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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7112 E Wildcat Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$2,200,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
4,203
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6783557
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Stunning Tuscan elegance in North Scottsdale! Absolute luxury in this truly one of a kind Custom Entertainers Dream! Two gated entrances, guest casita, & indoor/outdoor living in this special home. Gourmet kitchen w/granite counters, commercial grade appliances, plenty of cabinets & walk-in pantry! Designer touches T/O are impeccable works of art & must be seen to be believed. Fireplaces throughout the home for those gorgeous winter nights, multiple outdoor living spaces, & custom built Coral Craft Stalls, tackroon, turnouts & 60 ft round pen! 6 waterfalls in your outdoor oasis including; Beach entry Diving Pool, Spa & Heated Exercise pool! Very private & secluded feeling & yet only minutes to world class dining, shopping, and art galleries. Stunning Mountain Views!
3330 S Sycamore Village Drive
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
$2,200,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,129
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760787
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
BEAUTIFUL REMODELED HOME overlooking the 12th hole green of the Prospector Golf Course-although a distance from the cart path for privacy. . Views of the 11th fairway and green are also visible. Four bedrooms/4.5 baths. Primary suite with fireplace includes a second room for an office or work out room and his/her closets. Guest bedrooms all ensuite. A separate guest Casita is the fourth bedroom located just inside the gated front courtyard with its own sitting area. Your guests will never want to leave! Open great room/kitchen/dining room floor plan. All new flooring, paint bathrooms and kitchen. HIDEAWAY SLIDERS OPEN TO A REDESIGNED PATIO. NEW POOL WITH NEARLY A 50' LAP LANE AND AN ADJOINING SPA. Outdoor patio has a large sitting and dining area. Great for entertaining. ROOF DECK FOR SEEING INCREDIBLE SUNSETS AND CITY LIGHT VIEWS! TWO JACK NICKLAUS GOLF COURSES! Not a golfer? Enjoy pickle ball, bocce, tennis, hiking and many other activities. Country Club living at its best! Club amenities under a separate agreement. Buyer and/or buyer's agent to verify all pertinent information, including square footage.
20475 E Indiana Avenue
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$2,200,000
3
Beds
4
Baths
3,124
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6788289
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
One year new, LUXURY 3 bedrooms plus office plus bonus room, single story, with pool & spa, 3 car garage in the gated community of Bridle Ranch. Many upgrades, tile flooring, high ceilings, upgraded cabinets and lighting throughout. 3 separate heating/cooling zones. Upgraded insulation to lower energy costs. Dual slab islands, extra kitchen cabinet storage, stainless steel appliances, double ovens. Upgraded closets throughout. Exterior cabana and outdoor fireplace for entertaining and for those chilly desert evenings. Self cleaning heated pool is controlled via phone app. Close to dining, shopping, entertainment and walking/biking trails. Minutes from Fat Cats (movies/bowling/arcade games). Minutes from San Tan Mountain Park (hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking). Close to Pecan Lake. Sellers are licensed AZ & NV real estate agents.
501 S Saguaro Drive
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
$2,200,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,583
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787388
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your very own slice of roper's paradise! This stunning property blends the best of luxury living with a top-of-the-line roping facility, all set against breathtaking views. Step inside this beautifully updated Santa Fe-style home, where charm and comfort harmonize perfectly. Rock fireplace creates a warm and inviting centerpiece for cozy nights. In the kitchen the gorgeous granite countertops, updated refrigerator, and many cabinets add sophistication and practicality. The Spanish style tile floors and wood accents & rock wall are finishes that showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the home. The numerous entertainment spaces are perfect for hosting family and friends. The courtyard entrance and gate provide a stunning welcome with extensive landscaping, mature plants and trees with true Southwestern charm. Enjoy the Arizona sunsets, relax and unwind in your private heated pool. Ropers will love the professional arena equipped with sprinklers, roping chute and return alley. There is also a large turnout, steer pen, and 7 pens with covers misters and automatic waterers. There is a hay barn and tack room with a covered tie rack that will fit all your storage needs. For visitors there are two full RV hookups that will make hosting friends and family a breeze. The property is also fenced with steel pipe and no climb. This extraordinary property offers the ultimate balance of luxury living and equestrian excellence. Whether you're a professional roper, a weekend cowboy, or simply someone who appreciates the Western lifestyle, this is the place where dreams become reality. Come and experience firsthand why this roper's dream is truly one of a kind!
8170 E Kalil Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
$2,200,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,888
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6782637
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
outstanding golf course water and mountain views one of the best view lots in Scottsdale Country Club East 9
36482 N Boulder View Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$2,200,000
5
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,180
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769105
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautifully remodeled home features a new roof, new garage doors, and a newly remodeled pool. Fresh exterior paint gives it great curb appeal. Inside, you'll find custom accent beams, a redesigned fireplace and bar, and a 500-bottle, temperature-controlled wine cellar. The kitchen, primary, and guest baths feature new cabinets and granite countertops. The split floor plan and detached casita with kitchenette are perfect for guests. Enjoy sunsets over Black Mountain from the backyard or relax by the fire pit and waterfall pool. Explore the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve with over 175 miles of trails.
4455 E Quail Brush Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$2,200,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
3,652
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766062
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Extraordinary home that combines elegance and comfort! Beautiful 4 bedrooms plus den with split design. All secondary bedrooms with ensuite baths! Luxurious primary suite with his & hers vanities, separate soaking tub & large walk-in shower! Top of the line appliances enhance the chef kitchen with large island, pot filler, wine bar & large walk-in pantry. Cook outdoors too! In the fully appointed kitchen with grill, gas stove, ice maker, & dual beverage/condiment refrigerators! Embrace the carefree lifestyle of RV life with the 50 foot RV garage & workshop. Plenty of room for other toys/boats with dual RV gates! (one on each side of home) Telescopic doors from great room to patio unveils the backyard oasis with sparkling pool, putting green, citrus trees & low maintenance landscaping. Dis Discover the meticulous extra details that add to your comfort level such as, Whole house water filtration system, Entertainment system throughout, California closets in every bedroom closet, Solid wood doors throughout, Digital door locks & pool controls & Security camera. You'll appreciate the LOW utility bills with the 68 Panel owned Solar system! Pre-wired for electric infrared ceiling heaters on patio, pre-wired for electric shades on patio, and pre-plumbed for air compressor on patio (for misting system) and in the garage! Paved Circle driveway allows for extra guest parking. Rare opportunity to call this home YOURS!
9915 E San Salvador Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$2,200,000
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,700
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786813
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home in one of the greatest Scottsdale neighborhoods. Completely remodeled from top to bottom this turn key home is a sophisticated and modern retreat that reflects that magical merging of inspiration and design. This home is a masterpiece of craftsmanship featuring a great entertaining dream, large open floor plan, high ceilings, contemporary statement wood fireplace, stainless steel appliances, double ovens, oversized quartz island. Kitchen is a dream come true! Master bedroom is the ultimate retreat complete with a generous size room a sleek ensuite bath with a modern tub, premium finishes and fixtures. Plenty of natural light flows throughout the home's open, airy layout. .Enjoy gatherings in the entertainer's resort style backyard. LARGE LOT BEST DEAL IN TOWN!
4150 E Dynamite Boulevard
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$2,200,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,378
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6664797
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Seller-Financing Available! A very rare ''RU-43'' zoned Ranch to purchase in the absolutely best possible location of the Valley (a Hop & Skip from the Dynamite Roping Arena). And the Seller will consider ''Carrying the Paper'' on the financing. By the way, the ''U'' designation of the RU-43 affords additional privileges for equestrian purposes, and there is ''NO HOA''. This property is loaded with features. A Modern Barn with: Office, Ranch Hand Living Quarters, Fourteen (14) Stalls/Pens (7 in barn), Grooming Bay, Horse Drawn Carriage Garage, and Tac Room; Bull Pen, Walker, Multiple Corrals, Multiple Arenas, Breeding Facilities and a 'Hay Barn'' that would be difficult to get a permit to build these days. This ranch just went through a major renovation. Modern steel fencing was installed on the complete perimeter to help secure the property and keep unwanted animals from entering. A New Arena and Updated Corrals, were updated as well in the same way. And the house and barn were detailed throughout. The home was inspected as if the present Seller was a buyer, and items found to be an issue were repaired. And lastly, this Seller will consider owner financing for the right Buyer.
1775 S 131st Street
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$2,200,000
5
Beds
7
Baths
5,343
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6714697
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience unparalleled luxury in this meticulously designed Tuscan-inspired home. As you approach the grand front entry, custom old-world wood/metal doors welcome you into enchanting front courtyard. Step inside to discover a huge foyer and open interior that epitomize grandeur.Key Features*5400 Sqft Layout, Spacious and open, perfect for both relaxation & entertaining*Lush 1.38 Acre Lot:*A sprawling estate offering ample outdoor space for recreation*Gourmet Kitchen w granite counter tops/ designer cabinetry, a culinary haven ideal 4 entertaining *High-End Finishes, Meticulous attention to detail w/ luxurious finishes throughout*Resort-Style Outdoor Oasis: Heated pool & spa, gas fire pit, outdoor grill, putting green, & multiple covered entertaining areas. 8-Car Gar
38646 N 104th Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$2,200,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,544
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6739325
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Golf Membership available & Furnished~Remodeled Hacienda in a fresh ''Cala Lily'' soft white palette with new flooring, countertops, backsplash, primary suite walk-in shower, electrical and new plumbing. This is a GEM as a lock and leave or easy primary residence with less maintenance in mind. Dual generous entertaining patios both covered and uncovered lounge/dining areas featuring an exterior fireplace and BBQ patio showcasing a new bar with more conversation space. Primary suite has been completely redone; elegant white hexagon tile flooring, dual sided zero entry shower with new hardware and 2 walk in closets. Bright farmhouse style kitchen opens to the great room and dedicated dining with a very convenient and civilized service bar. En-Suite casita with kitchenette, sitting area and views of Pinnacle Peak, Tom's Thumb and all the ranges that surround. Please see features sheet in documents tab for a complete list of all updates/upgrades regarding this just finished remodel.
12209 N 66th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
$2,200,000
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
4,266
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762109
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Back on market. Buyer couldn't perform. Dream backyard on over a flat acre. Quiet and minimally traveled street. Front door flows open to large bifolds creating a beautiful indoor outdoor environment. Custom white oak kitchen w quartzite countertops. Walk in pantry. Showcase wine cooler. Separate dining space with bar. 3 fireplaces. Two primary suites, # Separate living rooms with options for convertible space. 1300sf garage with tremendous ceilings and workshop space. Every inch of this house has been completely gut renovated. AC and ductwork is brand new. Brand new roof and stucco. All plumbing is new. Resort like backyard, the exterior showcases a brand new pool with heater, oversized outdoor kitchen, water feature, bocce ball, putting green, fire pit, new fence. List goes on and on