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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18710 E Rio Lane
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$594,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,954
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6743115
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Being sold *COMPLETELY FURNISHED*, large townhouse in Rio Verde with golf and mountain views. Located on the 3rd green of the Quail Run golf course . With 1954 Sq Ft, two Primary En-Suites, large great room and dining areas. This home has been remodeled with tile floors, carpet in the bedrooms. Kitchen recently remodeled, featuring new cabinets and stainless steel appliances, both bathrooms have been remodeled as well. Large walk-in pantry. Split floorplan with security roller shields on each window, pavers on the back patio. Two new AC units in 2023. Across the street is a small community pool! The Country Club is within walking distance with fine and casual dining. the Community Center, Tennis, Pickle Ball and Boccee Ball Courts as well as the large community pool and heated spa.
8814 E Sunnyside Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
$594,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,385
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6739588
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Quiet neighborhood in a fantastic North Scottsdale location with easy access to Loop 101. This 3 bedroom home offers a 2 car garage with a Brand New epoxy floor, a newer tankless water heater (2023), and spacious living. Welcoming courtyard & private backyard. The sizeable living room has newer ceiling fans and plantation shutters. Breakfast area in the kitchen, large primary bedroom with walk-in closet & open vanity area, ceiling fans in every room, and all appliances are included. Very well maintained community with heated pool, spa, & tennis/pickleball. HOA maintains the front yard too!
253 E Sherri Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$594,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,141
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762235
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Great home in a fantastic location! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 3 car garage. Boasts a formal living room with dramatic ceilings, in addition to a family room. The kitchen features Shaker cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a pantry and a breakfast bar. The master suite is spacious and includes separate tub and shower, dual vanities and a walk-in closet. The backyard space has a new, (3 yr old) beautiful, heated pool and spa, with new app control technology. Backyard also has gas stub ready for your firepit, bbq, etc. Only 5 minutes to downtown Gilbert and walking distance to Gilbert town square. A must see!
3230 E Woodside Way
Gilbert, AZ 85297
$594,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,166
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756120
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
CORNER LOT in beautiful Santan Ranch. This community is full of beautiful parks and walking trails and located just 10 min from Mesa Gateway Airport and only 1.5 miles north of Gilbert Regional Park! This home offers stunning high vaulted ceilings that allow in our beautiful Arizona light! But is also equipt with new sun shades for the windows to keep it cool. Enjoy your open plan, modern living space with new floors and appliances as of 2023. You'll be able to enjoy 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs and a bedroom and full bath on the main floor as well. Your stunning back yard will feel nice and open on the corner lot. This yard has all new landscaping and a new pool pump as of late 2023. Come check this beauty out today! We can't wait to have you!
7430 E Coronado Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$594,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,344
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6707659
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Located in the sought-after Old Town Scottsdale and near Tempe/ASU, this single level homes boasts tons of on-trend features catering to both comfort and functionality. Chef's eat-in kitchen has black granite counters, center island with breakfast bar, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, and a large bay window that brings in plenty of natural light. Other features include tile and wood laminate flooring, open great room with wood accent wall, and an attached garage. The Primary bedroom has en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and granite vanity. The new 2021 AC unit ensures high efficiency for low energy costs! Double door exit to the North facing backyard with a green grass lawn, ally access gate, lush landscaping, and a paver patio.
287 E Citrus Hollow Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85140
$593,818
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,678
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6597679
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This brand new Valletta model is move-in ready! It features a spacious layout with plenty of natural light. The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. It has a gourmet kitchen, gas cooktop and will be the perfect place to entertain your guests. Both bathrooms are highly upgraded with tile surround and upgraded fixtures. The resort collection at Encanterra offers you the perfect balance if you are a seasonal owner or full time. Book your tour today and start living the good life at Encanterra now!
1732 E Dobbins Road
Phoenix, AZ 85042
$593,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
1,866
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786266
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Two Homes, One Incredible Opportunity! This unique property offers two private living houses on the same lot, surrounded by stunning South Mountain views! Featuring a private pool, a separate large multi-use room, a spacious fenced backyard and new AC units! The main house boasts 1,866 SF of beautifully upgraded living space, including 3 bedrooms, 2 remodeled bathrooms, and a renovated kitchen with modern finishes. Tile flooring adds style and durability throughout the home and enjoy large picturesque windows overlooking the glistening pool which has a new pump. The primary suite includes an ensuite bathroom and a sliding glass door to the backyard. The 512 SF guest house has a spacious bedroom, a full kitchen and bathroom, washer/dryer hookup, and tile flooring throughout. It also features its own private backyard for added convenience and privacy. Oversized, low-maintenance yard, 2 car garage and plenty of parking. NO HOA! Savor breathtaking mountain views just steps from your door, complemented by dazzling cityscapes and sparkling lights that come alive at night. Bus stop and local shopping just minutes away, enjoy easy access to hiking and mountain bike trails nearby. This property provides the perfect opportunity to subsidize your mortgage, provide multigenerational housing or host extended family and friends with ease. Don't miss out on this rare gem!
5727 N 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$593,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
1,696
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760351
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Located in vibrant Uptown, this updated mid-century gem features a 3-bed, 2-bath main house and a newly remodeled 1-bed, 1-bath guest house, offering flexibility for rental income, a home office, or visiting guests. The main house boasts spacious bedrooms, a modernized kitchen and bathrooms, new vinyl flooring, a newer AC system, and a charming patio that opens to a fully fenced backyard for privacy. The 400 sq ft guest house is equipped with a kitchenette, living room, bedroom, and bathroom, and it has its own entrance and parking. This versatile space offers numerous possibilities, including short or long-term rental potential (currently generating $950/month), a quiet, spacious home office, a professional space to meet clients with dedicated parking, comfortable living quarters for extended family, an art studio or workshop, a private master suite, or ideal guest accommodations for seasonal visitors. Both front and back yards are designed for low maintenance, ensuring easy outdoor enjoyment. Just minutes from shopping, dining, and recreation, this home offers a 5-minute drive to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve for hiking, a 5-minute bike ride to the Arizona Canal, and only 10 minutes to downtown Phoenix. An excellent opportunity for first-time buyers, investors, or those eager to embrace the Uptown lifestyle!
9935 S Centennial Road
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
$592,990
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,432
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750764
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. The Avelino floor plan offers a refined single-story design with four bedrooms, including an AllGen suite, and a spacious flex area ideal for an office, TV room, or study. Featuring front yard landscaping, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Conveniently situated near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.
4311 Sawbuck Way
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
$592,561
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,538
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6770321
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to the Thrive floor plan featuring 1,507 sq ft, 2 beds & 2 baths, located in the desirable Homestead neighborhood. This Shea Designer Home includes a built-in induction cooktop, quartz countertops in the kitchen & baths, custom mosaic tile, & soft-close drawers with generous cabinet pullouts & recycling. Enjoy a heavy glass enclosure in the primary shower, satin nickel hardware, a 15ft sliding glass wall in the living room, extended patio, $20k in upgraded tile flooring, a 4-ft extended garage, & custom landscaping front & back. Additional features include under-cabinet lighting, audio/video wall sleeve, & Blanco under-mount sink at the kitchen island. Discover current incentives at Shea sales office.
22431 E Oriole Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$592,327
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,726
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6784920
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
BRIGHT GREAT ROOM HOME THAT IS READY TO MOVE IN! FULLY LANDSCAPED FRONT AND BACK, WITH ARTIFICIAL TURF AND PERGOLA IN THE BACKYARD. 3 BEDROOM , 2 BATH, 3 CAR GARAGE. BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT FINISHES, PLANK TILE FLOORING EVERYWHERE EXCEPT BEDROOMS, GRANITE TOPS, TILE BACKSPLASH, SPA SHOWER IN MAIN BATH, INCLUDES WINDOW COVERINGS , CEILING FANS,, GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER ENERGY STAR RATED,, ETC.! . ALL THIS IN THE NEW PREMIER MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY, LOCATED IN QUEEN CREEK. FEATURING A 22 ACRE LAKE, THAT IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE COMMUNITY. KAYAKING, CANOEING, AQUATIC CENTER WITH LAP AND SPORT POOL, SPLASH PAD, BOCCE BALL, PICKLE BALL. BOARDWALKS AND RAMADAS AROUND THE LAKE AND MUCH MORE...KATHERINE MECHAM BARNEY SCHOOL IN THE COMMUNITY.
966 E Mulberry Place --
Chandler, AZ 85286
$592,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,273
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6638729
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Charming 3 bedroom and 2 bath home in new Chandler community. Hamilton Landing includes 36 single level homes each with their own front porch, private driveway for 2 vehicles and a single car garage and a small, pet friendly rear yard. Each home has 10' flat ceilings, white cabinets, luxury vinyl plank flooring in every room, two tone paint, beautiful wood trim around windows and doors and granite/quartz countertops in the kitchen and baths. The community includes a dog park with a covered ramada. These homes will be ready for occupancy between March and June of 2024. All photos are of a similar home completed in a previous community.