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.
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).