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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2362 N Kachina Lane
Chino Valley, AZ 86323
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,687
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6764850
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on a spacious 1.5-acre lot in beautiful Chino Valley! Imagine unwinding on the large front porch, taking in breathtaking sunsets, or enjoying your morning coffee on the expansive back deck while watching the sunrise over stunning views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The home's prime location offers a scenic view of the Mignus Mountains & tree farm. Inside, you'll find a newly updated kitchen and bathrooms, adding modern comfort and style. The living room is bright and inviting with vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and abundant natural light. Two of the guest bedrooms feature unique storage lofts, perfect for added space and character. Brand new roof updated in 2023. Just 30 minutes from Prescott and close to Watson Lake, you can easily enjoy kayaking, fishing, and hiking the beautiful granite mountains. With ample room for animals, toys, or simply enjoying the mild four seasons, this property offers a blend of space, comfort, and rural charm. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity!
1100 W 9th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,588
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766519
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
You'll love this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a rare two-car garage, located in the heart of Tempe! It features modern updates throughout, including a beautifully upgraded kitchen with ceiling-height cabinetry, Quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite offers a bonus space perfect for a home office or an extra room, plus a large Arizona room ideal for a second living area or game room. The home boasts energy-efficient windows, a brand new 2024 HVAC system, and stylish tile flooring in the main living areas. The large backyard includes a covered patio with elegant tile, a ceiling fan, and a refreshing diving pool to cool off in the Arizona heat. Whether you're looking for a primary residence or an investment property, this home is truly move-in ready! Just minutes from ASU, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and downtown Tempe's many amenities. Don't miss out on this one!
6504 W Behrend Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,313
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6765381
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Move in Ready! Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in desirable Arrowhead Subdivision. Features an open concept kitchen to great room, fresh interior paint, and a prime location in Glendale with easy access to the Loop 101. Ideal for comfortable living!
640 N Nevada Way
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,847
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768547
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Cayman Square neighborhood of Gilbert. This home has some appealing features, including owned solar 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances white washer and dryer included. Master bedroom with an exit door to the backyard, master bathroom with an expanded shower, oversized second and third bedrooms. Separate formal dining, living room and family room. Whole house anti-scale water system, a fantastic feature for protecting plumbing and appliances from hard water buildup. 3-car garage with cabinets and oversized driveway. Backyard oasis a perfect space for relaxation, featuring an extended covered patio, artificial turf a gated private PebbleTec pool, palm trees giving you that tropical feeling! Convenient location: Close to freeways entertainment, and shopping, adding to the convenience of the property. This home will bring the new owner years of happiness and enjoyment!
1607 W Shangri La Road
Phoenix, AZ 85029
$550,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,073
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771002
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home with a detached 4 car garage. 2 dwellings attached with 2 separate entrances. Total square footage of both dwellings is 2073. Guest home is 853sqft. Guest home is 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom and its own kitchen. Main home offers large laundry room/storage room, open eat in kitchen. Main living area has vaulted ceilings. Home has both an A/C , Heat and Evaporative system. 4 car detached garage is 30x21 with a front and back garage door and extra concrete in front and rear. Garage slab was poured extra thick for a car lift. Garage does have water, power, sewer, vacuum and cooling system. Property is completely fenced in on large corner lot. No HOA with amazing mountain views and hiking trails. Single family home but zoned for multi family use. Zoned R3.
2233 Par Place
Overgaard, AZ 85933
$550,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,895
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771427
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Looking to get out of the heat in the summer? Check this one out! This remodeled cabin in Overgaard, just 2 short hours from Phoenix. This 3 bedroom 3.5 bathroom, 2 Car Garage MULTI-GENERATIONAL property is perfect for full time living, or a weekend getaway. Home has been updated with new vinyl flooring throughout, white kitchen cabinetry, butcher block countertops, new fixtures & lighting throughout. On the main floor you will find an open concept living/dining area, fireplace, primary bedroom/bathroom, laundry room & powder room. Upstairs, is a huge loft/bedroom with a full bathroom. Go out your front door & downstairs, you will find a CASITA with its own separate entrance that features a full bedroom living room, kitchenette & full bathroom.
4449 W Keating Circle
Glendale, AZ 85308
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,038
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6744003
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Here is your chance to own a GORGEOUS home completely renovated in 2024. Located in Bellair, one of Glendale's most desirable communities, on a large premium Cul-de-sac lot (over 1/4 acre), this beautiful single-level home boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, & over 2000sf of living space. Updated with luxurious finishes - You will not find a more stylish home in a great neighborhood under $600k. Entering through a covered entry highlighted with large wooden double doors, you'll notice the brand new floors across this open floorplan. Your eye is drawn across the great room to the tastefully remodeled kitchen featuring stunning quartz countertops, marble backsplash, new stainless appliances and new cabinets. Roomy master suite has walk in closet and bathroom that exudes modern luxury... The bathroom is equipped with attractive subway tile, quartz counters, modern black hardware and bluetooth-enabled speakers. Down the hall you'll find three spacious guest rooms, with private closets, and sharing an upgraded guest bathroom featuring the same amenities as the master aside from the walk-in shower. The home also offers a cozy living room with wood-burning fireplace, and an open family room tucked in its own corner of the house. The home has a 2-car garage, plus RV gate on the side. A large covered patio with built-in storage overlooks the expansive backyard - graded and ready to be made into your private oasis. Incredible neighborhood with frequent community events - the home is situated within walking distance from the Golf Course and clubhouse, pool, and pickleball. Don't miss the opportunity to make this home your own!
9620 W Ruth Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85345
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,279
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776552
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Don't miss this great oppurtunity for this recently updated 3 bed plus den, 3 car garage home on oversized corner lot w/RV gate. Beautiful landscaped yard with private pool & your very own 3 hole putting course, extended covered patio with sunshades great for entertaining! Newly updated kitchen with all new appliances with induction range, island & walk in pantry, open to the family room plus additional open living/dining areas. Neutral finishes with beautiful new wood like LV plank & tile flooring, updated baths, wood blinds, & vaulted ceilings throughout, and no interior steps. Solar panels for effecient utility costs. Great family neighborhood with playground/park within walking distance to Peoria schools. Convenient to 101, near to all sports venues, shopping areas and restaurants
23266 S 229th Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$550,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,311
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774566
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step into a world of elegance and sophistication in this stunning, barely-lived-in home built in 2023. With 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this is one of the rare gems you won't find around the corner. Picture soaring ceilings that invite natural light to dance through the expansive living spaces, and a gigantic kitchen that opens seamlessly to the great room—ideal for gatherings or cozy family nights. The stunning white stone tiles pair beautifully with rich chestnut cabinets, creating a striking contrast with pristine white Cort countertops. It's a chef's paradise! The master suite feels like a penthouse retreat, offering ample space and luxury that truly elevates your living experience. Each detail is designed to impress, from the breathtaking finishes to the thoughtfully laid-out floor plan. Nestled on a premium cul-de-sac lot in a vibrant community, you'll enjoy endless amenities right at your doorstep. This is not just a home; it's a lifestyle statement. Don't let this one-of-a-kind opportunity slip away,schedule a showing today!
4521 W Alabama Lane
San Tan Valley, AZ 85144
$550,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,764
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779784
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful 2 story home in San Tan Heights. Inside you'll find 4 bedrooms, a large loft, 2.5 bathrooms w/laundry upstairs w/the bedrooms Neutral paint, flooring & window coverings provide a clean pallet for decoration. The kitchen boasts maple cabinets, granite counters, stone backsplash, stainless steel appliances and often sought after gas stove. It opens to the family which makes it excellent for entertaining. The formal dining / living space can be utilized as that or a game room, sitting room or extra TV space. The resort style backyard has a covered patio, sparkling pool w/play step & water feature. Enjoy cooking or hosting friends at your own outdoor tiki bar. The rest of the yard is low maintenance w/rock & turf. Plenty of storage in the 4 car tandem garage. -3rd bay is tandem
668 N Miller Street
Mesa, AZ 85203
$550,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,065
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6700260
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Don't let looks deceive you this house is HUGE, 3065 square feet. Priced at the value of a three bedroom but has the space to be used as 4/5 bedroom. Has two seperate living areas which makes for awesome two family residence. IT's a steal at only $550,000 Granite counters in bathrooms and kitchens. tile in all the wet areas and brand new carpet. Turn key ready to move in!
3487 W Red Bird Court
Tucson, AZ 85745
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,017
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6714720
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience unparalleled desert luxury in this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom oasis, nestled in the serene foothills of Tucson's coveted Quail Ridge at Starr Pass. Surrounded by the opulent JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, this home combines Southwestern charm with modern elegance, offering the ultimate desert retreat. The open-concept design boasts a spacious living room with soaring ceilings and a cozy fireplace, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The chef's kitchen features granite countertops, a ceiling-height backsplash, GE Café stainless steel appliances, and a top-of-the-line Viking range. The master suite is a sanctuary with a walk-in closet and a lavish ensuite bathroom, complete with dual sinks, a soaking tub, and a separate shower. Enjoy year-round comfort with a whole-house soft water system and reverse osmosis water filtration. The family room, with its stunning Pinon Stone fireplace, adds a touch of warmth and elegance. Step outside to your private backyard paradise, featuring a covered patio, built-in BBQ, and an electric extending patio shade to keep you cool while joying the patio. Revel in breathtaking views of the Tucson Mountains and mesmerizing desert sunsets. Exterior roll-down shutters provide added security and energy efficiency. This home also includes a two-car garage, a dedicated laundry room, and energy-efficient features throughout. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and recreational areas, with easy access to I-10. Embrace the Tucson lifestyle in this stunning desert haven schedule your viewing today and make this dream home yours!