Last week’s economic reports included readings on the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, Commerce Department releases on Housing Starts and Building Permits issued and weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates.
Builder Sentiment Holds Steady, Demand for Homes Pushes Builders
November’s reading for the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index held steady with a reading of 65. Any reading above 50 indicates that a majority of home builders surveyed has a positive view of current and future housing market conditions. Tight supplies of available homes, steep competition for homes in desirable metro areas and rising home prices pressure home builders to produce more homes, but builder sentiment and housing starts are not always aligned, but data released by the Commerce Department indicates that builders are ramping up construction.
The Commerce Department reported that October’s reading of 1.323 housing starts exceeded September’s reading of 1.054 million starts and also surpassed the expected reading of 1.170 million starts. This suggests that builders are ramping up construction to quench ongoing demand for homes. October’s reading was 25.50 percent higher than September’s reading, which was the highest number of housing starts posted since 2007. Starts for multi-family homes of five units or more jumped 75 percent and starts for single family homes of four units or less increased by 11 percent.
Building permits issued in October rose to 1.229 million as compared to September’s reading of 1.225 million permits issued. Approaching winter weather and holidays typically cause slowing of construction.
Mortgage Rates Rise after Election
Last week’s survey of mortgage rates was mostly completed by the time presidential election results were released; this week’s readings showed higher rates for all types of mortgages. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage increased from 3.57 percent to 3.94 percent; rates for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose from 2.88 to 3.14 percent and the average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages was also higher at 3.07 percent as compared to the prior week’s reading of 2.88 percent. Discount points were unchanged at 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages. Low mortgage rates have helped home buyers qualify for financing they need to buy homes; if rates continue to trend upward, demand for homes is likely to ease.
New jobless claims reached a 43-year low last week. 235,000 claims were filed as compared to expectations of 255,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 254,000 new jobless claims. Low layoff rates point to stronger economic conditions; job stability can encourage first-time home buyers to enter the market and existing home owners to buy larger homes.
What’s Ahead
Readings on new and pre-owned home sales, the Federal Reserve’s post meeting FOMC statement and reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released this week.
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3731 E Mitchell Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$565,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,635
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768183
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THIS 3BD 2.5BA COMPLETELY REMODELED TOWN HOME IN THE HEART OF ARCADIA LITE! Private, gated community. All tile throughout on the main floor; great room, dining room & large kitchen w/pantry Stainless steel appliances & powder bathroom downstairs. Wood-like, laminate flooring up the stairs & throughout the 2ndfloor. Large primary suite w/private balcony, full primary bath w/separate tub. shower & walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms upstairs each w/walk-in closets & Jack-n-Jill bathroom set up. Ceiling fans in great room & all bedrooms. Laundry room conveniently located on the 2nd floor-washer and dryer included! Two-car attached garage, large rear private patio. Located at the end of the Culdesac street. YOU HAVE TO SEE TO THIS ONE TO BELIEVE IT! & PRICED TO SELL!
9829 E Talon Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$565,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
1,968
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772594
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to 9829 E Talon Ave, a wonderfully designed 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, PLUS a den, nestled within the beautiful community of Cadence. This inviting residence features an open-concept layout, perfect for entertaining. New carpets were installed in March! Enjoy the modern kitchen with sleek appliances and ample counter space, while the spacious living area leads to a private backyard oasis, ideal for relaxing or hosting gatherings. The primary suite offers a tranquil retreat with an en-suite bathroom. Conveniently located near parks, shopping, and top-rated schools, this home is a must-see. Don't miss your chance to own this gem in Mesa!
8374 W Palo Verde Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85345
$565,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
3,704
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776559
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Enormous opportunity for this BIG home in a gated neighborhood. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms with the master conveniently located on the main floor. Beautifully updated master bathroom with separate tub and shower, private toilet room and large master closet. First floor has newer luxury vinyl flooring. Breakfast island in the kitchen plus dining area. Adjacent family room allows for maximum entertainment options with an exit to the large covered patio. Upstairs, you'll find a large loft area, 4 bedrooms ( some with walk in closets), 2 full baths and storage closets. Updates include: windows, tankless heater, appliances. Over sized triple garage can accommodate a full size SUV.
31020 N 42nd Way
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$565,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,857
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6732311
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Great opportunity to live in Tatum Ranch at the right price! Barely lived in home has been lovingly maintained over the years, just bring your remodeling ideas! Open and inviting floorplan with elevated entrance. Separate formal living room perfect for his or her space, media room, or kids area. Open great room with kitchen island and large family room area complete with built-ins. Split floorplan with two bedrooms, bathroom, and laundry room separate from master bedroom with large bathroom and walk-in closet. Enter your backyard complete with sparkling pool and water feature, mature landscaping, and automatic watering system. Pool resurfaced 2024 and new variable speed pump installed 2023. Two car garage with extra shelving for storage. Tatum Ranch is a perfect community for those looking to live a little outside the hustle and bustle of Phoenix, but still enjoy plenty of close amenities such as restaurants, shopping, golf courses, and hiking. Desert living at its finest!
12947 W Fossil Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$565,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,798
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6737283
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
$20,000 PRICE REDUCTION on this PRISTINE & PERFECT SIDUS Model home. Tile Flooring Throughout, No Carpet. Kitchen Boasts UPGRADED STAGGERED CABINETS, CROWN MOLDING, ROLL OUT SHELVES, UNDER CABINET LIGHTING, STAINLESS APPLIANCES & ENGINEERED STONE COUNTER TOPS, with TILE BACKSPLASH. Large Smart Room with an ABUNDANCE OF CABINETS for EXTRA STORAGE, W/D, 2 Desk Work Areas & LARGE PANTRY. Open Living area features WALL OF GLASS SLIDER that opens to Tiled & Paver Private Patio with a Raised Planter Bed for your Herb Garden or Flowers, & NEW Synthetic Grass. MURPHY BED in Den. Master BR w Bay window for Seating. Step into Master Bath w TILE SHOWER & DUAL VANITIES. This Lightly Lived Home Features Everything You Need, including Mature Landscaping for added PRIVACY & Extended Garage & MORE!
6208 W Grandview Road
Glendale, AZ 85306
$565,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,330
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6755708
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Bring the family and the pets! Beautiful 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2-car home in Glendale's Brandywyne community! Park like backyard with refinished pool, RV gate, fire pit and sitting areas. Bright and open with large bay windows front and back and tile flooring throughout! Kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless appliances and a walk in pantry. Large living areas with high ceilings, classic brick fireplace and access to covered patio and landscaped backyard with your own private pool with removable fencing! Primary bedroom located upstairs is complete with large tub, dual vanity, and walk-in closet! New A/C, upgraded electrical panel and upgraded insulation. recent hot water heater and energy efficient solar panels with a very affordable lease... Yes... You can afford to crank that AC!
16472 W Shangri La Road
Surprise, AZ 85388
$565,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,348
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6765097
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is perfectly situated near shopping and entertainment centers, making it an ideal primary residence or investment property. With a den and great room, this home offers a spacious floor plan for your comfort. Currently operating as an Airbnb, the furniture is available by separate bill of sale. The split primary bedroom features a full ensuite bathroom, while the interior is filled with natural light from large Dual Pane Low-E windows. The kitchen boasts a walk-in pantry, granite countertops, a breakfast bar, and plenty of cabinet space. Step through the sliding glass door to a covered patio that overlooks a beautifully landscaped backyard with a heated pool and an above-ground heated spa - perfect for year-round relaxation!
927 W Horseshoe Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$565,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,104
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781236
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nice Tri-Level home in desirable location. New flooring, fresh paint. Large kitchen with plenty of storage and beautiful bay windows. Cozy fireplace in family room. Large back yard that features a refreshing pool.
6202 E Mckellips Road Unit 42
Mesa, AZ 85215
$565,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,587
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762857
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home in the gorgeous, gated community of Tuscany Villas! This beautiful detached home comes **FURNISHED** and offers a prime location right on the **golf course,** perfect for enjoying peaceful mornings or sunset views. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, a personal vacation getaway, or a lock-and-leave option, this property delivers versatility and luxury. Inside, you'll find an open kitchen, granite countertops and high-quality furnishings throughout. Recent updates include a new HVAC system and water heater. Please see documents tab regarding items that do not convey as well as HOA information.
4550 E Corral Road
Phoenix, AZ 85044
$565,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,796
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6742076
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Why drive to your next hike? Live nestled among the 16,000 acres of South Mountain Park (trailhead access around corner). Homes seldom come to market in this neighborhood, especially a single story, Great Room concept one. Enjoy engineered hardwood floors through out most of the house & brand new carpet in the secondary bedrooms. Dual pane windows make summer a whole lot easier to handle. Once we cool off, the two-way wood burning fireplace gives your nest an ambience you never knew you ''needed.'' Outside, the front courtyard is the perfect party patio. Use the Tuff Shed for extra storage or hobbies. With electiricity & a loft the possbilties are endless! There's no HOA. Parking an RV or boat on your concrete slab space is A-ok here. A nest perfect for those who love the great outdoors!
16085 W Alameda Road
Surprise, AZ 85387
$565,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,019
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772867
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The seller is offering a 3% concession. This beautiful, move-in-ready home features a gourmet kitchen with upgraded cabinetry, a stylish backsplash, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a walk-in pantry. The spacious great room opens to a backyard that is ready for you to create your ideal outdoor oasis. Bedrooms #2 and #3 share a guest bathroom and are separated from the primary bedroom for added privacy. Enjoy shutters and ceiling fans throughout, and soft water system. The community provides exceptional amenities, including an aquatic center, pickleball, sand volleyball, bocce ball, playgrounds, trails, zip lines, and frisbee golf! Special financing incentives are available on this property through SIRVA Mortgage.
17514 N Horseshoe Drive
Surprise, AZ 85374
$565,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,298
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747590
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS HOMES IN THE PRESTIGIOUS 'PINNACLE' AREA OF THE GRAND * SOLAR LEASE HAS BEEN PREPAID TILL 2032 SO NO MONTHLY EXPENSE. (SAVE 1,000S ) YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS ONE !!! EXCEPTIONAL UPGRADES GALORE*FAUX STONE FRONT*STUNNING 18 INCH PORCELAIN TILE*MAGNIFICENT GRANITE COUNTER TOPS & BACKSPLASH * EXQUISITE CUSTOM DESIGNED CHERRY WOOD KITCH CABS, LIBRARY, DEN, MEDIA CENTER * SURROND SOUND* SMOOTH TOP RANGE * 2 OVENS-CONVEN&CONVEC * * GORGEOUS PVT BCKYD W/HUGE PATIO-W/BI BBQ,& SPECTACULAR WTRFALL*3 CAR GAR WITH SERVICE DOOR AND UTILITY SINK*LOW E WINDOWS* ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED. BEDROOMS HAVE NEW CARPET. PERFECT HOME FOR ENTERTAINING. ACROSS FROM GOLF COURSE AND WATER VIEW. The Grand is a 45+ master planned golf course community Sun City Grand, an active adult community in Surprise, Arizona, offers a variety of amenities including: Four 18-hole golf courses Two fitness centers Two resort-style pools Two outdoor lap pools One indoor pool Tennis courts Pickleball courts Bocce ball courts