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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870 W Shellfish Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$574,900
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,035
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751826
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Centrally located in the highly desirable Gilbert Islands community, this home offers both modern amenities and an eco-friendly lifestyle. Equipped with solar panels and an EV charging station, it's perfect for the environmentally conscious homeowner. This charming residence features a spacious layout with 3 bedrooms plus a loft/den, a large family room, and a well-appointed kitchen with stainless steel appliances and new granite countertops. Enjoy the serene ambiance of a quiet street across from the lake, with a private backyard that backs to a treed park—no neighbors directly behind. The resort-like outdoor space includes a large pool, ample gardening area, and side-yard storage for your toys. Great access to local amenities, schools and shopping.
406 E Glenhaven Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85048
$574,900
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,303
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762786
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come see this beautiful, upgraded 4 bed, 3 full bath home in a quiet section of The Foothills. The kitchen features custom upgrades including Wellborn cabinets, quartz countertops, island, and pendant lighting. The guest bedroom is downstairs, with full bath. The owner's suite features vaulted ceilings, shutters, and a private balcony to enjoy the gorgeous mountain views. The attached bonus room can be used as an office, nursery, or workout room. The owner's bath has a custom tile shower, huge vanity with quartz countertop, dual sinks, and upgraded flooring. The custom closet has a built-in dresser and shelves. Both secondary baths have been updated with new vanities, quartz countertops, fixtures, and paint. The private north-facing backyard is perfect for entertaining or unwinding while taking in the gorgeous mountain views. New refrigerator and dishwasher installed this year. Roof and HVAC are less than 6 yrs old and will give you years of enjoyment without worry or cost.
9136 E Plata Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$574,900
5
Beds
2
Baths
2,167
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6764130
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Better than New!! Welcome to this Stunning Fully Remodeled 5-Bedroom 2-bathroom Home with100k in Quality Upgrades you wont find in a new build! This beautiful residence is meticulously updated. Home features appliances, custom cabinetry, Barndoor, lighting, and generous counter space perfect for both cooking and entertaining. Spacious living area flows into 5 well maintaned bedrooms, 5th bedroom used as a bedroom but could be a den, provides a great space for family and guests. Bathrooms have been beautifully updated, with modern finishes and fixtures. New landscaping in both front and back yards include sleek pavers. The backyard is designed for entertaining with welcoming lush synthetic grass complete with an above-ground pool, ideal for summer. See doc tab for generous list of upgrades
2218 W Curry Street
Chandler, AZ 85224
$574,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,040
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774650
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Your Dream Family Home! Fall in love with this stunning North Chandler residence featuring 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, and a Sparkling Pool—perfect for Family Fun and Relaxation! This beautiful Home boasts impressive Curb Appeal with a Spacious 2-Car Garage and an RV Gate for all your toys and adventures. Step inside to discover a Bright and Inviting Interior, highlighted by a completely remodeled Chef's Kitchen. Enjoy Upgraded Premium Cabinetry, a large Kitchen Island, Granite Countertops, and a cozy Eat-in Dining area, all complemented by elegant Tile Flooring and Soft Carpet in just the right places. The welcoming Living Room features French doors that lead to your own oasis—a Crystal-Clear Pool surrounded by a Covered Patio. The Oversized Main retreat is a true sanctuary, offering His and Hers Closets, a resort-style Ensuite Shower, and easy access to the backyard patio through more French Doors. Additional highlights include a Soft Water System, Dual-Pane Windows, recent Attic Insulation, and a Drop-Down Ladder in the Garage for extra storage. Both front and backyards are equipped with a Sprinkler System, and the New Turf creates a low-maintenance, green space. Enjoy modern conveniences with a 3-Stage Efficient Pool Motor, an Outdoor Hot and Cold Shower by the Pool, and Wi-Fi-controlled A/C thermostat and Garage Door. Located in a peaceful neighborhood, this home is surrounded by Parks and Common Areas, perfect for family outings and community fun. Don't miss this incredible opportunity....this gem is priced to sell!
12827 S Hermit Road
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$574,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,161
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6729702
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome into your beautiful spacious horse property with a pool located on just over an acre! The property is fully fenced and has a 2 car garage. You'll love this spacious floor plan, with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and has tons of natural light throughout with vaulted ceilings. The gorgeous kitchen has custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar. The owner's suite features tons of space, with a large master bathroom that has a separate tub and shower and double sinks. Out back you'll find a fenced pool with a large baja step and is surrounded with travertine decking. The extended covered patio makes for great entertaining space. This oversized lot has tons of space to build horse stalls, storage sheds etc. Home is located in a non HOA community. Come out to see it!
4570 S Felix Place
Chandler, AZ 85248
$574,900
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,983
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6757381
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Parkview Place, a beautiful GATED Ocotillo community. This home has been meticulously maintained by original owner and shows like a model! Fabulous floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths PLUS a large open LOFT and 2 car garage. Modern Craftsman design features 42'' white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, quartz kitchen countertops, wood plank style tile, upgraded carpet in bedrooms, white blinds, satin nickel fixtures and finishes, 8' four panel sliding patio door and much more. Artificial turf in yard and sparkling community pool with BBQ area.. At Parkview Place, convenient, low maintenance living meets exceptional design & innovation. Snedigar Park and the Fulton Ranch walking paths and lakes just steps away. Fabulous lock and leave opportunity!
19001 W Desert Mirage Drive
Surprise, AZ 85388
$574,500
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,010
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6756108
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home in Surprise! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence with a den boasts impressive curb appeal, featuring a tranquil front porch. Inside, you'll find a meticulously maintained space, highlighted by a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinets, a pantry, an oversized island, and stainless-steel appliances. The open-concept design seamlessly flows to an inviting outdoor area with dual sliders, a covered patio equipped with ceiling fans and TV hookups, and a self-cleaning, heated, and cooled saltwater pool with a beautiful water feature. The owner's suite is a spacious retreat, featuring a spa-like bathroom and a custom closet. Additional highlights include plantation shutters, solar, sun screens, and an oversized garage with built-in cabinets. Come see it today!
18313 E Spring Valley Court
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$574,449
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,678
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6758949
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautiful home in the Resort Collection at Trilogy at Verde River. The Valletta offers a well thought-out layout with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an office. Enjoy Beautiful Gold Landscape Package which Includes Pavers and upgraded window covering package. The kitchen is stunning with Barcelona Granite Countertops and a spacious kitchen island with a breakfast bar. The great room boasts a 12 foot multi-slide door that open to the covered patio. The primary suite has a lavish ensuite with a huge tiled shower and walk-in closet. Do not miss out on this home The amenities at Verde River are World Class with Tom Lehman inspired eighteen-hole Golf course, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and bocce ball, heated lap pool and Resort style swimming pool, hot tub, Afterburn fitness center, Helen's demonstration Kitchen for cooking classes and a 7.5 acre dog park. The community center has casual poolside dining at Eddy's Diner and gourmet dining at award-winning Needle Rock Kitchen and Tap, Alvea Spa with full-service Salon and Spa amenities, Art Loft and events center. Trilogy at Verde River is adjacent to the Tonto National Forest and is situated in the middle of miles and miles of hiking and biking trails.
14226 W Parkland Drive
Sun City West, AZ 85375
$574,400
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,103
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6761226
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this spectacular home-resort style living with a serene interior atmosphere! Meticulously updated San Carlos model featuring private, heated pool and amazing views of the 18th fairway of the Grandview Golf Course-situated on a large lot in a low tax area with no HOA fees! Come inside this luxurious dream home that features custom granite countertops throughout, upgraded GE Profile S/S kitchen appliances & updated spa-inspired bathrooms, plantation shutters T/O, popcorn ceilings removed, wall corners bullnosed, int/ext neutral paint, OWNED SOLAR BLANKET HEATING SYSTEM FOR POOL, automatic Remote-Controlled Misters on rear patio, Culligan water softener system & mature fruit trees, beautifully landscaped, Oversized utility room w custom utility sink-storage & pull-out faucet.
8762 E Posada Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$574,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,516
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6732222
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Highly sought-after MOVE-IN READY single level home with 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms! The open kitchen features a large island, granite counters, tile backsplash, and stainlesss steel appliances- perfect for hosting gatherings with family and friends. The walk-in pantry provides ample storage space for all your kitchen essentials. Outside you will find a private pool with a waterfall feature and pergola, perfect for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. The primary bedroom is spacious with a bathroom that offers dual sinks, separate shower/bathtub, and a large walk-in closet. A new AC was installed this year, so you don't have to worry about the heat. Quick access to 202 & 60 freeways! Don't miss out on the chance to make this house your home! Gilbert Schools/Mesa taxes
20221 N 31st Street
Phoenix, AZ 85050
$574,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,177
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749488
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Immaculate 5-Bedroom, 3-Bath Move-In Ready Home with Fresh Updates, and Backyard Paradise. Discover the perfect blend of modern luxury and convenience. This newly painted 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is move-in ready and packed with features that make it an exceptional find. With two brand-new AC units installed in May 2024, you'll enjoy year-round comfort in this energy-efficient, beautifully upgraded property. Step inside to find a bright, open layout with plenty of space to entertain. The living room is prewired for a large TV, ready for your home theater setup—perfect for movie nights or watching the big game in style. The home also features a remodeled master bathroom and new flooring upstairs, adding a touch of luxury at every turn. The wardrobe in the upstairs guest room conveys with the property, offering added convenience. Outside, the backyard oasis awaits, featuring a charming pergola and fruit trees that create the perfect setting for outdoor gatherings or peaceful evenings at home. Location couldn't be betterCostco is less than a mile away, and you're just minutes from Desert Ridge Marketplace for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plus, with easy access to Loop 101 and SR-51, commuting anywhere in Phoenix is a breeze. This stunning home checks all the boxes: space, style, comfort, and a prime location. Don't miss this incredible opportunityschedule your showing today before it's gone!
29502 N 126th Lane
Peoria, AZ 85383
$574,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,287
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767268
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME! As you step through the beautiful, lush front yard, you'll immediately feel at home. Inside, enter through a wide foyer and spacious living room which flows seamlessly into the family room, just off the updated kitchen. The kitchen boasts granite counter-tops, a large island with a breakfast bar, and opens into a roomy breakfast nook. This home features a split floor plan with a generous primary bedroom, a large en-suite bath, a walk-in closet, and a stylish tiled shower. On the opposite side, you'll find three additional bedrooms and a full bath. Outside, enjoy a large grassy play area and a recently installed pool, perfect for relaxation or entertaining. Three car tandem garage and spacious inside laundry room add to the efficiency of this home. See it today