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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8821 S 47th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85044
$579,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,195
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6745563
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
A rare opportunity for totally updated residence w/ views in mountainside resort, gated community! Amazing 4 bed, 3 bath residence in Pointe South Mtn/ AZ Grande in Ahwatukee haven! Two master bedrooms/ two large bedrooms perfect for large family or multi generational living. Upstairs bedrooms have balconies. Downstairs master with outdoor access. Updates from 2024 include modern interior color palette (2023 colors of the year), ext paint, two luxurious tiled rain showers, SS appliances, granite counters in kitchen/ downstairs baths, new light fixtures, new plumbing fixtures, all new flooring (wood plank tile and carpet), feature wall, roof updated, new landscape design featuring artificial grass and nightscape. The joy of your own piece of resort living, totally updated!
25024 S Stoney Lake Drive
Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
$579,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,968
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750372
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautiful 2-bed, 2-bath Plus Office/Den residence on a coveted corner lot! The exterior boasts a striking stone facade, a 2.5-car garage, and a tasteful paver driveway. The inviting living room showcases vaulted ceilings, a soothing palette, and plush carpeting throughout. The eat-in kitchen comes with granite counters, ample wood cabinetry with crown molding, built-in appliances, a center island, and a serving window with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The cozy main bedroom offers direct backyard access, an en suite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture outside to find a covered patio for al fresco dining, a relaxing spa, and a low-maintenance desert landscape. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity! HVAC - 2 Units- Replaced in 2021, Hot water heater replaced 2021, Exterior Painted 2023, New Drip system - valves & timer replaced 2023. Exterior Stone work & Pavers done in 2023. New SPA Hot Tub 2024 Hard wired Security System. Reverse Osmosis.
1509 E Peach Tree Drive
Chandler, AZ 85249
$579,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,250
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6757886
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome home to this gorgeously redone 3BR 2BA home in the vibrant active adult community of Sunbird CC. A charming courtyard greets you. Enter a large living/dining area with wood look tile throughout. The stunning kitchen boasts granite counters, crisp white cupboards, bar and newer SS appliances. Large family room with access to the relaxing patio and backyard. Bonus art studio den just off the family room. Enjoy the active adult resort lifestyle with golf, pool, tennis and pickleball. Plus, restaurant, bar and loads of entertainment!
8305 W Pioneer Street
Tolleson, AZ 85353
$579,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,244
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756752
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Make yourself at home in this beautiful 5-bedroom haven with a 3-car garage in Tolleson! Large living & dining room and the desirable great room are meticulously designed for relaxation and entertaining. High vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters, and wood-look tile flooring add to the overall appeal. Open-concept kitchen boasts ample white shaker cabinets, a pantry, tile counters & backsplash, a center island with a breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances. You'll also have a den/office and a cozy loft ideal for a reading nook. HUGE main retreat provides double door entry, media niches, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Surely to impress with the wonderful backyard equipped with a covered patio, gazebo, and a refreshing pool for endless summer fun. Don't miss it!
233 E Angela Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85022
$579,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,808
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774515
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This charming home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing ample space for family or guests. The updated kitchen boasts modern amenities, making meal preparation a joy. All the windows are energy-efficient low-E windows, complemented by new doors throughout the home. Two of the bedrooms are particularly spacious, with the master bedroom offering a large walk-in closet for plenty of storage. The master bathroom includes a beautifully tiled walk-in shower, adding a touch of luxury. For those who work from home, there's a dedicated office space, perfect for productivity. The family room is a cozy retreat, complete with vaulted ceilings and a warm fireplace for those chilly evenings. Step outside to a backyard oasis, where a sparkling pool invites relaxation. The expansive covered patio offers a fantastic space for outdoor living and entertaining, with a lush grass area and a paver front entry adding curb appeal. Additionally, art lighting highlights your favorite pieces, and a large laundry/storage room adds functionality to the home.
9101 E Nacoma Drive
Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
$579,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,252
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6750314
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
UPDATED Extended Palacia Plus Model w/ Energy Efficient (Solar) & NEWER HVAC in the GATED, ADULT COMMUNITY of Oakwood. Featuring NEW FLOORING & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS with an OPEN kitchen & TONS of Storage. Completely REMODELED Primary Bath. Vaulted ceilings in the great room makes space feel much larger. Also wired for stereo system. New VERY Bright can lights throughout & new dimmers & ceiling fans. 2 sliding glass doors which all give great natural light to the home. The 2.5 car garage has tons of storage. The RV electric hookup is also a nice feature. Don't miss this AMAZING opportunity in Sun Lakes w/ Guarded gate entry for more security and all of its amenities including golf, tennis, pickle ball, pools, fitness center, clubs, social activities, restaurants & so much more!
2511 W Queen Creek Road Unit 425
Chandler, AZ 85248
$579,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,584
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755740
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
Experience true luxury living in this stunning 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom loft-style residence located in the prestigious Cays Downtown. Boasting one of the best floor plans in the entire subdivision, this spacious and stylish home offers an open, modern layout with soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and high-end finishes throughout. Loft used as 3rd room with murphy bed. Each bedroom features its own en-suite bathroom for ultimate privacy and comfort, while the third bathroom provides added convenience for guests. The sleek, contemporary design complements the vibrant downtown lifestyle, with easy access to upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment. Whether you're relaxing in the expansive living spaces or enjoying the urban energy of downtown, this home is the perfect blend of sophistication and convenience. Don't miss your chance to live in one of the most sought-after addresses at The Cays Downtown!
21263 W Sycamore Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$578,999
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,903
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775817
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautifully designed 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the heart of Buckeye's highly sought after Verrado community. This home features an inviting open floor plan with soaring ceilings and plenty of natural light. The gourmet kitchen is perfect for the modern chef, offering granite countertops, matching appliances, a large island, and plenty of cabinet space. It flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas, making it perfect for entertaining. Step outside to enjoy the beautifully landscaped large low maintenance backyard, complete with a covered patio, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxing. Situated in the vibrant Verrado community, you'll have access to incredible amenities such as parks, community pools and spa, children's playground, walking trails, golf courses, and a bustling Main Street with shops and restaurants that is walking distance from the property! Top-rated schools and easy access to major freeways make this location unbeatable! Don't miss out on the chance to live in this highly desirable neighborhood! Buyers currently living in Maricopa or Pinal County ask about an ADDITIONAL $7,000 home buyer credit available via the Community Promise Program. Rate Relief Rebate Program: Benefit from a 2% seller credit to reduce your mortgage payments by Approximately $591/month in year 1 and $303/month in year 2. This exclusive offer makes homeownership more affordable now, while you await potential rate decreases.
16062 W Alameda Road
Surprise, AZ 85387
$578,960
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,674
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6729568
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MOVE IN READY, BRIGHT GREAT ROOM PLAN , QUICK CLOSE!! 4 BEDROOM PLUS LOFT, 3.5 BATH , 9'CEILINGS, GOURMET KITCHEN LAYOUT, UPGRADE CABINETS , GRANITE KITCHEN TOPS, SPA SHOWER, TILED FLOORING. 2'WHITE BLINDS, CEILING FANS, FRONT YARD LANSCAPING COMPLETED, ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOME, INDOOR AIR PLUS. A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE COMMUNITY POOL AREA, PICNIC AREA, TOT LOTS, BASKETBALL, PICKLE BALL COURTSAND SO MUCH MORE.
3726 E Rochelle Circle
Mesa, AZ 85215
$578,950
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,705
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749729
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This is a to be built home being offered at Base Price plus lot premium. Price includes a nice standard feature package and an option allowance to be used at the Design Studio to personalize the home to your tastes. Features include a heavy iron front door, 2x6 ext. framing, dual pane vinyl windows, Carrier gas furnace and AC. Price includes ceramic tile in select areas. Choice of interior door styles, iron front door styles plus choice of door hardware and bathroom fixture colors. 10' interior ceilings, front porch and rear patio included! Much more. Front view picture is of an artists rendering, pics are of a upgraded former model home. Final price is determined by any other options or upgrades added by buyer at the Design Studio. Taxes are estimated. 2025 completion
8572 W Palo Verde Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85345
$578,900
5
Beds
2
Baths
2,196
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6731165
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your next business opportunity! This spacious 5 beds, 2 baths home with a sprinkler system is ideal for starting or expanding a group home business. Previously licensed for a 10-bed behavior group home, it offers ample room for residents with its professionally converted garage adding extra space. Located in a prime area with easy access to local amenities and healthcare facilities, Its turnkey nature allows for business operations, offering significant growth potential and profitability.
9236 E Sector Drive
Mesa, AZ 85212
$578,814
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,410
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778595
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MOVE IN READY HOME! This WILSON plan features a Deluxe Gourmet Kitchen with a 36'' gas cooktop and a wall mounted gas range. This home features white cabinets with polished nickel pulls throughout, zinc quartz countertop and Santorini 4x12 backsplash with Oregon Rovere 8x36 wood-tile flooring throughout downstairs. One of the most popular floorplans for a reason, the Wilson is the perfect home for hosting visiting guests in the downstairs bedroom with full bath, have a designated office downstairs and a second living room in the upstairs loft where the rest of the family can hang out!