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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19606 W Grant Street
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$590,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,259
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786961
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautifully upgraded 3 bed/2.5 bath home in the very desirable Blue Horizon subdivision. This home has a very spacious great room with a formal dining room and an eat-in kitchen. Upgrades include: beautiful wood plank ceramic tile, stainless appliances, quartz countertops, designer lighting, herringbone tile backsplash, oven/microwave wall combo, 42'' cherry cabinets, LED under cabinet lighting, recessed lighting throughout, ceiling fans throughout, vinyl plank in bedrooms, barn door, & soft water loop. Front entrance includes a paved courtyard with a rod iron gate and driveway is upgraded with pavers. Backyard features a covered patio, automatic sprinkler system, private pool with water feature. This home is also BnB ready with a separate entrance or can be used as a single family home.
9410 W Meadowbrook Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85037
$589,999
4
Beds
4
Baths
2,585
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6729781
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
**Don't miss out on this beautiful single-level home with a certified Energy Star rating of 5!** This newer property boasts delightful curb appeal with an easy-care landscape and a tandem 3-car garage, situated in a gated community. **Step inside to find:** - An inviting hallway leading to a perfectly flowing great room with high ceilings, recessed lighting, and sliding glass doors that open to the backyard. - Gorgeous wood-look porcelain flooring and a neutral palette throughout, creating a warm and modern atmosphere. **Chef's Kitchen:** - Handsome wood cabinets with crown molding - Stainless steel appliances - Pantry and Quartz counters - Stylish tile backsplash - Large island with a breakfast bar, perfect for casual dining and entertaining **Main Retreat:** - Sun-filled room with an immaculate ensuite featuring two vanities, his and hers walk-in closets, a private toilet room, and engineered flooring. **Additional Features:** - Second ensuite with a walk-in closet and private living area, ideal for guest privacy. - Each bedroom has its own dedicated bathroom, ensuring comfort and convenience for all. **Outdoor Living:** - Relax in the vast backyard with a covered patio, pavers, and low-maintenance turf, perfect for outdoor gatherings and relaxation. **Prime Location:** - Minutes away from Westgate, Glendale Stadium, and the soon-to-be-built water parks and hotels, making it an ideal property for Airbnb. **This home is the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Own the home meant for you!** Come view today!
17668 W Blue Sky Drive
Surprise, AZ 85387
$589,995
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,840
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6742948
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Explore this impressive Darius home, ready for quick move-in. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a spacious great room; a quiet study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a center island and a pantry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a large living room; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.
17617 W Blue Sky Drive
Surprise, AZ 85387
$589,995
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,840
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772341
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This spacious 2,840 sq. ft. single-level ''Darius'' floorplan offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. With 10-ft ceilings, a 3-car garage, and a separate guest suite, there's room for everyone to feel at home. The gourmet kitchen features gas appliances, upgraded cabinets, quartz countertops, and a walk-in pantry—a chef's dream! The primary bath boasts a large drop-in tub, perfect for relaxing. Set for November completion, this home's neutral palette provides the perfect backdrop for your personal style.
24030 N 171st Drive
Surprise, AZ 85387
$589,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6685257
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Are you ready for your new home at Asante? Come tour this beautiful Pinecrest plan. Boasting an open layout ready-made for entertaining. This plan centers around an airy great room, a dining nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with a convenient island. The elegant owner's suite is adjacent, showcasing dual walk-in closets and a private bath featuring walk in shower and drop in tub . Two additional bedrooms, a study , great room featuring amazing corner multi slide doors off great room and covered patio . Bring your backyard oasis vision that will make this home the one always dreaming of. Includes a 2-car garage and separate side turn garage.
1735 W Wildwood Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85045
$589,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,178
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749237
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Immerse yourself in luxury living in Ahwatukee with this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home boasting a dazzling pool. The open floor plan exudes light, brightness, and airiness. Upstairs, you'll find an additional loft perfect for casual lounging. The spacious primary bedroom features a walk-in closet that will fulfill any fashionista's dreams. Step outside to the backyard oasis with a pool ideal for entertaining. The beautiful kitchen highlights a large island and breakfast bar for casual dining. Furniture Available. Don't let this rare gem slip away - conveniently located near the 202 freeway for easy commuting to work or exploring the surrounding area. Furniture can be included in sale.
11946 W Parkway Lane
Avondale, AZ 85323
$589,995
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,480
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6761545
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The heart of this ranch-style home is an open floor plan with a family room, a breakfast nook and a large gourmet kitchen. The adjacent primary suite offers a walk-in closet and an attached bath. You'll also find two additional bedrooms and a bath, as well as a quiet study and a guest suite complete with a living area, bedroom, and private bath. Includes covered patio and a 2-car garage!
29407 N 31st Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85083
$589,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
1,946
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772477
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Ask about special financing with preferred lender! A generous open living space serves as the heart of this single-level home, offering seamless transition between the Great Room, kitchen and dining room, while sliding glass doors lead to a covered patio for indoor-outdoor living. You will find plenty of room for your family with three secondary bedrooms and a stunning owner's suite complete with a spa-like bathroom. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.
32017 N 117th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85383
$589,990
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,680
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755518
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New home in Mystic - It's the charming Bluebell. Kitchen features include Maple Slate-gray cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers, soft close doors and drawers and laundry cabinets. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops in kitchen and baths. Stainless steel appliances include a 36'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and glass canopy hood. Walk-in shower at owner's bath. Multi slide door that leads out the covered patio. Flooring includes San Matte 12x24 Sand Matte laminate wood in all areas except beds/closets and so much more. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 303. PICTURES OF THIS HOME ARE FROM THE BLUEBELL MODEL.
31985 N 117th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85383
$589,990
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,680
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755529
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
It's the spacious Bluebell in the stunning community of Mystic. Walk-in shower at owner's bath with tile surrounds/floor. Multi slide door leads out to the covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel appliances include a 30'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave & canopy hood. Maple Linen-off white cabinets with soft close drawer and doors, pull out trash drawer and additional cabinets in laundry room and at owner's entry. Driftwood wood laminate floors in all areas except beds/closets. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 303. THE PICTURES ARE FROM THE BLUEBELL MODEL HOME.
9550 N 178th Drive
Waddell, AZ 85355
$589,990
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,221
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6780671
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Premium Lot and DR Horton's sought after Phoenician plan! The Gorgeous home will be completed and ready to move in by end of this year! This plan has soaring ceilings with the primary bedroom downstairs and split. Open kitchen and huge slider are just a few of the great features. As you move upstairs you will enter the huge game room that splits 3 bedrooms and bonus media room! Bed 3 has its own bathroom perfect for older teen or guests! This home will have white quartz counter tops, shaker cabinets, wood like tile and much more! Conveniently located off the 303! Will not last long!
20199 W Mulberry Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$589,990
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,397
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6593391
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's our Carmona sitting on an OVERSIZED LOT WITH RV PARKING AVAILALE! This home has 3 bedrooms, study, 2.5 baths. Large walk-in shower at owner's bath with 12x12 tile surrounds. Multi slide door that leads out to the extended covered patio. Stainless steel double oven appliance package with a 36'' cooktop and canopy hood. Downing ''Espresso'' cabinets. Silver Falls granite countertops in kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Upgrade flooring includes 18x18 EMS Anthem white tile with a 5'' base board/door casings except bedrooms & owner's closet. Soft water loop, dual sinks at bath 2, stub for future BBQ. 9' tall garage door and garage service door. Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!