Last week’s economic news included reports on inflation, construction spending, the Federal Reserve’s announcement regarding interest rates and several labor and employment related releases. Weekly reports on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s survey of interest rates were also released.
Construction Spending Rises, Fed Holds Steady on Interest Rates, Suggests December Increase
Construction spending remained in negative territory for September according to the Commerce Department. The month-to-month reading decreased by 0.40 percent against the expected reading of +0.40 percent and August’s reading of -0.50 percent. Approaching winter weather is a likely reason for less spending, but ongoing challenges with shortages of buildable lots and labor are also factors. Spending on residential construction rose 0.50 percent, which is good news in terms of a persistent shortage of available homes.
The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve announced that it would hold federal interest rates in the target range of 0.25 percent to 0.50 percent. Analysts have been monitoring Fed policymaker pronouncements in anticipation of a rate increase. With strengthening labor markets and other economic indicators, policy makers hinted at raising the Fed target rate in December.
Labor Data: Slower Job Creation, Lower Unemployment
ADP payrolls showed that only private-sector jobs 147,000 jobs were created in October as compared to September’s reading of 202,000 jobs created. The Labor Department reported 161,000 government and private-sector jobs were added in October as compared to an expected reading of 175,000 jobs added and September’s reading of 191,000 jobs created. Healthcare, professional jobs and financial sector jobs showed the highest job gains.
National Unemployment met expectations with an October reading of 4.90 percent. September’s reading was 5.00 percent Unemployment readings are reported as a percentage of workers seeking work and do not include workers who’ve left the workforce. New jobless claims rose last week to 265,000 as compared to expectations for 258,000 new jobless claims and the prior week’s reading of 258,000 new jobless claims.
Mortgage Rates Rise
Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week. 30-year fixed rate loans had an average rate of 3.54 percent, an increase of seven basis points. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose six basis points to 2.84 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was three basis points higher at 2.87 percent. Discount points for fixed rate mortgages averaged 0.50 percent; discount points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages held steady at 0.40 percent.
Low mortgage rates have helped to offset the effects of high demand for homes and rapidly rising prices; if mortgage and refinance rates continue to rise, affordability and mortgage qualification issues are likely to arise for some home buyers.
What’s Ahead
This week’s scheduled economic reports include job openings, consumer sentiment and weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.
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1212 E Indianola Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85014
$614,999
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,738
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6675839
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this well-built 1950s mid-century modern with a total 2023 remodel from top to bottom. Upgrades include a new roof, new electrical panel, dual pane windows, energy efficient HVAC, all new flooring, fully upgraded kitchen with huge island and quartz countertops, all new appliances, newly renovated bathrooms, paver patio, sidewalk and driveway, tankless water heater, irrigation system. On suite bathroom in the master bedroom with a walk-in closet, 3 additional large bedrooms, as well as a bonus room/home office. Step out into privacy in your fully fenced backyard with a beautiful patio to enjoy the Arizona sunshine! Located in the heart of Central Phoenix minutes from downtown, Arcadia/Biltmore and highway 51. This is truly the perfect location!
23969 N 171st Lane
Surprise, AZ 85387
$614,995
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,840
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6684307
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your exquisite new home residence. Darius provides a sophisticated and accommodating ranch-style layout. Popular multi-generational living layout. Talk about curb appeal. Love at first site with the modern upgraded elevation. The inviting front entrance opens up t a very spacious layout. Abundance of much desirable features including spacious great room open to gourmet kitchen complimented by10 ft ceilings and center meet door to open to the covered patio and backyard. Perfect for all gatherings. In addition to a lavish owner's suite—with a roomy walk-in closet and attached double-sink bath—this home includes a second owner's suite with an adjacent living room, perfect for multi-generational living or a flex space that an be utilized best for your desired livability. Jack and jill bathroom off bedroom 2 & 3 . Split
21864 E Saddle Court
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$614,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6730732
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.
16711 W Saguaro Park Lane
Surprise, AZ 85387
$614,990
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,664
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767427
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. This Parklane floorplan offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a garage extension, and a glass no-step walk-in shower. Notable features include 8' interior doors, built-in appliances, granite kitchen countertops, and gas stubs in the kitchen, backyard for BBQ, and laundry for a gas dryer.
37750 W Padilla Street
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$614,990
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,024
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762739
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! This captivating Flagstaff floorplan features an expansive great room, Media room, Extra Suite with kitchenette, and stunning kitchen appointed with stacked cabinetry, gas stove top, and double ovens! Relax in your Primary suite and resort like bath with freestanding tub. The great room and adjacent patio are ideal for hosting gatherings. The tandem 4 car garage is perfect for storing offroad toys! With 10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, and 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.
32018 N 117th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85383
$614,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,012
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755506
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Larkspur - 4 bed/3 full baths. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave, glass canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Linen-off white cabinets with black hardware, 42'' kitchen uppers. Upper and lower cabinets at owner's entry, and cabs in laundry room. AZT Steel gray granite tops in kitchen and all baths. Upgrade flooring - Mohawk Wood laminate Driftwood in all areas except beds & closets and so much more. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 3. PHOTOS OF THIS LISTING ARE OF THE CLOVER MODEL HOME.
2212 W Chisum Trail
Phoenix, AZ 85085
$614,990
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,976
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6784079
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to the Perata plan, a 3 bedrrom, 2.5 bathroom floorplan offering 1,976 square feet of elegant living space with a charming Farmhouse exterior with artificial turf in the front yard enhancing the home's curb apeal. As you step onto the pavers at the covered entry, you'll immediately appreciate the attention to detail in every corner of this beautifully crafted home. Stepping into the home, the white paint grade mission stair rail adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship while the 8' interior doors adorned create a sense of grandeur. This home's kitchen and greatroom open to a spacious outdoor space with a gas stub for BBQ ensuring the possibilities of effortless outdoor entertaining. The heart of the home, the kitchen, features stainless steel GE appliances including a 36'' chimney hood, a built-in gas cooktop with five burners, and a built-in wall oven and microwave with trim kit. There are white-painted 42 upper shaker cabinets at the kitchen perimeter and shale cabinets at the island with satin nickel and matte black hardware. A large single basin stainless steel sink with a Moen stainless steel kitchen faucet completes this chef's dream kitchen. All bathrooms feature Moen Eva 8 widespread brush nickel premium faucets. The bathrooms continue the theme of elegance with shale painted shaker cabinets and crisp white cultured marble tops with rectangular sinks. Throughout the downstairs, bath 2 and the laundry upstairs, you'll find durable 6x36 Natural wood look tile, while the primary bathroom boasts a serene 12x24 AZ Futura Tile in the shade Ivory which compliment the enlarged primary bath shower with white cultured marble surrounds and 3/8 glass, perfect for unwinding after a long day. All flooring is elegantly trimmed with upgraded 4 ¼ baseboards. This home is complemented by a soft water loop located in the garage for added convenience. Union Park offers Tree-lines streets, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and 5,500 sq ft recreation center with resort style pool and kiddie pool, shared ramadas, parks, gathering areas, pickleball courts and basketball. Close to I-10 and 303. Walking distance to restaurants, movies, entertainment, and shopping.
11458 E Utah Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$614,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,474
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787361
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to ''The Pearl,'' a stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom farmhouse-style home featuring a guest retreat. With 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, this home boasts an open, airy feel. The great room opens to a covered patio through a 4-panel center slider, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen includes a 36-inch gas cooktop, charcoal shaker cabinets with hardware, a tile backsplash, and quartz countertops. Upgrades abound, including 6''x36'' wood-look tile in the main areas, and upgraded bathroom lighting, faucets, and fixtures. Experience luxurious living in this beautifully designed home..
865 S Oak Street
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$614,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,243
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787824
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this delightful 4-bedroom residence in Raven Ranch! You're greeted by a spacious 3-car garage and a tasteful desert landscape. Discover a bright living room with high ceilings, a cool palette, plantation shutters, and wood-look flooring. The great room includes sliding door access to the backyard and ample windows for abundant natural light. Cook delicious meals in the spotless kitchen, equipped with wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for quick meals. The serene main bedroom offers a sitting nook, an ensuite with double sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture out onto the backyard, complete with a covered patio, lush natural turf, and a refreshing pool. Make this gem yours today!
3043 E Rose Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$614,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,185
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6696353
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This charming, newly renovated 2 bed, 2 bath townhome is situated on the prestigious Biltmore golf course and offers amazing views and amenities. The kitchen opens to the family room overlooking the patio and course. The bedrooms and baths are separated offering privacy. The community offers a swimming pool, spa, guard gate and tennis court. Plenty of room for parking between the single private garage and the covered public one.
21225 W Wilshire Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$614,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,322
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6713534
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Picture yourself enjoying the fall sunsets on your private patio next to your heated pool, perfect for entertaining family and guests, or maybe just your own quiet time This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem with a den features a modern design and an open floor plan, perfect for both family life and entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, boasting contemporary appliances, a large island, sleek tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and ample cabinetry. Step outside to your private oasis with a fully landscaped yard and a luxurious heated pool, perfect for year-round enjoyment. The home also offers a three-car tandem garage, solar system for energy savings, and double gates to conveniently park your toys. Nestled on a desirable corner lot, this home is an absolute must-see
3948 E Gold Mountain Avenue
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
$614,857
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,146
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776756
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Enchanting new home featuring designer selections, a split floor plan, and north/south exposure. Located in Bella Vista Farms, homeowners have access to their community pool and playground. The kitchen boasts a GE Executive kitchen appliance package including double ovens and a gas cooktop, there are also Delta Terra Quartz Zinc countertops and Aristokraft 42'' cabinets in Benton White. Other highlights in the home include a frameless walk-in shower at the primary suite and Vicinity White 6 x 36 Matte Wood like tile flooring. Utilities for this home include: Mesa Gas, EPCOR Water, and Rural Metro.