Other than a release on construction spending, last week’s economic readings were dominated by labor and employment data including ADP Payrolls, Non-Farm Payrolls and National Unemployment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.
Construction Spending Drops in August
Commerce Department readings on construction spending indicate that overall spending fell in August to -0.70 percent; this reading was lower than the expected positive reading of 0.10 percent. July’s reading showed a drop of 0.30 percent in overall construction spending. The decrease in August spending was largely the result of pull backs on public construction spending, which declined 2.0 percent after July’s decline of 3.50 percent in July. Public construction spending is 8.80 percent year-over-year., and August’s reading was the lowest since March 2014.
Private sector construction spending fell 0.30 percent in August. Residential construction fell by 0.20 percent within the private sector reading. Reasons for falling construction spending include impending winter weather and previously cited labor shortages. Shortages of available homes and high demand for homes are creating pressure on construction companies to build more homes.
Labor Reports: Job Growth Slows in Public and Private Sector
ADP reported 154,000 private sector jobs created in September against August’s reading of 175,000 new private-sector jobs. September’s reading showed the lowest growth rate since April. Analysts said that lower readings for job growth could be expected as job openings are filled.
According to the government’s Non-Farm Payrolls report for September, 156,000 new jobs were added, which fell short of downwardly-revised expectations of 170,000 new jobs added. Analysts said that a reading of 120,000 jobs added represented a healthy rate of jobs growth. As more workers return to or join the workforce, job openings can be expected to decrease. Healthy growth in jobs may signal the Fed to increase interest rates in December.
National unemployment rose from 4.90 percent to 5.00 percent in September; variances can be expected in month-to-month readings that are considered more volatile than quarterly or annual readings.
New jobless claims correlated to fewer job openings and fell to a reading of 248,000 new claims 256,000 new claims were expected based on the prior week’s reading of 254,000 new claims.
Mortgage Rates Nearly Unchanged
Average mortgage rates were unchanged with the expectation of a decrease of one basis point for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages to 2.80 percent. Average rates for 30 and 15 year fixed rate mortgages were unchanged at 3.42 percent and 2.72 percent Discount points were unchanged at 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.
What’s Ahead
This week’s scheduled economic reports are few due to the Columbus Day holiday Monday. Along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims, reports on job openings and consumer sentiment will be released.
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706 W Curry Street
Chandler, AZ 85225
$560,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,208
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6757486
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home in the sought-after Mission Valley neighborhood of Chandler! This spacious single-level home features a desirable split master bedroom floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile den perfect for an office or guest room. Sitting on an expansive lot, featuring lush, mature landscaping, creating a private oasis complete with a sparkling pool, perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The 2.5 car garage provides ample space for storage or a workshop. With its prime location near top-rated schools, parks, and shopping, this home is perfect for those seeking comfort and convenience in a peaceful setting.
1228 E Wesleyan Drive
Tempe, AZ 85282
$560,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,486
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6758491
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Prime Tempe Location! This stylish 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with 2-car garage is just minutes from ASU and the freeways. The kitchen boasts sleek stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and seamlessly flows into the dining area. Enjoy the additional living space in the separate living room which opens to the backyard. Recently updated with new flooring installed in 2024, this home features a distinctive and modern look. The backyard is perfect for entertaining, with a covered patio, misting system and a refreshing diving pool. The property is situated among single-story homes, offering added privacy. New roof. No HOA. Come see it today!
6850 N 15th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85014
$560,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,906
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6710157
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Charming 3-bed, 2-bath home on a spacious corner lot with ample storage and an RV gate. The pride of ownership is evident as this home has been with the same family since it was built. Enjoy stunning mountain views from your front porch. Recent updates include a roof replacement just 2 years ago. Don't miss this opportunity!
22443 E Munoz Street
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$560,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,301
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6731713
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome Home! Situated in the coveted Meridian neighborhood this property comes highly upgraded and professionally designed. Stunning laminate flooring throughout, marble kitchen backsplash, oversized island and new carpet freshly installed. All upgraded pendants and dining lighting is included, also pre-wired for surround sound. This is a 3 bedroom plus spacious office/playroom and 2 bath home. Front and back yard are connected to an automatic watering system for easy maintenance. Post tension slab included along with tankless water heater. Meridian offers lots of green spaces, parks and a luxury community pool.
17831 N 130th Avenue
Sun City West, AZ 85375
$560,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,394
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6703110
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come see this completely renovated 4 Bedroom/2 Bath home with paid off solar! No detail was missed in this stunning 2394 square foot property. All work was permitted and completed by licensed contractors. Updates include: New Windows, Electrical, Plumbing, Fixtures, Paint, Flooring, ductwork, outdoor upgrades, and Appliances. From the new flooring to the kitchen upgrades, you don't want to miss out on the opportunity to tour this home! Seller to pay the $5000 SCW Asset Preservation Fee if COE by 12/31. Enjoy all of the amenities Sun City West provides! The new owner(s) will be able to pick out their new backsplash for the kitchen and installed by our contractor.
10913 W Chino Drive
Sun City, AZ 85373
$560,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,746
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6719018
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PRICE ADJUSTMENT! Beautiful Lakefront Home in Ventana Lakes 55 + community! It has everything you want, 2 bedroom, 2 baths, 3 car garage, Living room, separate great room, and an Office. You will enjoy the morning sunrises and evening sunsets from the patio and backyard. Ventana Lakes is one of Peoria's premier 55+ communities. The community features 9 lakes, some with waterfalls, and great fishing! 4 pools and spas, recreation and fitness room, billiards, fine arts and crafts and quilting rooms, handball, tennis courts, Bingo games, etc.
26916 N 52nd Glen
Phoenix, AZ 85083
$560,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,927
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749367
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience luxury living in this stunning resort-style retreat featuring a fenced Pebble Tec saltwater pool and spa, heated and self-cleaning with a variable speed pump. The professionally landscaped yard boasts a pomegranate tree in the front, a synthetic grass backyard, and a covered patio with extended cool decking—perfect for outdoor relaxation. Nestled in a cul-de-sac, this home offers privacy and direct access to a greenbelt and walking trail, all framed by picturesque mountain views. Inside, enjoy a formal living and dining area, along with a spacious family room that flows seamlessly into an open-concept kitchen designed for entertaining. The kitchen is equipped with a large island and sink, a breakfast bar with ample seating, a gas oven/range, a pantry, and a reverse osmosis system. Modern touches include updated light fixtures, surround sound wiring, ceiling fans, and a combination of tile and laminated flooring. The master suite is a serene retreat with dual sinks, an updated walk-in shower, a spacious walk-in closet, and a private toilet room. This smart home is equipped with a programmable thermostat, security system, and an owned solar system with a loan assumption. Additional features include garage storage cabinets, overhead storage racks, a water softener, and an automatic garage door opener. With great curb appeal and a welcoming front porch, this home is conveniently located near top-rated schools, shopping, dining, Deem Hills Recreation Area, and major highways including I-17, Loop 101, and 303.
49947 N 26th Avenue
New River, AZ 85087
$560,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,784
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6739056
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
360 VIEWS! This charming home sits atop a mountain on a HUGE 1.4-acre corner lot, offering unmatched scenery & privacy. Providing 3 beds, 2 baths, & a 2-car garage. Bright & light interior showcases carpet & Saltillo tile flooring t/out and vaulted ceilings that add to the airy feel. Discover the living/dining room and a cozy family room w/fireplace! The kitchen features SS appliances, oak cabinetry, a pantry, & a garden window. Primary bedroom boasts French doors to the back and an ensuite with dual sinks, a separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. Relax under the back full-length covered patio while enjoying the unobstructed vistas! Want MORE? Bring your toys, RVs, horses, & other animals—this property has plenty of space! What a GEM!
27478 W Tonopah Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$560,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,998
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786670
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Exceptional Opportunity at Sun City Festival in this highly upgraded Preserve model, located in the sought-after Sun City Festival community. This stunning home is truly move-in ready and offers a host of impressive features. Enter through the custom iron entry door and see well over $100,000 in thoughtful upgrades throughout. Open concept kitchen / dining / living. Two spacious suites, a primary and a guest, each with its own bathroom. An additional tiled and HVAC connected utility / hobby room off the laundry room brings living space up closer to 2,100 square feet. Step outside to the extended, beautifully paved patio, complete with a charming pergola with built-in fireplace and BBQ, perfect for entertaining or relaxing in style. Pride of ownership shines at this lightly used home.
3406 E Libby Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
$560,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,560
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6717614
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautifully updated three-bedroom, two-bath home nestled in a prime location backing directly onto a beautiful golf course. This open-concept floorplan boasts a bright and spacious layout, The kitchen flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas, ideal for entertaining. Step outside to your private oasis which features a view fence that showcases the golf course, a large putting green, and a chipping area, perfect for golf enthusiasts. Enjoy evenings by the firepit, soaking in the serene surroundings of AZ. Best of all, there's NO HOA, offering you unparalleled freedom and flexibility.
16972 W Alice Avenue
Waddell, AZ 85355
$560,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,788
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6763393
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This better-than-new 4-bedroom + Den, 3-bathroom home is nestled in a peaceful community with no homes behind, offering ample privacy. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and entertainment, you'll have everything you need just minutes away. Whether you're looking for a primary residence or an income generating property, this home is perfect - currently operating as an established Airbnb. It features a family room and upstairs loft, highlighted by fresh interior paint, soft carpet and wood-look tile flooring. The oversized primary bedroom on the main floor has an oversized ensuite bathroom with double sinks and a walk-in shower. The kitchen offers a pantry, granite countertops, a kitchen island and an eat-in dining area. The exterior features a covered patio and lush real grass!
3839 N St Elias Circle
Mesa, AZ 85215
$559,999
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,181
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766638
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to 3839 N St Elias Cir, nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac with mountain views in the highly desirable Red Mountain Ranch community of Mesa, AZ. This 3 bedroom home, plus a spacious den, offers not only a beautifully maintained interior but also a lifestyle that embraces Arizona's natural beauty. The peaceful backyard is a private retreat with a large, extended covered patio, perfect for dining, surrounded by vibrant landscaping. From your kitchen window, enjoy the view of blooming flowers and frequent hummingbird visits. The cozy gazebo offers a shaded sitting area, making it the ideal spot to savor your morning coffee. Inside, the home features soft, clean carpeting with upgraded padding, providing comfort underfoot. High ceilings and very large energy efficient windows invite an abundance of natural light, creating a bright, airy atmosphere throughout. The kitchen overlooks the living room and is designed with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and soft close cabinetry, blending style and function. The den, larger than a standard bedroom, is equipped with custom shelves and drawers, offering versatility for work or leisure. Living in Red Mountain Ranch means more than just a home; it's a lifestyle. With access to world class golf courses, fitness centers, hiking trails, and more, there's always something to enjoy. Plus, located just minutes from the Red Mountain 202, the home's location provides easy access to local dining, shopping, and entertainment. This well maintained property combines comfort, convenience, and a true sense of community. With its move in ready condition and prime cul-de-sac location, this home is a perfect sanctuary for those looking to embrace both relaxation and an active lifestyle.