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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15550 N Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard Unit 1009
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
$625,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,656
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6726509
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
One of the kind with tons of upgrades done just recently. Brand new flooring with water proof laminate, brand new kitchen with quartz countertops, LG appliances, newer AC unit only 3 years old, brand new windows in entire house just installed, one year old water heater, newer water softener and water osmosis, equipment. Not to mention prime Scottsdale location just east of Loop 101 on Frank Lloyd Blvd . Phoenix Open, Barret Jackson and TONS of shopping/dining at Kierland Commons/Scottsdale Quarter just down the street. Don't miss this opportunity this place offer to you.
7467 E Pleasant Run --
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$625,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,590
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766453
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your beautifully upgraded 2 bedroom master suite in the highly sought after community off Pleasant Run.The kitchen features new cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances with ample pantry space. The expansive greenroom boasts vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace. Relax on your private patio wile overlooking lush gardens.
4120 E Donato Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$625,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,114
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774491
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover the charm of this exceptional home situated on a desirable corner lot in a wonderful, gated community. Offering a split floor plan that ensures privacy and functionality, this home is perfect for modern living. The inviting great room, complete with a cozy gas fireplace, is bathed in natural light, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. The large kitchen is a chef's delight featuring an expansive island and a gas cooktop, ideal for both everyday meals as well as entertaining. The home also includes a versatile den, perfect for a home office or reading nook. Retreat to the spacious primary suite, boasting a luxurious bathroom for your personal sanctuary. Step outside to the patio courtyard with a firepit, an idyllic setting for relaxing evenings in a quiet neighborhood. Enjoy the added benefit of numerous amenities while taking advantage of the golf course, pool and spa, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center, and clubhouse. This home is a rare find, offering a blend of comfort, style, and community to help you live your best life!
755 E Orchid Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$625,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,800
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6752734
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PAID OFF SOLAR! Enjoy $50 summer electric bill with this energy efficient home. Ideal location minutes from DT Gilbert, top-rated schools, shopping in San Tan Vistas, and tons of local dining. Major upgrades include OWNED Solar, a newer roof(2022), and new quartz countertops(2024). The home offers a wonderful floorplan which is highlighted by 3 large bedrooms, multiple living spaces, den, and an enclosed AZ room. Find beautiful travertine tile in the main living spaces and plantation shutters through out the home. The large, chefs kitchen features new quartz countertops, gas range, central island, and ample storage The primary suite is spacious and is complimented by an ensuite featuring his and her vanaties, seperate shower & soaking tub, & a large walk-in closet. Both the front and backyard are on a automatic irrigation system for easy upkeep, leaving you more time to enjoy your green spaces. Don't miss an opportunity to make this yours.
9165 W Stageline Road
Payson, AZ 85541
$625,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,272
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768169
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your slice of country heaven, where wide-open spaces and peaceful living come together on 2.35 acres of pure bliss! This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spans 1,272 square feet, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Enter a cozy living area warmed by a classic Earth Stove fireplace, perfect for chilly nights after a day spent outdoors. The kitchen, filled with natural light, offers plenty of cabinetry and counter space for your culinary creations, all while overlooking the beautiful landscape. Generously-sized bedrooms provide a retreat for relaxation, with the primary suite featuring its own private bath for added convenience. Every inch of this home is designed for comfort, practicality, and a timeless country feel—Large Barn is a MUST see!! ideal for those who love the equestrian lifestyle and the serenity of country living!
43317 N Whisper Court
Anthem, AZ 85086
$624,999
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,168
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781323
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautifully renovated 4-bedroom plus office, 2.5-bathroom home, located in a quiet cul-de-sac effortlessly blends luxury and everyday convenience. The heart of the home is the fully remodeled kitchen, featuring elegant quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures, and an RO system. Each bathroom has been thoughtfully updated with custom sinks, toilets, fixtures, and stylish flooring. Designed for comfort, the home includes a newer AC, furnace, water heater, and water softener. Step outside to a sparkling pool with a built-in BBQ—perfect for entertaining. Inside, the updated stairwell adds to the home's appeal, while the exterior remains meticulously maintained. With scenic hiking trails nearby, this home offers more than just a place to live—it offers a lifestyle.
20218 W Hollyhock Street
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$624,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,630
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6698296
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Ease and Elegant design blend beautifully in this ranch-style Pomona plan at our Estates at Arroyo Seco in Buckeye. An inviting great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a dining nook and a gourmet kitchen showcasing 42'' white shaker cabinets with brushed nickel pulls, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, GE Plus stainless-steel appliances w/pyramid hood and 36'' gas cooktop, center island with an undermount stainless-steel sink. The impressive primary suite offers a walk-in closet and a private bath that includes dual vanities and a tiled deluxe walk-in shower with rain shower. Three additional bedrooms and two additional bathrooms, a central study and a laundry round out the floor plan, which includes a multi-slide door leading out to a covered patio, a 2-car garage, a 1-car side turn garage, paver driveway and walkway and front yard landscaping. This home also includes 10' ceilings, Two-Tone paint package, Pendant lighting at the kitchen island, 9 x 35 tile flooring throughout with carpet only in the bedrooms, ceiling fan pre-wires at all bedrooms, study, great room and patio, exterior coach lights, pre-plumb sink at the laundry room, garage service door at 2-car garage, gas stub at the patio and soft water loop pre-plumbed in the garage. Located on an 8760 square foot corner lot.
4828 W Stargazer Place
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6686946
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two car tandem garage! Inside, a well-appointed Gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, Quartz counters Shaker cabinets and stainless-steel appliances is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access and center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom featuring Deluxe walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan. Select homes will include deluxe options in the primary bathroom and gourmet features in the kitchen.
4738 W Stargazer Place
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6693066
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom, deluxe bathroom with separate shower and garden tub as well as ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.
10429 S 47th Lane
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6700668
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access with center meet back doors. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom deluxe walk in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a fourth bedroom will complete the plan.
4735 W Stargazer Place
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,630
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6707290
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy breakfast nook and an impressive kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home will be built with either a study and interior guest quarters. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included as well as a 3 car garage.
10519 S 47th Lane
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6720455
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, black matte fixtures, and a walk-in pantry. The kitchen is flanked by a great room and a dining room with center meet doors opening to the covered patio. This home is finished with stone tile and carpeted bedrooms. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with large walk-in shower, dual sinks, and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room complete the plan.