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,305
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6764913
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Imagine your electric bill being 1.09. Yes, it's true. This home includes a 65,000-dollar Tesla solar electric power system! It powers the like new, 220-volt hot tub and the rest of the entire home! Beautiful year-round home on a quiet street in a desirable area of Munds Park, lots of mature trees, 2 car garage and a separate, new 1 car garage, wood/pellet burning stove, tongue and groove wood throughout, stainless appliances, new refrigerator, new trex front deck, covered deck in back with fenced yard, large shed and new landscape gravel, newer roof (2020) new exterior paint front (2024) updated laminate flooring, updated bathrooms, kitchen, doors, lighting, fixtures, walk-in pantry, newer electrical panel, circuits and furnace, new mini-split in loft, newly painted deck (9-2024) Vaulted ceilings, This home can park 7 cars total, no HOA! Come and be a part of our wonderful Munds Park community! You will be walking distance to the well-known Pinewood Country Club and very close to the national forest, lake, hiking/ biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, park, restaurants, convenient store, and more. Munds Park is only 17 miles South of Flagstaff and a 2-hour drive from Phoenix to escape the heat. Come see your new home in our neck of the woods!
1834 N Mitchell Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
$629,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,218
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775620
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This historic bungalow is truly as good as it gets, and on one of the best streets in Coronado Historic District. The original 1937 bungalow has been carefully preserved, but just about all the major systems have been recently upgraded to modern (over $120K). The house is cozy, but flows bigger with the original two bedrooms and bath on the front side of the house, and the split addition of the master suite on the rear. The front room features updated floors (2024), fireplace and gorgeous light. Modern kitchen features custom cabinets, exposed brick wall and all new appliances. Completely remodeled master suite. OWNED SOLAR!!! Multiple hospitals close by as well as close to freeways, Downtown Phx and much more.