Last week’s economic releases included reports on new and pending home sales, S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and regularly scheduled weekly reporting on mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Readings on consumer sentiment and confidence were also released.
New and Pending Home Sales Lower as Peak Sales Season Winds Down
August readings for new and pending home sales were lower than for July; analysts said that slim supplies of available homes and rising home prices contributed to slower home sales. Peak home sales typically occur during spring and summer. Homebuyers with school-aged children prefer to be settled into a new home when school starts in August and September.
According to the Commerce Department, new home sales achieved their second highest reading since the Great Recession. Although lower than July’s reading, August sales of new homes reached 609,000 on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Analysts expected a reading of 600,000 new home sales based on July’s reading of 659.000 new homes sold. August’s reading was 20.60 percent higher year-over-year. High demand for homes appears to be kicking home builders into higher gear as they strive to ease slim inventories of available homes.
The impact of short inventories of available homes was reflected in August’s reading for pending home sales. Home sales awaiting closing fell in August from July’s reading of +1.20 percent in July to 2.40 percent in August. The National Association of Realtors® said that home sales are declining due to very limited inventories of available homes. Rapidly rising home prices and strict mortgage qualification requirements also contributed to slipping sales. After home buyers sign a purchase contract, they are at the mercy of changing mortgage rates their ability to qualify for a mortgage. Pending home sales supply an indication of future closings and mortgage loans.
According to the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for July, home price growth dipped from June’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.10 percent to 5.00 percent. Slim inventories of homes for sale and high demand were again cited as primary reasons for slower home price growth. While demand is high, slim supplies of available homes can cause would-be buyers to postpone their home search until more homes are on the market.
Mortgage Rates Fall, New Jobless Claims Rise
Mortgage rates fell across the board last week according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of rates. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell six basis points to 3.42 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was four basis points lower at 2.72 percent. 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages had an average rate of 1.81 percent, which was one basis point lower than the previous week’s reading Discount points were also lower and averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.
New jobless claims rose last week to 254,000 claims, but new claims were lower than the expected reading of 259,000 new claims which was based on the prior week’s reading of 251,000 new jobless claims. New jobless claims have stayed below 270,000 new claims for three months for the first time since 1973.
In prepared testimony before the Financial Services Committee, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen discussed problems facing two major banks and said the Fed’s goal was managing its regulatory stance to support financial stability.
September’s Consumer Confidence Index reading rose to 104.1, which exceeded analysts’ estimated reading of 99.3 and August’s reading of 101.1.
What’s Next
Next week’s scheduled economic reports include readings on construction spending and several labor-related releases including ADP Payrolls, Non-Farm Payrolls and the National Unemployment Rates. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims are set for release as usual.
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8277 E Tailspin Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$1,775,999
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,853
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6725375
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover unparalleled luxury living in this exquisitely remodeled 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom retreat nestled in a serene neighborhood. Boasting a host of premium amenities, this home offers a blend of sophistication and functionality. Step into the chef's kitchen, where culinary dreams come to life with high-end Thermador appliances (inc. nugget ice maker, espresso machine, and wine fridge) sleek countertops, and ample storage in custom cabinetry. Entertain in the adjoining dining and living areas, enhanced by natural light and stylish finishes. The master retreat beckons with its spa-like atmosphere, featuring a separate tub, spa, and dual vanities for a private escape. Three additional bedrooms provide flexibility for guests or a home office, each offering comfort and contemporary design. Outside, indulge in resort-style living with a shimmering pool to cool off on warm Arizona days, complemented by a professionally landscaped putting greenan entertainer's delight and a golfer's paradise right at home. Adding exceptional value, this residence features owned solar panels, ensuring energy efficiency and significant cost savings. Enjoy the peace of mind and environmental benefits while reducing utility expenses year-round. Located in a sought-after community with easy access to amenities, schools, and recreational facilities, this home presents a rare opportunity for luxurious living in a prime location.
15359 N Fort Apache Place
Prescott, AZ 86305
$1,775,000
3
Beds
4
Baths
2,983
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6715411
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Exceptional modern craftsman style new home in iconic Talking Rock Ranch. Select your own colors, cabinets, appliances and more in this luxury home on nearly 1 acre. The builder has included a wide array of luxury products in this price, but if you would like to change or update the finishes, you still have time to personalize your new home! This spacious home lives large with an open floorplan and split bedroom layout. At 2983 sq feet, home offers dual master walk in closets & spacious primary bath, 3 guest bedrooms with 2 ensuite baths, plus a powder room. They kitchen has a large walk in panty and a large kitchen island. The great room is grand with high beamed ceilings and a contemporary fireplace. Build time is 8-10 months.
7117 E Rancho Vista Drive Unit 6008
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
$1,775,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,911
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6765905
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
Welcome to this completely renovated 1,911 sqft penthouse. This exceptional 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom condo features extensive floor-to-celing glass, a spectacular and highly upgraded gourmet kitchen with quartz waterfall island, a well conceived open floor plan, superior finishes, 2 beautiful and PRIVATE balconies, gorgeous interior views, 2 master bedrooms, 2 designated parking spots, and an attractive and upgraded laundry room. All found within the luxurious Optima Camelview Village, with it's unbeatable location & state of the art architecture/amenities. Amenities include: Two Outdoor Zen Pools, Spas & Bbqs One on each side of the community (heated year round). 24,000 sq. ft. Fitness Center (Recently Remodeled). Mens & Womens Locker Rooms w/ Steam Rooms, Showers and Private Lockers. Indoor Lap Pool & 2 Spas (Heated year round), On-site concierge, Putting green, Hybrid Basketball / Pickle-ball Court, Racquet ball court, On-site restaurant (metropolis), conference room, 24/7 Security, Reservable party room and multi-purpose fitness/yoga room.
9200 N American Ranch Road
Prescott, AZ 86305
$1,775,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,118
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6773013
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Enjoy daily, unobstructed views of Granite Mountain from this new custom Crystal Creek Builders home. A front-to-back great room with a statement fireplace leads into a gourmet kitchen featuring Thermador appliances and an attached butler's pantry. Four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom access. Three-car side-load garages offer a sleek look and easy access. Spacious front and back patios provide ample space to relax and enjoy the gorgeous Prescott views. A spacious laundry room, statement powder room, mudroom, and luxury finishes are found throughout the home. American Ranch combines a rich equestrian heritage with the beauty of the Prescott National Forest. American Ranch not only offers an exceptional array of outdoor adventures but also boasts a fully staffed Equestrian Center extensive trails, and diverse amenities including a community center with a fitness room, ranch house, and recreational facilities like tennis and basketball courts, a heated pool, and more.
20338 N 84th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$1,775,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,211
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6767094
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Stunning Grayhawk Golf Course Home! Discover this rarely available, single-level executive residence, perfectly situated on the 2nd hole of the renowned Talon Golf Course within the prestigious Renaissance Estates, a gated community in the 24-hour guard-gated Talon Retreat at Grayhawk. From the moment you step inside, the exclusivity of this sought-after neighborhood is unmistakable. The location is unmatched! Sitting on a prime golf course lot, the backyard was completely redesigned in 2022, offering a seamless connection to nature with an open space between the view fencing and the 2nd hole's tee box. Every detail of this outdoor oasis has been carefully curated, featuring a sleek, modern linear heated pool and spa, stylish patio areas with turf inlays and (MORE) limestone pavers, and the convenience of an Ultra-Temp pool heater and energy-efficient heat pump, reducing energy costs by up to 80%. Whether you're relaxing on the covered patio or hosting guests in the multiple seating areas, the resort-style backyard is perfect for enjoying Arizona's outdoor lifestyle. Gather around the spacious fire pit on cool evenings, and take advantage of the built-in grill, refrigerator, and large turf side yard for entertaining. Inside, the expansive 3,200+ sq. ft. home is equally impressive. The spacious interior courtyard, accessible from three sides, is bathed in natural light, offering endless possibilities for indoor-outdoor living. With stunning ceiling beams, fans, and paver flooring, this area will leave a lasting impression on your guests and provide year-round outdoor enjoyment. This luxurious home offers 4 bedrooms plus an office, 3 full baths, and a powder roomideal for families of all sizes. The formal living and dining areas, centered around a stacked stone gas fireplace, create a warm and inviting space for gatherings. The open-concept family room and kitchen connect seamlessly to the incredible backyard, making it perfect for both fun and relaxation. The updated entertainment center, complete with surround sound, is perfect for movie nights, with space for even the largest TVs. Throughout the home, 10-foot ceilings enhance the sense of spaciousness, while a motorized solar shade on the large patio-facing window provides effortless light control at the push of a button. The chef's kitchen is a dream, with an oversized island featuring built-in storage, granite countertops, a built-in fridge, double wall convection ovens, stainless steel appliances, a 6-burner gas range, view cabinetry, a stainless steel dual bowl sink, trash compactor, a large pantry, and a reverse osmosis system for added convenience. The generously sized bedrooms include two ensuite secondary bedrooms, while the secluded primary suite offers backyard access and breathtaking golf course views. The primary ensuite bathroom is a private retreat, with dual vanities, two spacious walk-in closets, a corner walk-in shower, and a private toilet area. Enjoy peace of mind with recent upgrades, including a new Trane AC and furnace in 2024, fresh carpet and paint throughout in 2022, a tankless water heater, and updated landscaping in 2022 and 2024. The durable all-clay tile roof, reinforced with double felt and additional underlayment, ensures longevity beyond standard tile roofs. As a resident of this exceptional community, you'll also have access to the community pool and tennis courts, while the HOA takes care of front yard maintenance and repaints home exteriors every seven years. This is a rare opportunity to own a golf course property in one of Scottsdale's most desirable neighborhoods. Don't miss your chanceyour dream home awaits!
37218 N 29th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85086
$1,775,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
7,700
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6689775
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Spectacular one of a kind hill top home on approximately 2.8 acres. Unobstructed views in all directions. Words can not describe this property. Gated and secluded location. 4 BR, 4.5 Baths plus 4 additional rooms that can be used for an office, exercise room, theatre etc. Built in BBQ w/ firepit. Large upper deck and lower outdoor patio. Detached Ramada for more views. Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, gourmet kitchen, stone/wood floors, walk in pantry, oversized 4 car garage and much more. Secluded feeling yet close to shopping and schools. 20 minutes to Lake Pleasant and easy access to I-17 and the 303 corridor. Seller May Carry with 30% down. Owner/Agent
18144 E Vallejo Street
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$1,775,000
6
Beds
5
Baths
3,604
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6685956
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A new updated look! Your own ''Back Forty'' includes a traditionally classic 3,600+SqFt. 5 bd. 3.5 ba, 3 car attached garage home, plus an AMAZING 3,500+SqFt. detached shop with 740+ sq.ft apartment (casita), 3 overhead doors and interior space that are both ample size for a large RV, and a full auto collection. 3 dozen mature fruit trees. Classy concrete circular guest arrival driveway, plus concrete and gated driveway to rear property (SHOP) and concrete exterior parking for dozens more vehicles, trailers projects and storage. Location is quietly hidden in plain site from the crowd but still in the heart of the town's best conveniences. A major challenge to find another available home with 1.5 acres and established full scale shop, let alone in this condition and location.
4045 E Patricia Jane Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$1,775,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,630
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6772811
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover this beautifully updated home in prime Arcadia Lite, featuring North/South exposure and breathtaking mountain views that add charm from front to back! The chef's kitchen seamlessly connects to a spacious dining and family area, ideal for entertaining. The stunning master suite boasts French doors that open to the picturesque backyard, complemented by three additional bedrooms, including a convenient en-suite. Enjoy privacy in the lush backyard, which includes a pool, built-in BBQ, and a large covered patio perfect for outdoor gatherings. This home also offers the convenience of a 2-car garage with a storage room, a mudroom, a generous walk-in laundry area, and a separate pantry. Located in the Hopi Elementary School boundaries and a short stroll from local favorites like LGO, Ingos, and Postinos, with The Global Ambassador, North Italia, and Chelsea's Kitchen only a quick drive away.
7260 E Eagle Crest Drive Unit 19
Mesa, AZ 85207
$1,770,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
5,404
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6710854
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
STUNNING 5BR/4BA, 5,400 SQFT CUSTOM HOME IN LAS SENDAS! Private end of the cul-de-sac single level home tucked up next to Tonto National Forest w/ unobstructed views of SUNSETS & RED MTN. Exquisite craftsmanship & finishings w/ travertine floors inside & out, marble showers, copper sinks, granite counters/vanities & custom knotty alder doors/cabinets. Oversized Mstr Retreat w/ two way fireplace, sitting area, huge bath & custom wood closets. Chef''s kitchen w/ Subzero frig & Thermador cooktop & stoves. Elegant Great Room and dining room w/ wood beams, fireplace & french doors opening onto front & rear patios PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING. Resort back yard w/ Stone fireplace, gazebo, custom glass-tiled pool & spa. Theater room, central vac, home audio system, alarm & more!
8356 E San Ramon Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$1,770,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,618
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762888
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A PROPERTY BEYOND COMPARE!! UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE FINEST SINGLE LEVEL PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET IN HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER MCCORMICK RANCH! 'SCOTTSDALE'S PREMIER LUXURY BRAND' COMBINES THE FEEL OF THE WORLDS FINEST LUXURY RESORTS WITH THE MOST PEACEFUL LIVING SCOTTSDALE HAS TO OFFER. SENSATIONALLY DIFFERENT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.... WITH 4 BEDROOMS & BONUS ROOM FOR LARGE FAMILIES, INCLUDING A PRIMARY SUITE CURATED FOR ONLY THE PRIVILEGED FEW, THIS IS TRULY AN OWNER'S PERSONAL PARADISE! Corner located on a larger lot, disappear into your own private enclave with all the amenities you may desire! It's magnificent from the street enveloped in greenery. Tucked behind privacy walls you'll find a private front courtyard for after dinner conversation! Pivot through the imposing entry doors and prepare to INDULGE! Engineered hardwood floors guide you through the majestic double vaulted free-flowing entertaining areas centered with feature exposed wooden beam! Flanking the signature '2-tone' Designer WOLF/SUBZERO/COVE integrated Kitchen find Baronial sized Dining Room and Living Room with focal point porcelain fireplace and black slate backdropped WINE GALLERY! Congregate around the 10 Ft Brazilian Quartz Kitchen Island. Massive wall to wall sliders guide you out to the black columned terrace overlooking the pool which is perfectly positioned in the dreamlike backyard with a vast array of luscious landscaping & rare palm trees with tons of rolling lawns and with Built-in BBQ, grand scale entertaining is essential. ACCOMMODATION is sensational with an EXCEPTIONAL SPLIT-FLOOR-PLAN! Lets retreat to the OWNER'S SUITE......encompassing huge living space with reading/lounging area, floor-to-ceiling beverage bar with built-in WOLF COFFEE MAKER. Words to describe the en-suite bathroom...ostentatious, lavish, refinement...it's the lap of luxury! Dual vanities with cosmetic counter, a 'spa-like' tub, marble floored & walk in shower, impressive dressing room/closet. Saunter down a mirrored hallway to the other wing of the home, find 3 more bedrooms all 'luxurious-in-size' sharing the second bathroom which is simply stunning with dual vanities all adjoining separate media/ family/ flex room perfect for the Fam to Hang! Add in a powder room, inside Laundry with brand new washer/dryer & floor to ceiling cabinetry, an oversized 2 car garage with E-V Charging station & designer lighting and WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS OPULENT LIVING AT IT'S FINEST!! FEATURING: Corner Lot Location, Floor to Ceiling Custom Designed Cast Iron/Glass Pivot Front Door, Paved Street-side Front Courtyard, All New Landscaping & Ambient Solar Lighting, Double Insulated Garage Door, New Roof, Engineered Hardwood Floors Throughout, Vaulted Ceilings, Dual Pane Windows & Sliders Throughout, Mirrored Hallway, Custom Designed Drapery & Hardware, Handpicked Chandeliers, Lighting & Fans, Signature Pewter & Brass Hardware Throughout, Built-in BBQ & Beverage Center, Top-of-the-line COVE/SUBZERO/ WOLF Appliance Package, Ample Off-Street Parking & 3C Scottsdale Schools.
3045 N Marigold Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$1,765,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,289
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6710761
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
''TO BOLDLY GO WHERE 'SCOTTSDALE'S PREMIER LUXURY BRAND' HAS NEVER GONE BEFORE'' - RELEASING A GEOMETRICALLY PERFECT, UNIQUE CREATION IN A SECLUDED ARCADIA NEIGHBORHOOD TO FORM PART OF THE 'RESIDENCES OF DISTINCTION' COLLECTION, MAKING A GRAND STATEMENT IN DESIGN! LIVE WHERE TWO STREETS MERGE ON A SIGNATURE CORNER LOCATION NEAR THE PRESTIGIOUS ARIZONA COUNTRY CLUB! Street-side it's spectacular with contrasting white & black geometric design against the green front yard landscaping. Pivot through the floor-to-ceiling glass entry door and waiting across the threshold is simply a MAGNIFICENT MASTERPIECE!! The entire home has 'Never-been-seen-before' signature 'RESTORATION HARDWARE' chandeliers, is SINGLE LEVEL with hand designed wood inlay ceilings, Skylights, Engineered Hardwood Flooring, Real Moss wall-art, 'jaw-dropping' custom designed Barn Doors & focal point Fireplace with Brazilian Quartz Backdrop. 3 bedrooms (DUAL PRIMARY SUITES), 3 BATHROOMS, & SEPARATE OFFICE/DEN for accommodation is sensational. The primary suite has it's own PAJAMA LOUNGE, and the en-suite bathroom has separate TUB & SHOWER, dual vanities, and massive WALK-IN CLOSET! The Signature 'European style' black & white 2-toned Kitchen fully integrated with COVE/WOLF/SUBZERO APPLIANCES includes GAS RANGE & BUILT-IN COFFEE MAKER, is almost a statement within itself and opens to Formal Dining room & Great room. Venturing outdoors is a pure experience & immediately creates BACKYARD ENVY! WRAP AROUND LAP POOL perfect for fitness enthusiasts, BAJA TANNING SHELF & JACUZZI perfect for laid back relaxation, BBQ & BEVERAGE CENTER perfect for entertaining, COVERED PATIOS perfect for sundowners & 'El-Fresco dining, HUGE BACKYARD perfect for 'furry friends' or Kickball.. And with Inside Laundry, 2 CAR GARAGE & E-V CHARGING STATION, off street parking.... THIS IS NOT JUST A STATEMENT BUT AN ENTIRE STORY!! FEATURING - Everything from the Underground Plumbing/ Up is completely Brand New including Electrical, Plumbing, Gas Lines, HVAC, Roof, Tankless Water Heater, Pool & SPA including Pool Equipment & Heater, Landscaping, H2O System & Ambient Lighting, 2 Car Garage with non-slip Flooring & Built-in Cabinetry, Dual Pane Windows & Sliders Throughout, Signature Chandeliers & Fans, All New Appliances including washer & Dryer. Custom designed Window Treatments & Hardware, Every Item is Handpicked for this Magnificent Abode!
