Last week’s economic reports included new and pre-owned home sales, new jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage rates survey.
Home Sales Mixed in October
According to the National Association of Realtors®, sales of previously owned homes reached a seasonally adjusted annual level of 5.60 million sales, which exceeded expectations and October’s reading of 5.49 million sales. Analysts had expected a rate of 5.44 million sales.
October sales of preowned homes rose 2 percent over September’s reading and were 5.90 percent higher year-over-year. This was the highest reading for sales of pre-owned homes since February 2007. High demand for homes is driving housing markets in spite of obstacles including rising mortgage rates and tight mortgage approval requirements.
Sales of new homes were lower in October, which indicated continued ups and downs in the economic recovery. October’s reading of 563,000 sales on a seasonally adjusted annual basis was lower than expectations of 595,000 sales and September’s downwardly revised reading of 574,000 new homes sold.
New home sales were 17.80 percent higher year-over year and 12.60 percent higher year to date, but analysts said that housing markets continue to be constrained by a short supply of available homes. Inventories of available homes are slowly increasing, which is expected to help curtail rapidly rising home prices caused by pent-up demand.
The median price of a new home was $304,500 in October as compared to September’s median price of $314,100 and October 2015’s median price of $298,700. There were 246,000 new homes for sale in October, which was the highest quantity of new homes on the market since September of 2009.
Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Rise
Mortgage rates jumped last week in response to an increase in the 10-year Treasury note rate. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose nine basis points to 4.03 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 11 basis points higher at 3.25 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was five basis points higher at 3.12 percent. Last week’s readings were the first time in 2016 that mortgage rates exceeded four percent.
New jobless claims were also higher last week with 251,000 claims filed as compared to expectations 248,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 233,000 new claims filed. Last week’s reading marked the 90th consecutive week of new jobless claims less than the benchmark of 300,000 new claims, an event that hasn’t occurred since 1970.
What‘s Ahead
Economic reports scheduled this week include Case-Shiller Housing Market Indexes, pending home sales and construction spending. Readings on inflation and labor will also be released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.
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15550 N Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard Unit 1009
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
$625,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,656
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6726509
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
One of the kind with tons of upgrades done just recently. Brand new flooring with water proof laminate, brand new kitchen with quartz countertops, LG appliances, newer AC unit only 3 years old, brand new windows in entire house just installed, one year old water heater, newer water softener and water osmosis, equipment. Not to mention prime Scottsdale location just east of Loop 101 on Frank Lloyd Blvd . Phoenix Open, Barret Jackson and TONS of shopping/dining at Kierland Commons/Scottsdale Quarter just down the street. Don't miss this opportunity this place offer to you.
7467 E Pleasant Run --
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$625,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,590
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766453
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your beautifully upgraded 2 bedroom master suite in the highly sought after community off Pleasant Run.The kitchen features new cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances with ample pantry space. The expansive greenroom boasts vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace. Relax on your private patio wile overlooking lush gardens.
4120 E Donato Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$625,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,114
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774491
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover the charm of this exceptional home situated on a desirable corner lot in a wonderful, gated community. Offering a split floor plan that ensures privacy and functionality, this home is perfect for modern living. The inviting great room, complete with a cozy gas fireplace, is bathed in natural light, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. The large kitchen is a chef's delight featuring an expansive island and a gas cooktop, ideal for both everyday meals as well as entertaining. The home also includes a versatile den, perfect for a home office or reading nook. Retreat to the spacious primary suite, boasting a luxurious bathroom for your personal sanctuary. Step outside to the patio courtyard with a firepit, an idyllic setting for relaxing evenings in a quiet neighborhood. Enjoy the added benefit of numerous amenities while taking advantage of the golf course, pool and spa, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center, and clubhouse. This home is a rare find, offering a blend of comfort, style, and community to help you live your best life!
755 E Orchid Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$625,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,800
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6752734
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PAID OFF SOLAR! Enjoy $50 summer electric bill with this energy efficient home. Ideal location minutes from DT Gilbert, top-rated schools, shopping in San Tan Vistas, and tons of local dining. Major upgrades include OWNED Solar, a newer roof(2022), and new quartz countertops(2024). The home offers a wonderful floorplan which is highlighted by 3 large bedrooms, multiple living spaces, den, and an enclosed AZ room. Find beautiful travertine tile in the main living spaces and plantation shutters through out the home. The large, chefs kitchen features new quartz countertops, gas range, central island, and ample storage The primary suite is spacious and is complimented by an ensuite featuring his and her vanaties, seperate shower & soaking tub, & a large walk-in closet. Both the front and backyard are on a automatic irrigation system for easy upkeep, leaving you more time to enjoy your green spaces. Don't miss an opportunity to make this yours.
9165 W Stageline Road
Payson, AZ 85541
$625,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,272
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768169
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your slice of country heaven, where wide-open spaces and peaceful living come together on 2.35 acres of pure bliss! This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spans 1,272 square feet, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Enter a cozy living area warmed by a classic Earth Stove fireplace, perfect for chilly nights after a day spent outdoors. The kitchen, filled with natural light, offers plenty of cabinetry and counter space for your culinary creations, all while overlooking the beautiful landscape. Generously-sized bedrooms provide a retreat for relaxation, with the primary suite featuring its own private bath for added convenience. Every inch of this home is designed for comfort, practicality, and a timeless country feel—Large Barn is a MUST see!! ideal for those who love the equestrian lifestyle and the serenity of country living!
43317 N Whisper Court
Anthem, AZ 85086
$624,999
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,168
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781323
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautifully renovated 4-bedroom plus office, 2.5-bathroom home, located in a quiet cul-de-sac effortlessly blends luxury and everyday convenience. The heart of the home is the fully remodeled kitchen, featuring elegant quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures, and an RO system. Each bathroom has been thoughtfully updated with custom sinks, toilets, fixtures, and stylish flooring. Designed for comfort, the home includes a newer AC, furnace, water heater, and water softener. Step outside to a sparkling pool with a built-in BBQ—perfect for entertaining. Inside, the updated stairwell adds to the home's appeal, while the exterior remains meticulously maintained. With scenic hiking trails nearby, this home offers more than just a place to live—it offers a lifestyle.
20218 W Hollyhock Street
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$624,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,630
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6698296
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Ease and Elegant design blend beautifully in this ranch-style Pomona plan at our Estates at Arroyo Seco in Buckeye. An inviting great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a dining nook and a gourmet kitchen showcasing 42'' white shaker cabinets with brushed nickel pulls, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, GE Plus stainless-steel appliances w/pyramid hood and 36'' gas cooktop, center island with an undermount stainless-steel sink. The impressive primary suite offers a walk-in closet and a private bath that includes dual vanities and a tiled deluxe walk-in shower with rain shower. Three additional bedrooms and two additional bathrooms, a central study and a laundry round out the floor plan, which includes a multi-slide door leading out to a covered patio, a 2-car garage, a 1-car side turn garage, paver driveway and walkway and front yard landscaping. This home also includes 10' ceilings, Two-Tone paint package, Pendant lighting at the kitchen island, 9 x 35 tile flooring throughout with carpet only in the bedrooms, ceiling fan pre-wires at all bedrooms, study, great room and patio, exterior coach lights, pre-plumb sink at the laundry room, garage service door at 2-car garage, gas stub at the patio and soft water loop pre-plumbed in the garage. Located on an 8760 square foot corner lot.
4828 W Stargazer Place
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6686946
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two car tandem garage! Inside, a well-appointed Gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, Quartz counters Shaker cabinets and stainless-steel appliances is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access and center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom featuring Deluxe walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan. Select homes will include deluxe options in the primary bathroom and gourmet features in the kitchen.
4738 W Stargazer Place
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6693066
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom, deluxe bathroom with separate shower and garden tub as well as ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.
10429 S 47th Lane
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6700668
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access with center meet back doors. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom deluxe walk in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a fourth bedroom will complete the plan.
4735 W Stargazer Place
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,630
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6707290
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy breakfast nook and an impressive kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home will be built with either a study and interior guest quarters. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included as well as a 3 car garage.
10519 S 47th Lane
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6720455
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, black matte fixtures, and a walk-in pantry. The kitchen is flanked by a great room and a dining room with center meet doors opening to the covered patio. This home is finished with stone tile and carpeted bedrooms. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with large walk-in shower, dual sinks, and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room complete the plan.