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.
Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth
35508 N Tin Court
San Tan Valley, AZ 85144
$608,995
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,433
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6784991
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
*Home is still Under Construction* This beautiful home was crafted for the way you live. The foyer welcomes you with stunning views of the main living space and rear yard. The open-concept kitchen provides connectivity to the great room area with prime access to the outdoor patio. The backyard retreat is perfect for activities, complete with a stacking door system. The resort-style amenities in this community will make your family feel they're on vacation year-round. Come experience your dream home today!
1204 W Fever Tree Avenue
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$608,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,716
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6727454
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New incentive- With purchase price of $620K, sellers will pay off the solar lease! Giving buyers 10 yrs of ultra low utility billls! Sellers had $0 utility bills in summer!! Fall/spring were approx $20, winter btwn $20-$50. Come see this beautiful, highly upgraded 4 bed+ office, 2.5 bath, 3 car garage . Gourmet kitchen includes granite counters, oversized island, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, convection oven, & huge walk-in pantry. Primary bedroom features dual vanities, soaking tub, large shower & walk-in closet. Split floor plan with large secondary rooms and walk-in closets. Extra cabinets in laundry & garage. Grass, extended paved patio, and garden beds. Enjoy 2 community pools, splash pads, club house, playgrounds, pickle ball, basketball, sand volleyball, & frisbee golf course
7816 E Quartet Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$608,633
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,132
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787457
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MLS#6787457 February Completion! The Sapphire is a thoughtfully designed single-story home featuring 1,970 sq. ft. of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The foyer leads directly to an open dining area, kitchen, and great room, seamlessly connecting to the outdoor living space—perfect for entertaining. Whether you're cooking your favorite meals in the kitchen, relaxing in the great room with a book and coffee, or hosting friends and family, this home is made for creating lasting memories. The spacious primary suite offers a private retreat with a bathroom featuring double sinks and a walk-in closet. Welcome home! Structural options include: bedroom in place of tandem garage, study with doors in place of bedroom.
10044 E Tiburon Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$608,500
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,547
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751296
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
TURN KEY READY!! Nearly-new 5-bedroom, 3-bath home in Mesa's Cadence at Gateway community. Fully Furnished! Built in 2022 by Tri Pointe Homes and stayed in just a handful of times! This spacious residence features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a large island. Bright, open living areas flow seamlessly into a backyard oasis with custom BBQ and designer turf. The primary suite offers a spa-like bath with dual vanities, and walk-in shower. One of the biggest selling points is access to resort-style amenities, including one of the best community pools in the state, many parks, and trails.
960 E Mulberry Place --
Chandler, AZ 85286
$607,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,324
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6638691
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Charming 3 bedroom and 2 bath home in new Chandler community. Hamilton Landing includes 36 single level homes each with their own front porch, private driveway for 2 vehicles and a single car garage and a small, pet friendly rear yard. Each home has 10' flat ceilings, white cabinets, luxury vinyl plank flooring in every room, two tone paint, beautiful wood trim around windows and doors and granite/quartz countertops in the kitchen and baths. The community includes a dog park with a covered ramada. These homes will be ready for occupancy between March and June of 2024. All photos are of a similar home completed in a previous community.
20911 S 231st Street
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$606,490
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,524
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776293
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Brand new phase!. Our beautiful Revolution plan features it's own guest suite and is conveniently located to all that Queen Creek has to offer. Minutes from the brand new Costco, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Market Place and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.
4832 W Stargazer Place
Laveen, AZ 85339
$605,995
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,024
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6683740
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The single-story Dominic plan offers an open, inviting layout and ample living space. At the heart of the home is a spacious great room that flows into an impressive gourmet kitchen with a center island, quartz counter tops, dual pantries and a generous breakfast nook. A luxurious primary suite showcases an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with Deluxe walk-in shower, a covered patio invites relaxation, a study and a teen room, and a third side turn garage bay.
20419 W Mountain Sage Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$605,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,302
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6519611
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
2023 BRAND NEW HOME! This beautiful 4 bedroom / 2 bath is on 1.2 acres of land with NO HOA! The home features an open floorplan stainless-steel appliance, large pantry, a split double vanity in the primary master with additional closet space. Large, covered patio to enjoy the mountain views with plenty of space for your RV and toys on 1.2 acres! This lot provides endless opportunities for your own landscape/design. Please contact with any questions!
20411 W Mountain Sage Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$605,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,302
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6519609
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom Ranch home on 1.21 acres with beautiful mountain views, open kitchen, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. The home features 9-foot ceilings and a split floor plan. Horses are allowed, and there is no HOA. The property has access to a shared well.
20435 W Mountain Sage Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$605,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,302
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6468712
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Lovely Ranch home located on 1.21 acres and surrounded by beautiful Mountain Views. 4 bedroom and 2-bathroom, Split floorplan. Open kitchen, Granite counter tops, and stainless-steel appliances in kitchen . Enjoy Mountain Views and wide-open spaces from you kitchen table. 9 foot ceilings . Horses privileges. There is a shared well. NO HOA! Bring all the toys and horses.
20427 W Mountain Sage Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$605,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,302
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6468752
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Lovely Ranch home located on 1.21 acres and surrounded by beautiful Mountain Views. 4 bedroom and 2-bathroom, Split floorplan. Open kitchen, Granite counter tops, and stainless-steel appliances in kitchen . Enjoy Mountain Views and wide-open spaces from you kitchen table. 9 foot ceilings . Horses privileges. There is a shared well. NO HOA! Bring all the toys and horses.
302 W Oak Avenue Unit 2
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
$605,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,098
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6733260
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
TO BE BUILT...Welcome to modern living in the heart of Flagstaff - a collection of contemporary detached homes that redefine luxury and convenience. Nestled against the backdrop of the stunning mountains, step into a world where architectural brilliance meets nature's beauty. The community boasts a sleek and contemporary design that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings. Plentiful glass allows ample natural light to flood the interiors, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. Clean lines, high ceilings, and thoughtfully designed spaces provide an open and airy atmosphere making each home a sanctuary of modern sophistication. Wake up to the awe-inspiring sight of the mountains right outside your window (Select Lots Only).