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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10881 W Carlota Lane
Sun City, AZ 85373
$550,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,602
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6749966
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome home to Deer Valley Ranch! Not Age Restricted & No HOA! This spacious 4-bed, 3-bath gem sits on a corner lot with perfect North/South exposure, providing abundant natural light throughout the 2602 square feet. Complete with 2 RV gates & RV parking, RV plug, water hook up, & sewer cleanout. This home is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The leased solar system ensures energy efficiency, cozy fireplace in the family room & newer AC units add to your year-round comfort. Notable features include tastefully updated bathrooms, wood-look tile flooring, & an oversized patio off the primary bedroom. The convenient guest suite downstairs adds versatility to your living space. Just 30 minutes from Lake Pleasant, this location is a paradise for water lovers. Original Owners & Pride of Ownership.
2042 E Flintlock Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,952
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6761102
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautiful home in the highly sought-after Adora Trails community! Step inside to an open-concept modern kitchen featuring upgraded lighting, staggered cabinets, a new sink, gas range, and stainless steel appliances—perfect for those who love to cook and entertain. The large and bright primary bedroom offers peaceful views of the serene backyard, where you'll find a built-in BBQ and lush green landscaping, an ideal space for hosting gatherings. Living in Adora Trails means enjoying an abundance of community amenities, including a pool, community center, basketball court, playgrounds, open fields, a lake, and scenic walking and biking paths. Located within an excellent school district, this home offers both comfort and convenience in a vibrant community.
91 E Liberty Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$550,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,916
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6766955
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PAID OFF SOLAR - EXTREMELY LOW UTILITY BILL! Welcome to the beautiful community of Cobblestone. Built in 2018 this 3 bed, 2.5 bath single family house is turnkey and ready for you to call home. Downstairs enjoy a light and bright floor plan with tiled floors and upstairs make use of a spacious loft, perfect for a TV room or play room. Many upgrades throughout like plantation shutters, rain-soft house filtration system, reverse osmosis, custom cabinetry in the laundry room and garage. Enjoy the convenience of a low maintenance backyard and when summer hits, take advantage of the community pool. Centrally located in Gilbert and only 5-10 minutes from Downtown Gilbert, Downtown Chandler, San Tan Mall and the Gilbert Epicenter. 5 minutes from the 202 Freeway.
1201 E Desert Park Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85020
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,730
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6761522
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Unique home in a neighborhood in ongoing revival. Possible business opportunity with this double corner lot. Well maintained home boasts a huge yard, tons of character with lot of possibilities for parking, adding on or building a totally new structure. Home has newer vinyl pane windows, stained concrete floors, porcelain tiles and tons of character as it is! Many homes on this street are total new builds, so move in as is, add on, or build a new home on this double lot. No HOA!
4107 S 109th Avenue
Tolleson, AZ 85353
$550,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,649
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6767165
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Must see large single story, Next Gen home! Versatile floor plan has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Three car garage. Attached casita for varies uses, this home is only a year old, beautiful home inside and out with many modern amenities. This home is conveniently located near schools, stores, shopping, gas stations, restaurants, highways and much more. Open concept floor plan with oversized master suite and split bedrooms for individual privacy.
1325 Tanglewood Road
Prescott, AZ 86303
$550,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,139
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6775016
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Set amidst the Ponderosa Pines in the highly desirable Haisley Homestead neighborhood, this tastefully updated single-level home is the perfect Prescott retreat. Featuring two ensuite bedrooms, this home has been beautifully upgraded throughout. Enjoy new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the main living areas, and freshly carpeted bedrooms for added comfort. The countertops have been replaced with a stylish mix of Corian and quartz, paired with fresh two-tone paint, five new solar tubes, modern light fixtures, and kitchen upgrades. The HVAC system was replaced five years ago, and a new roof was installed within the last couple of years, ensuring peace of mind for the new owners. The potential for dual master suites makes this an ideal getaway for families looking to escape the valley heat. The home boasts a large driveway with extra parking, in addition to the two-car garage with built-in storage shelves. Haisley Homestead is located just a mile from Prescott's new Bean Peaks Mountain Bike Park at White Spar Campground, offering nearby access to hiking trails in the Prescott National Forest, including the picturesque Goldwater Lake trail. The backyard features a covered patio, perfect for transforming into your own private escape with additional landscaping. A single-level home with four bedrooms, a two-car garage, and all the amenities of southwest Prescott at this price point is a rare find. Plus, enjoy a reasonably priced HOA that includes access to a swimming pool, tennis, and pickleball courts. Located within 5 minutes of Prescott's downtown courthouse square, this wonderfully maintained home is ready for you to make it your own!
2478 N Earle Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
$550,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,762
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6772135
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Welcome to this perfectly placed townhome in the peaceful, tree lined neighborhood of Elk Run. This property has been well manicured from the small details inside to the pristine landscaping outside. Enjoy updated kitchen and bathrooms with granite countertops. Fresh exterior paint - including the decks! NEW ROOF! New furnace in 2020. With the beautiful weather Flagstaff offers, you will be pleased with the TWO private decks. 3-bedrooms with a versatile loft, great for additional family room or office space. Open concept family room on main level. Snow removal covered by the HOA making winter time a breeze! Bear Paw, the pools, pickleball, tennis, and gym are all part of the country club amenities included in your very inexpensive annual HOA Dues. Nearby Trails and Oakmont restaurant.
1290 E Bobcat Drive
Munds Park, AZ 86017
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,485
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6770846
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled in the gorgeous Munds Park, this 3 bedroom 2 bath A-frame home has stunning wood vaulted and beamed ceilings. A loft that overlooks the great room with beautiful stone fireplace. Watch the weather and wildlife through the floor to ceiling windows from the coziness of your home. Primary bedroom and bathroom are upstairs creating a more private spot. The large deck is the perfect spot for an outdoor living space and great gatherings. With the trails, just minutes away, you'll want to bring all your outdoor toys. 2 storage sheds are perfect for store some of those toys. Don't miss out on this one, this is the home away from home you've been waiting on!
9908 S 43rd Avenue
Laveen, AZ 85339
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,220
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6774848
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Wonderful 3-bedroom home + DEN w/eye-catching porch! The 3-car garage, extended driveway, & RV gate/parking provide plenty of parking space. A welcoming iron gate opens to the ample courtyard. Inside, you'll find fresh paint, surround sound speakers, a gas fireplace, tile flooring, & a luminous great room that merges all areas for easy entertainment. Gourmet kitchen has SS appliances, a walk-in pantry, granite counters, an island w/breakfast bar, & wood cabinets. Discover a main retreat featuring French doors to the backyard & a newly remodeled bathroom w/two vanities & a soaking tub. The sizable den w/own entry from the courtyard can be easily used as the 4th bedroom, office, yoga studio, etc. Out the back, you'll see an extended covered patio, refreshing pool, & firepit area. Must see!
27219 S 171st Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$550,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,590
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6773768
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This picturesque 5-acre ranch offers a serene, countryside escape with all the modern conveniences. The two-story home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, perfectly designed for comfortable living. Inside, you'll be greeted by a beautifully custom-made kitchen, showcasing elegant quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and custom cabinets that provide ample storage. The tile floors throughout the home not only add to its stylish appeal but also make for easy maintenance. One of the highlights of this property is the stunning view from the second floor and the expansive back deck, where you can relax and soak in the beauty of your private acreage. The entire property is fenced, providing both privacy and security. For those who value utility and space, the prope property is equipped with two carport shedsa large 40x30 carport shed perfect for storage or work projects, and a smaller 20x30 carport shed that can serve a variety of uses. A private water well ensures self-sufficiency, while the powerful 400-amp electrical panel provides ample capacity to build an additional home, set up a workshop, or create an RV parking area. This ranch is the perfect blend of rural charm and modern functionality, offering endless possibilities for expansion or customization.
7005 E Russell Street
Mesa, AZ 85207
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,756
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6774932
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
**Beautifully Upgraded Single-Level Home in Las Sendas!** Welcome to this freshly updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the desirable Las Sendas community. Recent upgrades include new paint throughout, elegant laminate floors, and stylish light fixtures in every room. The kitchen features brand-new quartz countertops, a new microwave, and an island, making it perfect for casual dining and entertaining. It opens up to a cozy family room with a gas fireplace, ideal for relaxing evenings. The flexible front room can serve as an office, formal dining, or creative space. The master suite includes a walk-in closet, dual sinks, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms share a full bath. Enjoy the convenience of an inside laundry room and a 2-car garage. Step outside to a newly landscaped private backyard, perfect for outdoor gatherings. Located close to the community's pools, spas, splash pad, tennis and pickleball courts, and the top-rated elementary school. Las Sendas offers a gated golf course lifestyle with parks, sport courts, and activities for all ages. Easy access to hiking, biking, shopping, and the 202 freeway makes this an ideal location!
5559 E Gable Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85206
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,848
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6771547
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautiful, one-owner, Fulton home in Stonegate is waiting for you! You will fall in love with the amazing custom kitchen features a massive dual fuel GE Monogram stove, new Stainless refrigerator, stunning wood cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, which overlooks the living room with a custom tiled gas fireplace, built-in cabinetry, and large windows offer a view of the electric heated pool with fountains. The spacious primary bedroom boasts custom wooden shutters and a vaulted ceiling. The primary bathroom welcomes you with heated tile floors, a custom tiled shower, and a freestanding soaking tub. The resort-like backyard features a gorgeous tile deck, citrus trees and heated pool. Come see all the incredible features of this must-see home!