Last week’s economic news included reports on job openings, retail sales and weekly readings on average mortgage rates and new jobless claims.
Job openings were lower in August after hitting an all-time high in July according to the federal government. Job openings fell to 5.44 million in August as compared to July’s reading of 5.83 million job openings, Job openings reached 5.31 million in August of 2015. Job quits were unchanged in August with a reading of 3.0 million quits; the quits rate was 2.20 percent. There were 5.4 million hires in August as compared to 5.8 million hires in July. The hiring rate held steady at 3.60 percent.
Weekly jobless held steady from the prior week’s reading of 246,000 new claims, although analysts expected a reading of 252,000 new claims. September retail sales increased by 0.60 percent in September and fell short of expectations of 0.70 percent growth. August’s retail sales reading was negative at -0.20 percent. Retail sales excluding the automotive sector were as expected with an increase of 0.50 percent.
Mortgage Rates Rise, Consumer Sentiment Slips
Freddie Mac reported higher rates for fixed rate mortgages. The rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose five basis points to 3.47 percent. The average rate for a 15-year mortgage was four basis points higher at 2.76 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was unchanged at 2.84 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.
Consumer sentiment was lower in October with an index reading of 87.90 percent. Analysts expected a reading of 91.70 percent based on September’s reading of 91.20 percent. November’s presidential election was viewed by analysts as unsettling to consumers’ feelings about current and expected economic conditions. The index reading for consumer sentiment for current economic conditions rose from 104.20 percent in September to 105.50 in October, but fell sharply for expected economic conditions to an index reading of 76.60. Analysts noted that consumers with lower incomes expressed less assurance about post-election economic conditions.
What‘s Ahead
This week’s scheduled economic reports include the NAHB/Wells Fargo Home Builders Market Index, Sales of Pre-Owned Homes and Commerce Department readings on housing starts and building permits issued. In addition to weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims, reports on consumer spending will also be released.
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7315 E Night Watch Way
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
$644,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,123
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779660
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover the exquisite Lupine Plan in the sought-after Stoneridge Golf Community. This home is in pristine condition, boasting a new roof and fresh paint on the exterior and interior as of August 2024. 2.5-car insulated garage with two 240 outlets for car charging or hobbies. The home features 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room, and 2 baths, Remodeled kitchen includes granite island, under-counter LED lighting, updated black stainless appliances, slide-out shelves, and a walk-in pantry. High ceilings and custom barn doors. Solid surface flooring throughout. Both primary and secondary bathrooms have been beautifully remodeled. The garage has epoxy flooring, work area, and water softener, Oasis of a backyard!! Dog door leads to secure dog run with HOA approved 6' fence. See documents for feature Unique paver stone driveway and walkway. Enjoy the mornings or evenings on the extended, covered patio.
4703 N 206th Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$644,900
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,297
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6722802
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Introducing this highly desirable Lennar NextGen home, which is ONLY available as a resale in the sought-after Victory at Verrado community. Boasting 2 bedrooms, den, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 great rooms, courtyard, covered rear patio with extended pergola, and two add'l rear patio areas. This open-concept home is perfect for those who love to entertain. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with a gas range, hood, and a spacious island, flowing seamlessly into the eat-in breakfast nook. The NextGen suite has a separate entrance and features a full bathroom, bedroom, living room, and kitchen, providing a private retreat for you or your guests. Plantation shutters add a touch of elegance and privacy to this beautiful home.
2825 N 42nd Street Unit 11
Phoenix, AZ 85008
$644,888
3
Beds
4
Baths
2,229
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6671892
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This sophisticated and contemporary residence boasts three spacious master suites in addition to generously sized rooms for office use. The main level presents an expansive open floor plan featuring a gourmet kitchen, a generously sized great room, a convenient half bath, and direct access to a two-car garage. 2 of the master suite offers substantial walk-in closets and full baths complete with dual vanities. The rooftop patio provides a delightful vantage point for glimpsing mountain views. The sought-after Edgemont community provides residents with access to a pool, a gated pet park, and a BBQ grill. Conveniently located less than two miles from Arcadia's fashionable dining venues, shops, the 202 freeway, minutes away from the Biltmore, Downtown Phoenix, and the Airport. location Location!! Location!!
10133 S Bickwell Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
$644,823
5
Beds
4
Baths
3,094
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768151
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover a unique home and buying experience at Laurel at Blossom Rock! This 2-story Heritage design is currently under construction and features a spacious, open-concept floorplan. The inviting kitchen flows seamlessly into a bright great room that opens to a private, covered outdoor space, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The 3-car garage includes a convenient drop zone, and the home offers 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a great room, and a kitchen with an island. Plus, $61,000 in premium upgrades are already included, and special financing options are available. The home is anticipated to be completed by September. Blossom Rock is designed for outdoor living, with community parks, miles of scenic trails, beautiful lakes, and signature events that bring the community together.
8413 E Hubbell Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$644,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,475
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749186
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Become the proud owner of this charming fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence on a desirable corner lot, no expenses spared! All new plumbing and sewer lines as of 2024. Featuring a garage, a convenient RV gate, a low-maintenance yard, and a cozy front patio. Inside, the great room boasts a soothing palette, blinds, and stylish wood-look flooring. The spotless kitchen showcases quartz counters, abundant wood soft closing cabinetry, pendant/recessed lighting, a chic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a center island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The main bedroom offers a private bathroom with dual sinks. Venture outside to the lovely backyard, complete with a covered patio, artificial turf for year-round greenery, drip system to all exterior plants, alley access, and a shed for additional storage. Make this gem yours or turn it into the perfect air bnb or VRBO!
18602 E Avenida Del Ray --
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$644,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,886
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6760968
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Built in 1990 this well maintained Santa Fe Territorial is comfortably tucked into the active adult golf community of Rio Verde. This home is move in ready and boasts 14 foot ceilings a split 3 bed 2 bath open concept floor plan. View the beautiful Mazatzal mountain tops from the covered back patio living space, accessed by a living room slider and primary bedroom which has its own private patio access. Spacious kitchen with extra long granite bar and a dining room area. A cozy Fireplace to keep you warm on crisp desert nights. Large mature desert landscaped corner lot with a long driveway providing even more privacy. 2 car garage with a separate side entrance golf cart garage. Golf membership information available upon request. Social membership included with purchase. Rio Verde's active adult Golf Course community offers an array of activities for all. There is a private gate to access all of McDowell Regional Parks 21,000 acres of hiking and mountain biking trails. Rio Verde has a very active Tennis and Pickle Ball community. Bocce Ball parties every Wednesday and Friday afternoons, A brand new 2700 sq/.ft workout facility, lap and social pool which offers water sports and class activities, a community art room, resort style library and a separate Billiards Room - all makes for an enjoyable part of the Rio Verde lifestyle. All the above mentioned amenities are included with home ownership in Rio Verde. Golf membership information available upon request- Rio Verde has two different 18 hole courses within the community.
20254 W Hollyhock Street
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$643,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6718219
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome Home to the Estates at Arroyo Seco, our newest Buckeye Community. This Deacon floorplan includes an attached RV garage, plus a tandem two car garage, a 220 V 50AMP, pre-plumb for utility sink, soft water loop, garage service door and an RV cleanout. Inside a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with 42'' upper white cabinets, brushed nickel cabinet pulls, quartz countertops, tile backsplash and GE Plus Stainless-steel appliances with a chimney hood and 36'' gas cooktop, also includes a walk-in pantry and is flanked by a great room and a dining room with center meet sliding doors leading out to a covered patio. You'll also appreciate the versatile flex-room, two secondary bedrooms with shared access to a full bath with dual vanities, and a primary suite with a private bathroom featuring a deluxe tiled shower with rain shower, dual vanities and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom and walk-in laundry room round out the interior of the home. This home also includes two-tone paint, 9 x 35 tile flooring throughout and carpet in the bedrooms only. Ceiling fan prewires at all bedrooms, great room, flex room and covered patio; a gas stub at the patio; pre-plumb for a sink at the laundry room; pendant lighting at the kitchen island; exterior coach lights; paver driveway and walkway and front yard landscaping complete the home. This home is situated on an 8760 square foot South facing lot with a double side gate.
26403 S 231st Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$643,698
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,918
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6673328
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This is a brand new Quick Start Home under construction in Queen Creek, with a Spanish elevation. 4 bed, 2.5 bath, plus flex room and den. Stainless Steel Gourmet Whirlpool kitchen appliances include 36'' gas cooktop, stainless chimney hood, built-in microwave and oven, and dishwasher. White 42'' cabinets with quartz countertop and tile backsplash at the kitchen, along with upgraded wood-look tile and carpet. 12 ft center slide at great room. Move in anticipated for Sept/Oct. Please ask about our special financing incentives!
22427 E Oriole Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$643,645
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,951
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767276
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
BEAUTIFUL GREAT ROOM HOME THAT IS READY TO MOVE IN! FULLY LANDSCAPED FRONT AND BACK, WITH ARTIFICIAL TURF AND PERGOLA IN THE BACKYARD. 3 BEDROOM , 2.5 BATH, 3 CAR GARAGE. BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT FINISHES, PLANK TILE FLOORING EVERYWHERE EXCEPT BEDROOMS, GRANITE TOPS, TILE BACKSPLASH, SPA SHOWER IN MAIN BATH, INCLUDES WINDOW COVERINGS , CEILING FANS,, GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER ENERGY STAR RATED,, ETC.! . ALL THIS IN THE NEW PREMIER MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY, LOCATED IN QUEEN CREEK. FEATURING A 22 ACRE LAKE, THAT IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE COMMUNITY. KAYAKING, CANOEING, AQUATIC CENTER WITH LAP AND SPORT POOL, SPLASH PAD, BOCCE BALL, PICKLE BALL. BOARDWALKS AND RAMADAS AROUND THE LAKE AND MUCH MORE...KATHERINE MECHAM BARNEY SCHOOL IN THE COMMUNITY.
24393 N 169th Drive
Surprise, AZ 85387
$643,500
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,862
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6759147
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
**NEXT GEN HOME BY LENNAR GIVES YOU 2 HOMES IN 1!** Immaculate home we know you are going to love. The first thing you'll notice is the fantastic curb appeal & great landscaping. This gem has 3 bedrooms & 2 baths in the main home & a casita with its own entrance, living room, kitchen, bedroom, laundry, & bath. The main house has an open floor plan with a huge living room. The kitchen offers island with breakfast bar, granite countertops, pantry, contemporary cabinets, & stainless steel appliances. Spacious bedrooms, neutral color paint, and wood-like tile flooring through the main living areas. Water softener & custom fans have been added. The backyard features a covered patio & is ready for your dream vision of landscape. Located on a Huge Lot in the stunning community of Asante!
19725 N Leisure Lane
Prescott, AZ 86305
$643,205
2
Beds
1
Bath
1,162
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787320
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover a serene 18-acre property in Crossroads Ranch, featuring a grandfathered cozy 1,161 sq. ft. two-bedroom, one-bath home with an open layout and abundant natural light. Highlights include a large laundry room, a charming covered front porch with breathtaking views, and a 256 sq. ft. horse shelter, ideal for equestrian enthusiasts. Bordering K-4 Ranch and with easy access to State Trust Land, the property offers endless riding and outdoor opportunities. Perfect for self-sufficient living or future expansion, this peaceful retreat provides privacy and convenience, capturing the essence of countryside living.
8026 E Quartet Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$642,999
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,166
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6636868
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MLS#6636868 Ready Now! The Windsor at Hawes Crossing. This residence comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 3-car tandem garage, and a versatile study. An inviting porch welcomes you into the entry, where a study on one side and secondary bedrooms with a full bath on the other provide a balanced layout. Progressing beyond the study, you enter the expansive kitchen, dining, and great room area. The open-concept living ensures seamless integration of cooking, dining, and relaxation, allowing you to enjoy family time or catch up on your favorite shows. The kitchen is a culinary haven with a gas cooktop, double oven, 42 upper kitchen cabinets adorned with maple cabinets, and quartz counters. A hallway off the kitchen leads to the primary suite, showcasing an upgraded super shower and ample closet space. Your dream home awaits! Structural options added include: Gourmet kitchen, garage service door, paver front porch, super shower at owner's bath, soft water loop, and gas line for future outdoor kitchen.