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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20581 N Enchantment Pass
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$579,900
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,528
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6650676
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Stunning home located in the highly desirable Province adult community! Original owners who have taken immaculate care of this home. This is a split floor plan and is one of the very few built with a separate entry guest house / casita room. Located across the street from a greenbelt with a beautiful open floor plan and no neighbors behind. Entertainers kitchen with granite countertops and S/S appliances. Home features newly painted inside and out, shutters throughout, upgraded doors, large laundry / utility room, upgraded installation. Home has two large AC units with three zones to control heating and cooling. Backyard is professionally designed with private patio are with pavers, fire pit, beautifully landscaped with a newly private spa - 2 years old.
1521 W Garfield Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
$579,900
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,059
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6716799
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Amazing 2 bed, 2.5 bath home updated & reimagined by one of the members of its original family! The formal entry opens to an large greatroom. There's a spacious kitchen with 5 burner gas range, upgraded cabinetry, gorgeous granite counters, stainless steel appliances & elegant tile backsplash. A fantastic place to gather & entertain! The ground floor has an owner's suite w/ tiled shower, powder room & large office/utility room. The upstairs was designed as a second owner's suite, complete with its own ensuite & balcony. It's large enough to enclose an additional bedroom or use as a mother-in-law suite. The home has been updated with a reinforced foundation, newer roof & HVAC (mini-splits). Perfect as a SFD or multi-generational home & just minutes from downtown. Welcome home!
7517 N 86th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85305
$579,900
5
Beds
2
Baths
2,628
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6718483
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Immaculate Reconstructed Home, Fully Upgraded. Come and see this Beautiful Diamond in the heart of Glendale. About 2.7 miles from Cardinal Stadium. Gorgeous Tiled Bathroom Showers, New Bathroom Vanities with Marble Counter tops, New Tiled Floors in the right places, New carpet in the Bedrooms, 2 8x8 Feet Arcadia Doors, Electric Chimney, New Kitchen Cabinets with New Granite Counter Tops, Two New A/C units. New Trusses, New Tiled Roofing, New Insulation, New Drywall and Texture, New Baseboards, New Doors, New Garage Door. New Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances. This is a Must see. Agents Bring Your Buyers, they will not be disappointed.
4245 S Boulder Street
Gilbert, AZ 85297
$579,900
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,402
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6727334
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautiful 5-bedroom, 3-bath, 2-story home features new carpet in the bedrooms and fresh interior paint throughout, creating a welcoming ambiance. The open kitchen and living area boast stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, microwave, and range, perfect for modern living. Upstairs, you'll find a spacious loft and additional bedrooms, providing ample space for family and guests.
7602 E Thomas Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
$579,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,628
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6728718
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Fully Remodeled, Move in ready, centrally located. Come see this Charming home, New Roofing, New Laminated Flooring, New Light Fixtures, New Texture, New Doors, New Kitchen Cabinets with Granite Counter Tops, New Bathroom Tiled Showers. New Windows. Agents Bring your buyers they will not be disappointed.
16951 W Villagio Drive
Surprise, AZ 85387
$579,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,075
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6733430
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
CLEAN & PRISTINE SIERRA THAT BACKS TO COMMON AREA WITH NO BACK TO BACK NEIGHBORS & PRIVATE PATIO. PRE-PAID SOLAR LEASE, COVERAGE UNTIL 5/2044, MONTHLY APS BILLS AVERAGE $55 PER MONTH. RECENT UPGRADES INCLUDE PLANTATION SHUTTERS, BEAUTIFUL GRANITE & CUSTOM CABINETRY IN KITCHEN, CENTER ISLAND, MASTER & GUEST BATHROOMS. THE LIGHT/BRIGHT KITCHEN IS COMPLETE WITH BUILT-STAINLESS WALL OVEN, MICROWAVE, 5 BURNER GAS COOKTOP & REFRIGERATOR & BRIGHT OFFICE/DEN HAS DOUBLE DOORS. WINDOW WORLD DOUBLE PANE, TRIPLE COATED LOW E WINDOWS HAVE BEEN ADDED THROUGHOUT HOME. EXTENDED GARAGE HAS WORKBENCH, CABINETS, OVERHEAD STORAGE, NEWER HVAC, HOT WATER TANK & HOT WATER RECIRCULATION SYSTEM. EXPANDED SOUTH FACING, PRIVATE PATIO CREATES THE IDEAL SETTING FOR ENTERTAINING FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
13965 W Woodbridge Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85395
$579,900
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,645
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6730972
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Spacious 2650 sq ft single story home located at the end of a quiet culdesac in beatiful Palm Valley. 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms with a den that can be used as a 5th bedroom. Huge main bedroom with walkin closet. Huge granite top kitchen with over plenty of cabinets, walk in pantry and huge island countertop overlooking a huge great room and backyard. Formal dining rm across from kitchen. Full access to Palm Valley comm Rec center huge pool club house basketball etc. This home has been a rental property for many years and owners want to retire. Home is in great shape and may need some tlc. Owner may give some discount or give a cash credit back to buyer at COE for justified tlc. All offers will be reviewed. Seller may carry short term with 10% down with approved application.
23086 E Thornton Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$579,900
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,116
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6744050
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
SELLER OFFERING $10,000 CONCESSION!! Rare 5-bedroom home in Barney Farms built in 2021. Enjoy this premier community in a resort setting, with a deep-water lake at the heart of it all. The community center inspires a healthy active lifestyle with an aquatic center, pickle ball courts, sand volleyball, and numerous parks, playgrounds, and trails to enjoy. This home has a fun putting green in the backyard for more laid-back leisure and a cozy patio. The front room comes complete with a built-in Murphy bed and shelves to make a perfect office / guest bedroom. A ''collar-controlled'' smart doggie door provides security and convenience for the little loved ones. The best part is a split floorplan perfect for multi-generational living or working at home. You'll love this new home!
926 W Spur Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$579,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,134
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6770643
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover modern luxury in this beautifully remodeled single-family home located on a large corner lot in the heart of Gilbert, Arizona. This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has been completely transformed, offering over 2,100 square feet of sophisticated living space. No detail has been overlooked in this top-to-bottom renovation, blending contemporary design with everyday comfort. Step inside to find an open and inviting floor plan, featuring brand-new flooring, fresh paint, and updated lighting throughout. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting new quartz countertops, sleek custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a spacious island perfect for meal prep and casual dining. The living and dining areas flow effortlessly, creating an ideal space for entertaining family and friends. The luxurious primary suite is a true retreat, complete with a walk-in closet and a fully updated en-suite bathroom showcasing a custom-tiled shower, dual vanities, and modern fixtures. The additional bedrooms are generously sized with plenty of closet space, and the remodeled baths feature stylish finishes and top-tier materials. Outside, the large backyard is your blank canvas with endless possibilities including plenty of room to add a pool, making it perfect for Arizona's outdoor lifestyle. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or relaxing under the stars, this backyard is ready for all your outdoor living needs. The home also includes a spacious two-car garage, new windows, upgraded HVAC, and energy-efficient features throughout. Located in a prime Gilbert neighborhood, close to top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and entertainment, this fully remodeled gem is move-in ready and waiting for you to make it your home. Don't miss this rare opportunity!
16426 S 180th Drive
Goodyear, AZ 85338
$579,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,779
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777616
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this energy-efficient residence located on a desirable corner lot in the sought-after 55+ Cantamia Community! Enter to find a harmonious open floor plan featuring wood-look tile flooring & neutral palette that complements any décor. Well-appointed kitchen boasts abundant cabinets topped w/crown moulding, tile backsplash, butler's service area, recessed & pendant lighting, a prep island w/a breakfast bar, granite counters, & high-end SS appliances such as cooktop gas & a wall oven. The main bedroom is a serene retreat, offering plush carpet, plantation shutters, an ensuite w/dual sinks, & a walk-in closet. Flexible den provides additional space, perfect for an office or library. Discover the expansive backyard, complete w/an extended covered patio & a refreshing pool. LAKE VIEW! *$$$SOLAR SAVINGS$$$* / GATED community / DEN-FLEX ROOM can be easily converted into 3rd BDRM. NEAT Bucher Block counter in Butler area- AC Minisplit in the Garage.
13348 W Cambridge Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85395
$579,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,210
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6773589
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come see this beautiful home in the desirable Palm Valley community. This charming single-family home situated in a family-friendly neighborhood. This recently updated property features a spacious layout with four bedrooms and two updated bathrooms, ideal for comfortable living. The open-concept design allows for plenty of natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances and ample storage, perfect for home cooking. The backyard offers a private pool and spa for relaxation and entertaining. With nearby parks, shopping centers, and easy access to major highways, this location is convenient for both families and commuters. It's a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to settle in Goodyear. Solar is paid in full at the close of escrow
1308 W Macaw Court
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$579,890
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,531
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750328
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Ready September!! Near all the amenities and park area. 3 Bedrooms 2.5 bath plus loft, Beautiful cabinets with granite Counter tops, wood look tile and two-tone paint throughout!! Great sized backyard with covered patio to enjoy. Just steps away from all the amazing Amenities North Creek has to offer.