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.
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26511 N Thornhill Court
Peoria, AZ 85383
$610,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,950
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6728282
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This is a beautiful, professionally designed model home that you won't want to pass up! This is the Ashton Woods Oasis floorplan, with the lot situated in a cul-de-sac with great views. This home includes several upgrades to start with a pavered driveway and entry, epoxy coated garage floor, water softener, and a solar system! Moving inside you will find the upgraded lighting throughout, built-in speakers, modern accent trim walls, master walk-in shower with rain shower faucet, upgraded laundry room with cabinets, counter and sink, and a 4-panel sliding door, that provides abundant natural light, and invites you to the covered patio. The backyard is aesthetically landscaped with pavers, artificial turf, and tile beneath a pergola creating perfect space to enjoy the outdoors.
19004 N 25th Way
Phoenix, AZ 85050
$610,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,106
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6730783
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful & well maintained home is now available! This home has too many upgrades to list! It has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 3 car garage, NO HOA, large corner lot on a cul-de-sac, large pool & new fencing around it, citrus trees in the back yard (orange & lemon). Full length covered rear patio, large kitchen with granite countertops, & lots of cabinet space. Here are some of the recent updates on the home: Roof- 2011 Kitchen remodel 2011 Pebbletec added to pool 2014 Trane 19 Seer AC unit 2014 PAID OFF & owned Solar system 2015 Aeroseal of the ductwork 2016 New Anlin windows for the entire home 2020 New kitchen appliances 2021 New variable speed pool pump 2023 New washer & dryer 2023 This home has RV parking space & gate, is close to 101, 51 & 10 minutes to Desert Ridge.
3951 W Talc Drive
San Tan Valley, AZ 85144
$610,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,913
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756189
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in the heart of San Tan Valley! This property features modern finishes throughout, including a 2-car extended garage allowing space for up to 4 cars. The spacious kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island—perfect for entertaining. You'll also find a rare builder upgrade by Toll Brothers—an extra sliding window in the kitchen, a feature no longer offered, along with an extended patio for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Relax in the inviting living room or step outside to your private backyard oasis with low-maintenance landscaping. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and parks, this home has it all! A must-see in a fast-growing community
22698 E Saddle Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$610,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,373
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762473
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
NO WAIT TO BUILD! This is your opportunity to move into the growing Madera Community and ASSUME 5.25% VA loan. This lovely JUNIPER plan built by Tri-Point has been lightly lived in for 18 months! Beautifully completed low maint back yard with artificial turf and established landscape. This ''like new'' home features 4 Bds, 3 baths, PLUS Flex rm, 10 ft ceilings,luxury vinyl plank flooring thru-out, custom window shade on patio door with remote open and close. The open concept kitchen highlights 42'' upper cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, breakfast bar with pendant lighting, 2'' faux wood blinds, Owner suite includes large walk-in closet with separate Tub/Shower. Exterior door to patio. Gorgeous amenites of the pool & park is a short walk away!
3118 N 15th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85015
$610,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,392
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771036
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The search is over! Fall in love with the appealing open layout featuring a soothing palette, a modern feature wall, recessed lighting, and attractive wood-like flooring. The delightful kitchen comes with quartz counters, grey shaker cabinets with crown moulding, a stylish tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and a center island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The primary bedroom includes an ensuite with double sinks, a lavish raindrop shower, and a convenient and large walk-in closet. Outdoors, you'll find an open patio, pristine artificial turf, and a shed for additional storage. HVAC System was replaced 20024. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
17850 N 68th Street Unit 2097
Phoenix, AZ 85054
$610,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,814
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769240
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
Prime location and luxury living! This stunning home boasts premium interior upgrades with no detail overlooked. Nestled beside Reach 11 hiking trails, 1,000 ft from Lifetime Fitness, and within 2 miles to 3,000,000sf of premier shopping/dining at Desert Ridge, Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, and Scottsdale/101. The home shines with granite countertops, tile backsplash, upgraded kitchen cabinetry with slide-out drawers, herringbone imported Italian tile, upgraded high end stainless kitchen appliances, Toto toilets, custom $2,000 office wallpaper, primary suite walk-in closet organizers, ADA-compliant bathrooms, laundry room cabinets and more!. Ample natural light through out, with community elevators for single-level living. Private 2-car garage and extra storage included Additional features include RO system, upgraded USB electrical outlets, 2 private balconies, European White Oak office floor.
14214 N 38th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
$610,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,808
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769316
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Fully Remodeled Gem in North Phoenix! This stunning home blends modern luxury with comfort, offering an open-concept layout, sleek finishes, and designer touches throughout. Every detail has been meticulously updated - from the brand-new kitchen with stainless steel appliances to the spa-like bathrooms with custom tile work. Fresh flooring, new windows, and upgraded lighting, this home is move-in ready and perfect for entertaining. Located in a desirable North Phoenix neighborhood, close to top schools, New Paradise Valley Mall minutes away, and outdoor recreation. Don't miss your chance to own this beautifully transformed home!
4317 E Western Star Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85044
$610,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,615
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6757507
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This Home Is A True Icon Like No Other Which Is Apparent The Moment You Drive Up The Street. It Is One Of The Most Admired And Sought After And Is Finally For Sale. Be Greeted By The Multi Tier Concrete Steps And Patios, A Fire Pit, Steel Posts And Beams,Smooth Stucco Walls With Wood Facia And A New Metal Roof. The Clear Glass Front Door Completes The Entry And The Mid Century Modern Block Home With Strategic Frank Lloyd Wright Style Gray Block Walls And Accents. Concrete Stained Floors, Birch Cabinets, With Corian Counters. The Two Bathrooms Have Been Proffesionally Designed With High End Commercial Grade Fixtures. Walk In To The Backyard Oasis And Wow! The Covered Patio Open To The Large Yard, Diving Pebble Tek Pool, Detached Block Office heated and cooled With Mini Split.. Backs Wash The Separate Quarters Is Quite Amazing. Gray Block Walls With Birch Interior Facia, Contemporary LED Lighting And Glass Block Windows With Double Door Entry. The Diving Pool Has One Of The Most Unique Custom Steel Fencing And A Metal Welded Shade Sail Frame. Two Unique Gates Lead You To The Open Wash For Hiking, Biking With Entrance To The City Park And Trails To South Mountain For Miles Of Trails. The Yard Also Features A Propane Fire Pit, Raised Planters, Propane BBQ Grill And Metal And Rock Pillars.
330 W Verano Place
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$610,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,123
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781175
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Immaculate and completely renovated gem located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the highly desired lake subdivision of Lago Estancia. This beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home was completely remodeled in 2024. This Pulte built home features an updated kitchen with white shaker cabinetry, stainless steel sink and appliances, granite countertops, interior and exterior paint, luxury vinyl plank flooring, new carpet and baseboards, recessed lighting, new plumbing and light fixtures, new water heater, updated bathrooms with high-end vanities. Located just minutes from downtown Gilbert, fine dining, shopping, freeways and A+ rated schools!
15210 S 44th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85044
$610,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,315
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6725779
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Must see this gorgeous remodel with new white shaker cabinets, self closing with brushed nickel hardware. Stainless kitchen appliances with Granite counter tops. All downstairs floors done in wood look vinyl planks and upstairs is upgraded neutral carpet. One bedroom and full bath downstairs. Two upstairs bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bath. Huge owner's suite, Bath has step in shower plus tub and large walk in closet. Freshly painted, inside and out. Both AC units new in 2022, Gas water heater new in 2021. Front and back yards have artificial grass in 2024. Fenced play pool and spa. Nice well kept community with no HOA, close to freeways and shopping.
688 W Ebony Way
Chandler, AZ 85248
$610,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,157
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6716664
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PRICE REDUCED!!! and sellers giving$5000 towards closing costs as well! LOCATION! LOCATION! **NEW GRANITE COUNTERS in the KITCHEN and BATHROOMS!! *** All the CABINETS have been freshly painted! This beautiful home has 3 bdrms/2 bths with DEN can convert to extra bdrm. A spacious 3-CAR garage. The floor plan features a cozy family room, formal dining area, and formal living room. 5 Blink cameras and an alarm system that coveys with the home. Other recent upgrades-NEW A/C, with all new duct system in 2021, a NEW GAS HOT WATER HEATER 2023, and fresh paint both inside and out, including inside the garage! The backyard is a beautifully landscaped oasis with a stunning pool, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. This move-in-ready home is just waiting for you to make it YOUR own!
176 N Honeysuckle Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85234
$610,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,109
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6753160
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Rare find! Located in beautiful Park Grove Estates. Minutes from downtown Gilbert. This 4 bedroom 2 bath home features a large entry area thats open to formal dining room, open kitchen/family room concept, vaulted ceilings-lots of natural light throughout home. Ready for you to make it your own! Huge corner lot, (over 13,000sqft). Mature trees and an RV gate! Large pool with a built in spa, mature trees... +Newer roof, newer windows and A/C as well as exterior paint+ Lots to see!