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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1640 S Spruce Lane
Show Low, AZ 85901
$600,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,540
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775134
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This adorable 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is the perfect fit for a weekend getaway or a long term solution to escape the AZ heat. The open kitchen with stainless appliances makes entertaining easy as it opens into the family room overlooking the back porch and tall pines. The master bath has a large shower with double sinks. Add a cul-de-sac lot and charming front porch to the long list of amenities this home has to offer! Enjoy the amenities that Torreon has to offer - golf, pool, family center, fishing pond, etc!
566 S Mountain View Road
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
$600,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,338
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779141
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
***RARE FIND!!..AMAZING HORSE PROPERTY with INCREDIBLE MOUNTAIN VIEWS!!!*** This 2BED/2BATH MOVE-IN READY home is FULLY EQUIPPED for you AND YOUR HORSES!! Located only 5 MINUTES FROM US 60, in Apache Junction!! This OPEN FLOOR PLAN beauty is MATICULOUSLY MAINTANED & has LOADS of UPGRADES like STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES...TILE FLOORING...FULLY FINISHED AZ ROOM... NEW AC (2023)... NEW ROOF (2023) & more!!! Step outside to a BEAUTIFULLY FINISHED PATIO area w/ PUTTING GREEN & STUNNING SUPERSTITION MTN VIEWS!! SPACIOUS lot includes a 2nd EXTRA-DEEP GARAGE, RV PARKING spot w/ HOOKUPS...private ''park like'' sitting area, WORKSHOP, EXTRA STORAGE BUILDINGS & more. HORSE FACILITIES include 60' ROUND PEN, (2) COVERED STALLS w/ water & electricity. Riding Trails nearby!! HURRY, THIS WON'T LAST LONG
11201 E Onza Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$600,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,004
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777393
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome Home! This 2-bed/2-bath home + den is filled with upgrades and special touches. Enjoy the extra living space, complemented by an attached 70 sq ft storage area. The interior boasts plantation shutters and tile flooring throughout. The cozy eat-in kitchen is equipped with a double oven, Cambria quartz countertops, and convenient rollout shelves in the cabinets. Remote sun shades on the covered back patio create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Additional highlights include epoxy flooring in the garage and back patio, gutters, water softener, R/O, a sink in the garage, and a golf cart garage with its own A/C unit-perfect usage for a workshop. Home comes complete with washer, dryer, and refrigerator for your convenience. Don't miss out-see the upgrade list in Documents tab. Sunland Springs Village is a 55+ active adult community offering many amenities to its residents. From a 27 hole golf course to pickle ball courts, tennis courts, swimming pools and recreational facilities offering various programs and activities. You will have beautiful views of the Superstition Mountains and the neighborhood is close to shopping, dining, and to the highways.
7710 E Gainey Ranch Road Unit 142
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$600,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,154
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778206
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Wonderful Gainey Ranch townhome! Two main bedrooms with baths, one downstairs and one upstairs, half bath and 1 car garage. Living room with wood burning fireplace and vaulted ceiling. Loft area with space for an office or sitting area. Downstairs opens to large patio area. Light and bright with shutters. Laundry is in garage. New HVAC 2021. Livable or potential for fantastic remodel. Gainey Ranch offers miles of golf course walking paths and beautiful surrounding lakes. Workout, tennis and pickle ball courts, two community pools estate club pools.
11602 N 32nd Place
Phoenix, AZ 85028
$600,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,619
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6785371
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A charming 3 bed, 2 bath residence in Cactus Park is now for sale! Nestled on an excellent corner lot and featuring a sizeable front yard w/natural turf, a 2 car garage, and a welcoming front porch. Inside you will find a living area w/elegant wood-look flooring and neutral palette. Continue into the cozy family room, showcasing stylish French doors. The fabulous eat-in kitchen is comprised of wood cabinetry w/granite counters, subway tile backsplash, track lighting, and all the SS appliances you'll need for home cooking. End your busy day in the primary bedroom, boasting a private ensuite w/direct outdoor access. Also including a wonderful backyard w/a covered patio, a lovely ramada, workshop/man-cave with A/C, a convenient storage shed, and a refreshing pool! Very nice home!!
6106 N 13th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85013
$600,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,249
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6785816
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This 4 bedroom / 3 bathroom has so much charm! This home is perfect for anyone looking for a home that they can update to their own design style. The location is great, the lot is huge, the front yard has lush trees and that's only the beginning. Walking into the living room you will notice the beautiful wood flooring with a view of the front yard. The open kitchen has a small roller island for additional counter space and stainless steel appliances with tile flooring for easy cleanup. The dining room is just off the kitchen and has plenty of room for family dinners or game nights. The house features extra storage and little touches throughout. 3 of the 4 bedrooms are downstairs with a master bedroom both downstairs and upstairs. The upstairs master bedroom is huge with a sliding glass door that opens up a large balcony to enjoy the large yard and views. The backyard is a wonderful size, has a pebble tech pool, a covered patio and plenty of room for entertaining and relaxing. This home is a rare find in the sought-after Central Phoenix Area.
19700 N 76th Street Unit 1136
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$600,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,863
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6758728
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
This is the only furnished ground floor end unit in this gated community with pools and workout facility. Near guest parking in a quiet cul de sac. Perfect set up for full time residents, winter visitors, or long-term rental. Close to all the amenities of DC Ranch, Kierland and the Scottsdale Quarter. Adjacent to the Grayhawk Golf Course and a short drive to TPC Scottsdale.
3706 E Desert Flower Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85044
$600,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,120
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6762964
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your beautiful home in desirable Mountain Park Ranch! Walk into a large living / dining room with vaulted ceilings and plenty of natural light. Proceed into the kitchen opening into the great room which opens into an inviting back patio with turf back yard. There are updated windows and shutters throughout the home. The primary suite expands with a large walk-in closet and full bathroom. Down the hallway are the other bedrooms which, from the primary suite, gives you the feel of a split-floorplan. This wonderful house provides both the open concept great room feel coupled with areas for everyone all with new windows and shutters. This house checks so many boxes you need to see it to believe it - schedule your showing today! Make sure you look at the list of improvements on this property - pride of ownership! From major system updates (Trane HVAC!) to new carpet, there have been many repairs already completed!
11235 E Olla Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$600,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,882
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6778553
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Look no further! Wonderful home designed with a split floorplan w/2 bedrooms plus den & 2 baths. Desert color paint, tile flooring in main living areas & baths, carpet in bedrooms & den. Plantation shutters, vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting & ceiling fans. Spacious kitchen features large center island w/white quartz counter, stainless appliances, lots of granite counter space, walk-in pantry & breakfast bar. Tranquil primary retreat, 2 walk-in closets, bath has 2 separate vanities, private toilet room & oversized walk-in shower. Large great room & dining area w/2 picture windows for views of the lovely south facing backyard w/pavered patio & artificial putting green. 2 car garage plus expanded golf car garage. Enjoy all that Sunland Village Community has to offer. Show & Sell!
21222 N 124th Avenue
Sun City West, AZ 85375
$600,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,528
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775437
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step into this spacious, sun-soaked 3-bedroom, 2-bath San Simeon model, perfectly nestled on the golf course! The open floor plan offers vaulted ceilings and large windows, filling the home with natural light and breathtaking views. The modern kitchen boasts granite countertops, abundant cabinetry, and a cozy breakfast nook with views of the greens. The expansive back patio is an entertainer's dream, featuring plenty of seating and a serene golf course view—ideal for morning coffee or evening gatherings. The master suite offers private patio access, while the oversized laundry room and ample storage ensure practicality. Best of all, everything in the home is included, making it truly move-in ready. Your dream home awaits!
10439 W Cashman Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$600,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,098
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787973
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
***FREE 1% RATE BUYDOWN FOR THE FIRST 12 MONTHS *** A MESSAGE FROM THE SELLERS '' We loved the size and layout of this house! The huge primary suite was what really sold us! The neighborhood is amazing and close to everything we needed with Lake Pleasant shopping and entertainment district so close by! The schools are top rated and that was important to us!'' Welcome to a home that perfectly blends spacious living with an unbeatable location. Situated in the sought-after Casa del Rey neighborhood, this property offers a huge layout designed to fit all your lifestyle needs. Whether you're hosting gatherings, creating a home office, or just enjoying everyday moments, the space is yours to make your own. Living here means being part of an amazing community with access to top-rated schools in the Peoria Unified School District. Just minutes away, you'll find the Lake Pleasant shopping and entertainment district, filled with dining, shops, and fun activities for all ages. And for those who love the water or a day outdoors, Lake Pleasant Marina is just a few short miles away, ready for your next adventure. Don't miss the chance to make this incredible home and neighborhood your own!
1178 E Betsy Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$600,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,642
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779119
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A RARE FIND IN GILBERT! 3CAR GARAGE+RV GATE WITH POOL & 2017 AC UNDER 600K! THIS GREAT HOME FEATURES AN OVERSIZED BACKYARD BOASTING A LOVLEY POOL,ABOVE GROUND REDWOOD SPA,LARGE GRASS SPACE, SATIO TILE COVERED PATIO W/MISTERS.MATURE LANDSCAPE W/FRUIT TREES ALONG WITH EXTENDED PATIOS & WALKWAYS! AMPLE SPACE BEHIND THE RV GATE FOR TOYS. YOUR BUYERS WILL ENJOY THE HIGH VAULTED CEILINGS & OPEN FLOORPLAN! ALL OF THIS WITH AN INCREDIBLE GILBERT LOCATION CLOSE OF SOME OF THE BEST SHOPPING, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT IN THE EAST VALLEY!