Last week’s economic releases included the National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Market Index along with reports on housing starts, building permits and sales of previously owned homes. Weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released.
NAHB: Builder Sentiment Dips amid High Demand for Homes
Home builder confidence in current housing market conditions dipped from September’s index reading of 65 to 63. September’s reading was the highest since the peak of the housing bubble. Any reading above 50 indicates a majority of builders surveyed are confident about housing market conditions. Building new homes is essential to relieving intense demand for homes against short supplies of homes for sale. Builders cited obstacles including low supplies of land for development and workforce shortages, but expressed confidence in overall economic conditions that affect construction and sales of new homes.
Housing Starts Fall, Building Permits Rise
According to the Commerce Department, the reading for housing starts was nine percent lower in September than for August. 1.047 million starts were reported in September on a seasonally adjusted annual basis; August’s reading showed 1.150 million starts. Monthly readings tend to fluctuate due to weather, labor and materials supplies. Single family starts provided good news with a higher annual rate of 783,000 starts; this was 8.10 percent higher than August’s reading.
More building permits were issued in September than for August. Overall, 1.225 million permits issued on an annual basis. August’s reading showed 1.152 million permits issued. Building permits for single-family homes rose to 783, 000 on an annual basis, an increase of 8.10 percent over August. September’s increase in single-family permits indicates that builders are shifting their efforts toward single-family construction instead of multi-family construction. This signifies confidence in homeownership and suggests stronger housing markets as renters become homebuyers.
Sales of Previously–Owned Homes Increase
The National Association of Realtors® reported that previously owned homes sold at a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 5.47 million sales in September as compared to a rate of 5.33 million sales in August. Pre-owned home sales rebounded after slowing in July and August. Home prices rose 5.60 percent year-over-year to an average of $234,200; this was the 55th consecutive month that home prices rose.
Sales of pre-owned home sales rose in all four regions rose year-over-year from 0.90 percent in the South to 5.80 percent in the Northeast. First-time buyers accounted for 34 percent of sales, which was the highest participation rate in four years.
Mortgage Rates Higher
Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week. 30-year fixed rates were five basis points higher at 3.52 percent. 15-year fixed rates were three basis points higher at 2.79 percent. 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates rose three basis points to 2.85 percent. Discount points rose from 0.50 to 0.60 percent for fixed rate mortgages and were unchanged at -.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.
New jobless claims were higher than expected at 260,000 claims; analysts expected 248,000 new claims to be filed based on the prior week’s reading of 247,000 new claims filed. Last week’s reading was the highest in six weeks, but analysts said that layoffs remain very low.
What‘s Ahead
This week’s scheduled economic news includes Case-Shiller home price data, readings on new and pending home sales along with reports on consumer confidence. Mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released on their regular weekly scheduled.
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12409 N 60th Lane
Glendale, AZ 85304
$625,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,644
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6770245
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This is it! This gorgeous home is on a quiet street in a well maintained subdivision. You'll be close to highly sought after schools & parks, and only minutes from the 101 and the I-17. Notice the fantastic curb appeal and low maintenance lawn and rv gate. There is wood-like tile flooring in all the main living areas, separate living & family rooms, spacious bedrooms with one bedroom and full bathroom downstairs. Your new kitchen offers custom countertops, island with breakfast bar, tile backsplash, and contemporary cabinets with lots of storage space. It has vaulted ceilings, and open floor plan, and ceiling fans in all the right places. You'll definitely spend a lot of time in the oasis of a backyard with above ground spa, pool, covered patio, built in bbq, fireplace and bar. no maintenance landscaping. You will love so much about this gem of a home so hurry and come take a look. It won't last long on the market. Thanks for stopping in.
36021 N 32nd Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85086
$625,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,669
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771722
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This fantastic home is where your future memories are sure to be made. This beautiful two-story home offers 5 bedrooms 3 baths and an inviting open floorplan. Great room with high ceiling. Open kitchen with Island and Stainless steel appliances. The large primary bedroom has a sitting area and On suite includes Separate Shower & Tub, Double sinks and a Huge Walkin Closet. One bedroom and full bath downstairs. Large lot with easy to maintain back and front yards. Extended covered patio, 3 Car Garage, upstairs laundry, double sinks in secondary bath. Great Community includes heated pools, spas, play areas, tennis courts, walking paths and much more. Conveniently located near restaurants and Shopping. Come and see your new home.
19958 W Glenrosa Avenue
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
$625,000
2
Beds
3
Baths
2,041
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769189
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PEACE AND TRANQUILITY ABOUND IN YOUR BACKYARD OASIS,Welcome to this stunning 2 bed/3 bath w/ den and flex room that provides an additional 150 sqft of living space. Home has custom finishes with many builder upgrades and over $75,000 in owner upgrades.Fabulous great room w/gas FP and mesquite wood mantle,crown molding,tray ceilings,shiplap and 12'ft multistacking corner less doors that bring the outside in. Beautiful chefs kitchen w/ 10' island, pullouts in cabinets,walk in pantry,builtin oven and microwave and granite countertops. go out through the corner less doors in the great room to a fabulous backyard w/ extended travertine patio,large stone water feature and jacuzzi spa. Fire pit, builtin bbque,Sun Setter shades,custom lighting complete this oasis.Wood shutters throughout. The primary suite is accented with shiplap and crown molding.Large en-suite bath w/ walk-in shower and large closet. The den has barn doors for privacy,crown molding and shelving. Secondary bedroom also an en-suite bath. To add to the living space the FLEX ROOM which you enter through the garage has an epoxy floor with central AC and heat and is perfect for the hobbyist or as an office,workout room or workshop. Two car garage has epoxy floor with wall of built in cabinets. All that's left to do in this beautiful home is to ENJOY IT! Embrace the Verrado lifestyle with all the amenities it has to offer.
3040 N Saffron --
Mesa, AZ 85215
$625,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,365
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776002
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2-story home sits on a sprawling 11,239 sqft lot with no HOA AND PAID OFF SOLAR!! Offering 2,365 sqft of interior living space, the home features a cozy fireplace in the family room, high ceilings, and large dual-pane sunscreen windows for plenty of natural light. Plush carpet and tile flooring run throughout. The upstairs primary bedroom includes a full ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The kitchen showcases granite countertops, elegant cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, and a breakfast bar. The backyard is as beautiful as the interior, featuring a covered patio, balcony, and a low-maintenance yard with grass, gravel, and trees. Enjoy the private heated pool and spa! Additional exterior storage, RV parking, and a 2-car garage add to the home's appeal!
4167 N Brigadier Drive
Florence, AZ 85132
$625,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,514
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776342
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Enjoy the luxury and RESORT STYLE LIVING with this HIGHLY UPGRADED Sun City home. Your new beautiful ''Journey'' model is offered FULLY FURNISHED and located on a PREMIUM WASH LOT offering stunning Sonoran Desert views. The exquisite outdoor living space features a private courtyard, paver driveway, extended paver patio, synthetic grass, fencing and beautifully landscaped yards. Every detail has been added starting with the gorgeous CHEFS KITCHEN cabinet layout w/granite counter tops, BUTLERS PANTRY, wood-look tile flooring, tray ceilings, built-in fireplace feature and a double sliding glass door leading to the patio. Additional details include a GOLF CART GARAGE, First Impression security door, ceiling fans and a large walk-in shower and double vanity in the primary en-suite. STUNNING HOME THAT NEEDS TO BE SEEN TO APPRECIATE! Merrill Ranch also offers the Anthem Grille, The Poston Butte Golf Club, a learning center and all the festivities, activities and amenities a Sun City community has to offer. Remember you are buying a lifestyle that goes beyond the homes property lines.
2748 E Canyon Creek Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85295
$625,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,302
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6782491
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step inside your new dream home that is just minutes away from the 202 freeway and the San Tan Mall, this home has too many updates to list. It is a must see! The newly remodeled kitchen boasts all stainless steel appliances, granite/quartz countertops and a farmhouse style sink. The garage has an epoxied floor along with plenty of storage space while the large loft affords extra room for children to play or to just lounge & relax. New carpet in the bedrooms and closets, and upgraded light fixtures throughout make this home shine. Enjoy the lagoon style pool with a baja shelf & built in cleaning system that was built in 2022. The home also has 2 new A/C units with Ecobee thermostats & a new water heater, all installed in 2022.
3367 Turkey Track Road
Pinetop, AZ 85935
$625,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,565
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776847
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Located in Pinetop Lakes Mtn Homes, with Recreation Center privileges, this immaculate 3 bed/2 bath cabin has been beautifully maintained and shows pride of ownership at every turn. Soaring ponderosa pines and easy to maintain landscaping. The wood-burning fireplace with a Napoleon insert is surrounded by stacked stone and a rustic, gnarly mantle. The heated garage has built-in cabinets and a work bench. This cabin has been very loved over the years and continually updated, most recent improvements include all new Composite outdoor decks, new log railings, and remodeled master bath. Located in the heart of the White Mountains within minutes of 3 golf courses, multiple national forest trailheads for hiking/biking and many other summer and winter activities for the outdoor enthusiast to
7534 W Jones Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85043
$625,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777957
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Better than new home, two years old and highly upgraded including an extended RV garage(gives at least 4 parking spots)!!! Perfect for boats,cars, RV, weight room, workshop, golf simulator, Basketball court, whatever fits your lifestyle! Fabulous split, open floorplan that includes double door den, large great room and dining area. and a powder room and plank tile laid in the upgraded herringbone pattern throughout living area. Gourmet kitchen w/ large island and breakfast bar, SS appliances including gas cooktop, double wall ovens, granite countertops, backsplash and huge walk in pantry plus a ''butlers pantry area'' w/ desk and more storage!! Primary suite offers a luxurious, oversized, tiled walk in shower, separate water closet, walk in closet, double sinks. Guest Rooms share a bath w/ private shower area and double sinks! Beautifully landscaped backyard w/ firepit, artificial turf, covered patio and garden bed. Close access to the new 202 south, too
3953 W Salter Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$625,000
5
Beds
5.5
Baths
3,863
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777770
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this gorgeous 5-bed, 5.5-bath home with an above ground SWIMMING POOL, convenient BASEMENT, GUEST QUARTERS, NEW AC units and thoughtful design throughout! Inviting ambiance in the spacious great room, where plush carpet, upscale ceiling fans, recessed lighting, and thick baseboards create an elegant and cozy feel. The kitchen is a chef's dream, comes complete with abundant cabinetry topped with crown moulding, granite counters, a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and a center island. Romantic primary retreat boasts outdoor access, double door entry, and an ensuite comprised of two vanities, soaking tub, and a walk-in closet. HUGE family room in the basement is perfect for entertaining, movie nights, or a game room. Serene backyard provides a covered patio, pavers, and a storage shed. This beauty will sell fast!
18961 N 259th Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$625,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,009
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779380
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
If you've been considering a 55+ active adult community in Arizona, and Sun City Festival is on your list for all it's fantastic amenities, then you will want to see this gorgeous and upgraded 3 bed 2 bath home that has views upon views as it backs to the White Mountains preserve looking east. Stylish and modern upgrades to the large chef's kitchen, flooring, and much more make this is a home that is truly turn-key. Whether as a second home or your year-round residence, this home has the style and finishes you deserve. Also, the leased solar helps lower your electric bills substantially. Imagine yourself sitting on the patio and taking in the beautiful open land and mountain views backed by that gorgeous Arizona sky. Your new home awaits!
2937 N 16th Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85015
$625,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777847
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
WOW!!! Welcome to this stunning move-in-ready home in the highly sought after North Encanto Historic District, completely transformed from top to bottom. It features a newer roof, AC, brand new sub & main electrical panel, LVP flooring, updated electrical, plumbing, and modernized kitchen and baths. While upgraded, it retains charming historic features like a large brick fireplace and a vintage outdoor grill. The reconfigured floor plan includes a primary suite with an ensuite bath. Outside, the front yard has lush grass, and the backyard offers low-maintenance turf. The oversized two-car garage with built-in cabinets provides ample storage. Located on a quiet street, this home blends historic charm with modern living.
7658 E Vista Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
$625,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,236
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781032
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Step into this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, complete with a versatile bonus room that's perfect for a home office or guest space, featuring a convenient Murphy bed. The kitchen boasts sleek quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, creating a modern, functional space for any chef. Throughout the home, you'll find elegant plantation shutters, vaulted ceilings, and walk-in closets, providing ample storage. The resort-style front patio, with non-skid tile, and a spacious back patio overlook lush green common areas shaded by mature trees, with a pathway leading to the community pool. Conveniently located near shopping and dining. This gem won't last long!