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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5250 E Deer Valley Drive Unit 158
Phoenix, AZ 85054
$1,679,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,319
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6759771
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
Seller financing available. Luxurious fully furnished condo with over $250,000 in upgrades that is move in ready. Great room and gourmet kitchen are ready for entertaining with high-end appliances. Upgraded amenities include a Sub-Zero fridge & dishwasher w/ panel fronts, bar area & 2 beverage refrigerators. Primary bedroom has slider out to deck & chandelier is a white house replica. Each bedroom has a bathroom, private patio off 2nd bdrm. Remote controlled silhouette blinds throughout. Enjoy the wrap around patio with built in BBQ. Two parking spots & storage unit in secure garage. Upscale amenities including a beautiful clubhouse with chef's kitchen, theatre room, an Olympic length pool, large fitness, infrared sauna and fire pits. Across the street from restaurants & shopping.
6429 Country Road
Woodruff, AZ 85942
$1,675,000
2
Beds
1.5
Baths
1,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6765620
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a working alfalfa farm in rural Arizona! Six neighboring parcels convey with this sale. All parcels combined total 58.06-acres. Every acre comes with Arizona's oldest irrigation rights! Woodruff Irrigation District provides irrigation water. Approximately 54 acres are planted in alfalfa grass. Owners also currently lease and farm a neighboring 60-acre parcel. It is planted in a 4-way grass blend. Buyer to confirm if lease will convey. There is a newly constructed barn with attached home and 2 unfinished apartments, built in 2022 with mason block construction. Home is very comfortable with all the amenities and very quiet, well insulated walls throughout. Above the home, are 2 unfinished 750 sq ft studio apartments. These apartments would be perfect for farm worker's quarters or short and long term rentals. Each apartment is framed and has plumbing roughed in. The barn is 4500 sq ft and provides indoor storage for all the bales of hay that will be harvested! With the right offer, large farm equipment (including tractors and attachments) will convey. Private well is on the property but not currently in working order. Metered water to home is provided by Woodruff Domestic Water Improvement District. Additional parcel numbers to convey with this listing are as follows: 110-11-065P (6.09 acres) 110-11-065R (2.69 acres) 110-11-082 (32.52 acres) 110-11-079C (6.67 acres) 110-11-079D (1.70 acres) 110-11-076A (1 acre. Owners are currently in escrow to purchase this parcel.) Don't miss out on this beautiful turn-key farm in the beautiful green valley of Woodruff, Az. Woodruff is located only 13 miles from Holbrook, Az and Interstate 40 to the north and only 25 miles to Snowflake, Az and surrounding White Mountains to the south. Paved roads all the way there! Make your farming dreams come true, bring your family, and enjoy a new, slower way of life. Enjoy the 4 mild seasons and breathtaking sunsets rural Arizona has to offer!
6839 W Pershing Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85381
$1,675,000
5
Beds
4.5
Baths
5,859
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6782298
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this stunning sprawling tree lined ranch-style custom estate in Thunderbird Acres! This 5859 sf estate includes 4 bed/3.5 bath in the main home (4934sf), plus an additional bedroom/living area w/ bath & laundry in the detached guest house (925sf), which is currently serving as a theater room/game room/bar. You'll enjoy ample area for your hobbies or extra office in the additional detached air conditioned 10'x18' bungalow, right next to the raised garden beds. The front & backyards feature beautiful mature Ash trees and gorgeous manicured grass, made possible by both SRP flood irrigation & sprinklers. Travertine pavers surround the 12' diving pool & lead to the stately pool cabana, complete with television that rises out of the cabinetry at the push of a button. MORE... When you eventually desire to rest from all the outdoor activities, enjoy the spacious interior of the recently updated home. The central focus of the chef's kitchen is a 8'x6' island with its striking 4 quartzite slab. Guests and family members can enjoy the island seating area, or help cook on the high performance appliances, all with a view of the delightful pool and backyard. Two master suites, one on each wing of the home, allow easy multigenerational living, or make hosting out-of-town guests especially convenient. Two large living areas, plus a sitting room, allow everyone to comfortably enjoy their own activities. The 3 full interior baths feature walk-in showers and lovely tile work. Homes hardly ever become available on this tree-lined street, and ones with this many unique amenities are exceptionally rare. Make your country living dreams come true!
5528 E Windstone Trail
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$1,675,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
4,761
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6732339
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gorgeous home built by Toll Brothers on a great oversized interior lot in a gated community! Enjoy entertaining family & friends in the amazing kitchen featuring custom cabinets w/hardware, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, built-in refrigerator, island for meal prep or entertaining, butlers pantry, window at kitchen sink, pendant lighting. Formal living has a beautiful stone fireplace! Spacious dining & family rooms have Cantera stone accents! Wood plank tile, custom shutters, window treatments & lighting! Master has large soaking tub w/tile surround, large tiled walk-in shower, beautiful granite counters & built in vanity area for makeup, walk-in closet, & view deck to enjoy! Spacious secondary bedrooms & baths! All bedrooms are upstairs. Large loft great for watching movies! Outback 2 patios w/travertine pavers, grass for kids or pets to play, a large pool to enjoy with travertine pavers around, built in covered pergola with firepit and custom BBQ island. Brick Paver front driveway with split 3 car garage and beautiful curb appeal. This home has quality features and shows pride of ownership! This location borders North Scottsdale and you will love this community and the lifestyle it offers!
4530 E Yucca Street
Phoenix, AZ 85028
$1,675,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,297
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775189
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Pristine and private describes this beautifully remodeled home in the perfect central location. 3,297 sf! Over 1/3 acre lot! The gated front courtyard invites you in with lush landscaping, lighting and pavers great for entertaining. Custom double entry doors open to dramatic vaulted ceilings, and two large living spaces. Living/dining with Tray ceiling and family room/wet bar with gas fireplace. Chef's kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, dual ovens, gas range, granite countertops and more! Oversized primary bed/spa bath with amazing walk-in closet, gas fireplace and jetted tub. 4th bedroom detached. Private resort backyard is marvelous with its expansive covered patio, spa, gazebo, gas fireplace, play pool, outdoor shower, built-in kitchen and fountain. NO HOA! Two attached oversized thermostat-controlled 2 car garages (dream workshop?) Cedar closet/air conditioned pantry in garage. Low-E windows throughout. Covered/gated RV/Boat/Camper pad. Literally walk to shopping (Trader Joes), dining, Cholla Park and all the Tatum/Shea amenities. 15 min to Sky Harbor/Scottsdale Executive airports. Excellent Scottsdale School District and Private Schools nearby. Close to new PV mall and 51 frwy. This home is an entertainer's delight! Perfect for 2nd home or permanent residence! Truly resort living! A must see!
6737 E Rockaway Hills Drive
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$1,675,000
5
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,372
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6714785
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Thoughtfully designed custom home nestled on 2+ acres and convenient to downtown Cave Creek. Versatile & open layout. Beautiful kitchen w/ large island, butler's pantry and premium appliances including Wolf/Sub Zero. Primary BR w/ gas fireplace, large bath, dual custom closets. Upstairs guest area w/ BR, seating area, full bath and balcony. 5th BR perfect for home office. Backyard w/ covered patio, fireplace & room for a pool opens to large, natural expanse. 3 car garage plus separate single bay garage at other side of home. R50 Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) wall construction provides excellent insulation. Owned solar panels further improve home's efficiency. New roof, fresh paint, exterior security cameras, extensive window treatment package. Horse property use permitted.
1703 E Singletree Court
Flagstaff, AZ 86005
$1,675,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,712
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6739262
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Meticulously maintained and shows like a model home. Beautiful single family home located in Mountain Estates at Pine Canyon Creekside Village. Cul-de-sac home site conveniently located near the park. Great room floor plan with 3 spacious en-suite bedrooms each with a private bath and additional separate powder room. Some items recently updated include the new paint, fans, kitchen refrigerator, new HVAC, and Electronic blinds in primary bedrooms. Pine Canyon offers a championship golf course designed by Jay Morrish, an award winning full-service clubhouse, spa and fitness facilities, access to extensive trail systems and proximity to AZ excursions.
8633 E Via Montoya --
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$1,675,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,510
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6741102
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gorgeous Custom home in gated community of Los Gatos in North Scottsdale. Situated on almost an acre of serene private desert. This home was built for entertaining with a massive formal living and dining room, stunning fireplace and art display wall with custom lighting. The beautifully remodeled kitchen is light and bright and, features quartz counter tops, loads of storage, and counter space for all the chefs in the house. The backyard is the absolute show stopper of this home. Step out onto the huge covered patio and take in the sparkling pool, gazebo, hot tub, putting greens, Basketball sport court, roof top deck, and lush mature landscaping. Breathtaking views and north/south exposure. New AC's in 2022/2024. This incredible home has it all AND has horse privileges!
8856 E Via De Luna Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$1,675,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
3,030
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747334
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Stylish 3-bed, 3-bath residence in North Scottsdale's most charming gated community, Canada Vistas. This 3,030 sq ft home sits in a quiet cul-de-sac, offering a light and bright kitchen with quartz countertops, built-in breakfast bar, Dacor gas cooktop, Wolf double oven, and ample storage space. The family room, with a beverage center including beverage refrigerators, seamlessly connects to the kitchen. With a split floor plan, the owner's suite offers a massive walk-in shower, dual sinks, and a spacious closet, and two additional bedrooms and an office. The interior of this gorgeous home is bathed in natural light, and provides views of the yard featuring a covered patio, heated pebble Tec pool, spa, waterfall, custom BBQ island, fireplace, flagstone, and synthetic grass area. Additional
7400 E Gainey Club Drive Unit 109
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$1,675,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,990
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774100
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
The new definition of luxury in Gainey Ranch! Incredible remodel, extraordinary finishes, beautiful mountain and golf course views and steps to the Club House. Some of the finishes include 150 yr. old Handcrafted European Oak Floors, 1850's Kentucky Barnwood, Quartz Counters, Alder Cabinets and Teak Vanity. Enjoy all that Gainey Ranch has to offer (New $8M Club House, golf, tennis, pickleball, gym, Olympic pool and spa) while residing in the newest, most opulent condo available! Do you want special features not found in the other units? How about an enlarged master closet and A/C Garage. End unit with two outdoor spaces. 3rd Bedroom is currently set up as an office. Extensive lists of upgrades can be found in Documents.
3315 N Tova Trail
Prescott, AZ 86305
$1,675,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,824
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6752764
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience the charm of custom craftsmanship with this exquisite Western-style estate, nestled just minutes from downtown Prescott on a 3.2-acre lot. The primary residence, is 2,689 sq ft of elegantly appointed living space, features 10-foot coffered ceilings, 8-foot doors, clear alder wood cabinetry, granite countertops, generous closet space, extensive storage, and a sizable laundry room. The open-plan living area is ideal for unwinding and hosting friends and family. The charming 1 Bed/1BR 614-square-foot guest house has its own garage included. This extra space is perfect for long-term family visits, a home office, or as a rental. Horse enthusiasts will appreciate the expansive outdoor area, which includes a two-horse stable with a tack room and heated water, a corral, and arena.
27029 N Javelina Trail
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$1,675,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,860
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762449
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Be prepared to be wowed. This is a gorgeous Mike Foster Custom Home with all the extras. An amenities sheet is in the listing for more details. The exterior design with stone accents and the custom front door with a 3 panel steel bronze and etched glass establishes the feel of quality. Step into the spacious greatroom with 12 ft high ceiling with handcrafted beams and elegant wood flooring. The kitchen has shaker cabinets, Monogram appliances with the quartzite countertops. Designer lighting and tiles in all bathrooms continue to delight visitors. Enjoy the beauty of your own pool and spa surrounded by travertine pavers and entertain with a built-in BBQ. This home has an ideal floor plan with 2 ensuite baths with each guest bedroom.The 3-car garage has extra storage and epoxy floor.