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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2673 W Ivanhoe Street
Chandler, AZ 85224
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,794
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786111
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Location, location, location! Beautiful home in a lake community w/3 beds, 2 baths (1 handicap accessible), newer AC & water heater, mature landscape & a 2-car garage w/cabinetry. Discover the large living & dining room and the separate family room with a media niche. Vaulted ceilings add to the airy feel, complemented by custom paint & tile flooring t/out for easy maintenance. The kitchen boasts built-in appliances, recessed lighting, a pantry, and ample wood cabinetry. Enter the main bedroom to find a walk-in closet and an ensuite with dual sinks. The Arizona room, with multi-sliding doors merging the inside/outside activities. Two open patios & a citrus tree complete the large backyard. Located in the heart of Chandler - easy access to the Valley
855 S Henry Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$550,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,467
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6784845
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Custom kitchen white cabinetry w/door hardware, backsplash, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, breakfast bar & RO system*Office w/cabinets & drawers with glass w/whiteboard backsplash to take notes as well as a black tiled accent wall*French doors to main suite offering diagonal wood floors, stone tile accent wall, W-I closet w/custom shelves, highly upgraded bathroom featuring basket weave tile pattern backsplash, high end cabinetry, glass sinks under sink lighting, jet tub, tiled glass shower*Flush mounted speakers*Large laundry room w/ample amount of cabinetry*Molding around doors/windows*Iron railing staircase*Elegant lighting throughout*Shutters throughout*Freshly painted interior*Elegant glass front door*Formal dining w/custom tray ceiling* 200 SF climate controlled bonus room w/surround sound(3rd car garage has been converted into bonus room*) Easy access to San Tan Village, the 202 freeway & Mesa Gateway Airport ASU Polytechnic campus, Hospital, Topgolf, shopping, desert sky regional Park, golf*MaryLou Fulton Aquatic Center, free of charge to Cooley Station residents! Enjoy barbecuing, basketball, swimming and a state-of-the-art play park!
3487 W Red Bird Court
Tucson, AZ 85745
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,017
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6714720
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience unparalleled desert luxury in this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom oasis, nestled in the serene foothills of Tucson's coveted Quail Ridge at Starr Pass. Surrounded by the opulent JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, this home combines Southwestern charm with modern elegance, offering the ultimate desert retreat. The open-concept design boasts a spacious living room with soaring ceilings and a cozy fireplace, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The chef's kitchen features granite countertops, a ceiling-height backsplash, GE Café stainless steel appliances, and a top-of-the-line Viking range. The master suite is a sanctuary with a walk-in closet and a lavish ensuite bathroom, complete with dual sinks, a soaking tub, and a separate shower. Enjoy year-round comfort with a whole-house soft water system and reverse osmosis water filtration. The family room, with its stunning Pinon Stone fireplace, adds a touch of warmth and elegance. Step outside to your private backyard paradise, featuring a covered patio, built-in BBQ, and an electric extending patio shade to keep you cool while joying the patio. Revel in breathtaking views of the Tucson Mountains and mesmerizing desert sunsets. Exterior roll-down shutters provide added security and energy efficiency. This home also includes a two-car garage, a dedicated laundry room, and energy-efficient features throughout. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and recreational areas, with easy access to I-10. Embrace the Tucson lifestyle in this stunning desert haven schedule your viewing today and make this dream home yours!
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.
9021 W Wild Turkey Lane
Strawberry, AZ 85544
$550,000
3
Beds
1.5
Baths
1,100
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6724129
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Bring your horses! Bring your toys! Bring your RV & camper! Bring your pets! Bring your family & friends! Plenty of room for everything on this .47 acre property. Enjoy as much outside living space as inside space. This 3 bedroom home exudes charm, character and the sense of being in a mountain cabin. Nestle among the tall pines, the 1100 sq ft deck is the perfect place to gather family & friends. The deck includes 220W electrical for the addition of a hot tub. To top it off, there is a fenced area for your furry friends. This cabin has been lovingly maintained and upgraded with the following: Underground utilities with a new electrical panel, newer HVAC with upgraded and insulated ductwork, entire house is insulated underneath, tankless water heater, deck flooring is designed to be fireproof and maintenance free. The carport has ample space for toys, storage or could be converted to a workshop. This cabin is turnkey and waiting for you.
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.
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!