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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16546 W Blue Sky Drive
Peeples Valley, AZ 86332
$1,399,000
2
Beds
1
Bath
1,302
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786168
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled 1930's stone ranch house situated on 40.16 acres of wide-open space in serene Peeples Valley. This charming 1,302 sq ft home boasts 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, offering a cozy, yet spacious living environment. The beamed ceilings throughout the interior create a rustic and warm ambiance, while modern updates make it a comfortable and stylish retreat. Having both a front and a back covered porch, you can take your pick on the best place to relax and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The property includes a fully fenced yard, perfect for pets or gardening. Additionally, the large metal barn is ready for horses with a sizable corral and plenty of hay storage. Sweeping pastures would make a great place for an arena or could be fenced for rotating cattle pastures. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of tranquility with historic charm and modern amenities in one of the most beautiful and peaceful parcels in all of Yavapai County with endless possibilities.
4621 E Walter Way
Phoenix, AZ 85050
$1,399,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
3,999
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6763363
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Move-in ready home located in the highly sought-after gated community of Sanctuary at Desert Ridge. Boasting 5 Beds, 4 Baths, and a two-car garage with built-in racks. Endless features include dual AC units w/ 5 zones, a private travertine courtyard, prime North/South exposed lot, water filtration system & a spacious den. The gourmet eat-in kitchen offers extended shaker-style cabinets, a mosaic tile backsplash, high-end granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a gas cooktop, and a reverse osmosis system. The master bath features quartz countertops, a spacious walk-in closet, dual vanities, and a dual-entry shower. The backyard is perfect for entertaining, complete with a jacuzzi, built-in stainless steel BBQ area, glass fireplace, an entertainment wall with a TV and fridge... a misting system, and faux grass for easy upkeep. The private community of Sanctuary at Desert Ridge has it all. Enjoy exclusive access to the community pool, spa, clubhouse, playground, and wellness center.
11288 N San Clemente Street
Surprise, AZ 85388
$1,399,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,743
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6783425
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Rare, one-of-a-kind golf course/mountain/sunset view lot in Sterling Grove! One of the best lots the neighborhood has to offer, with stunning views of the White Tanks, overlooking hole 11. Enjoy resort style living in your outdoor space with pool, travertine patio, heavily landscaped with 15 ft privacy trees, tiled firepit with gas line for grill. Enclosed patio with tiled entertainment wall, including 2 TV niches & bar with beverage fridge, storage and trash. Front porch includes gorgeous custom porch swing with Sunbrella cushions designed to withstand weather. Open floor plan with custom real wood beams, and gourmet kitchen equipped with upgraded 42'' cabinets, tile backsplash to ceiling, and gas cooktop stove. Custom chevron shiplapped island with marble countertops... and more... ... Wainscoting & custom wallpaper in dining, along with built in bar for entertaining, equipped with floating shelves, tiled wall & cabinets with beverage fridge. Glass double french doors to den, wall niches for décor in entry. Designer lighting throughout. Woven wood cordless shades & designer curtains throughout. Tile all through main floor except in master. Charming Master Bath with standalone tub, herringbone tile floor, seamless shower enclosure & custom mirrors. Permanent Jellyfish holiday lights. Don't miss this one!
2415 N 87th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$1,399,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,012
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6785466
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your ultimate oasis of luxury and sophistication, perfectly nestled in quiet neighborhood minutes to Old Town. This stunning residence on an almost 18,000 sq ft lot has been meticulously designed with high-end finishes and state-of-the-art features to create an entertainer's paradise. Over $400k in renovations up the wow factor in this well laid out 4 bedroom home. New plumbing, electrical, designer lighting, new roof, new front and back yard with huge projector screen for outdoor movie time, and covered patio. Love your pristine pool, hot tub, 42 yard par 2 golf hole, fire pit and RV gate plus side parking allows for more than enough toys/cars. Kitchen with large quartz island & SS appliances and also features a coffee and wine bar area. Bathrooms with gold and black fixtures, rain shower heads, freestanding deep soaker tub and tons of storage and double vanities. Set on a spacious lot, this home is more than a residenceit's a sanctuary type lifestyle. Whether hosting a grand soirée or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, this entertainer's dream home is your perfect match.
6333 E Desert Forest Trail
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$1,399,000
4
Beds
4
Baths
3,580
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6774167
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step into this stunning home and attached guest retreat, set on over 1/3 acre with 3,580 sq ft of luxury living. Enjoy a private pool, 3-car garage, and panoramic views of Black Mountain, with natural open space enhancing the tranquility. Two homes under one roof make it perfect for multi-generational living. The Next Gen suite offers a private bedroom, bath, living area, laundry, kitchen and its own garage and outdoor space. The main home features a 2-car garage, 3 bathrooms, a spacious primary suite, 2 guest bedroom, and a large open kitchen with GE Monogram appliances, granite countertops, and upgraded cabinetry. The primary suite includes an oversized walk-in shower, large walk-in closet and private access to the backyard . The backyard includes travertine decking, pebble tec pool, pool water feature, desert view fencing, large double gate and low maintenance landscaping. The extensive list of upgrades can be found under the documents tab This list of high quality upgrades include solid wood flooring, custom lighting, remote controlled custom window shades, upgraded cabintry, granite counter tops, and more.
8401 E Vista Del Lago --
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$1,399,000
4
Beds
5
Baths
3,315
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6780699
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled in the prestigious guard gated golf community of Pinnacle Peak Country Club Estates, this classic home is perfectly situated on a desirable south-facing corner lot surrounded by lush, mature landscaping with a tranquil courtyard inviting you in. Inside, the single-level floor plan boasts abundant natural light with a seamless flow throughout its four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Whether you're looking for a move-in-ready property or a canvas to customize, this home presents an incredible opportunity, priced below appraisal value. Walking distance to nearby upscale shopping and dining in North Scottsdale.
5028 N Scottsdale Road
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
$1,399,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,388
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6696525
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Prime Paradise Valley Location in Camelback Park Estates minutes from Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. NEW TRANE AC! NO HOA! Enter through the front courtyard. Single level 3 bed 2 bath home w/ an office, a pool & a 2 car garage. Remodeled in 2019. Wood laminate flooring throughout. Chef's Kitchen is modern & includes white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, farm sink, gas range & walk-in pantry. Bar stool seating & a second dining area. Primary suite is over-sized w/ an exit to the backyard, walk-in closet & a marble bathroom w/ a shower, free standing tub & dual sinks. All bedrooms have an exit to the low maintenance resort style backyard that features pool w/ rock water feature, paver patio, outdoor kitchen/BBQ & an observation deck that overlooks Scottsdal NEWER Roof, New water heater & soft water system
5216 E Barwick Drive
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$1,399,000
4
Beds
4
Baths
4,354
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6743171
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this stunning semi-custom 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, plus a casita Toll Brother's home. Located on .35 acres in the highly sought-after gated community Montevista. This beautiful property features 2 primary suites, one on the main floor. It's nestled on a spacious cul-de-sac lot that backs to a wash, with a sparkling pool, and large green space. This home provides plenty of room for outdoor entertaining and the mountain views and desert sunsets are gorgeous. Step inside to discover a meticulously maintained interior with high-end finishes throughout. The open concept floor plan offers a seamless flow from the living room to the gourmet kitchen, complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island with additional seating; ideal for entertaining. Both primary suites luxurious ensuite bathrooms with dual vanities, a soaking tub, walk-in showers and more. The two additional bedrooms on the main floor open to a beautifully upgraded full bathroom. The casita opens to a partial kitchen, built in shelves and hardwood floors, perfect for guests or a home office. Upstairs is the second spacious primary bedroom that has a separate sitting area, walk-in closet, vanities and two walk out balconies ideal for both sunrises and sunsets. This home sides to a green space which provides the utmost privacy. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and breathtaking sunsets from the comfort of your own backyard. This home is located close to all the local schools, minutes from Cave Creek, Desert Ridge, Kierland, Scottsdale Quarter, parks and so much more!
16317 N 108th Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$1,399,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,896
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6737702
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Wonderful views! Update a fabulous executive home to your tastes. Unbeatable square foot price in both McDowell Mountain Ranch and Scottsdale for a 5BR/3BA. Newer Trane A/C units (2022), solar panels and incredible views add value to this light filled, private home with pool/spa. Easy walk to community center. This model sold for $350000 more in June.
17938 E Vista Desierto --
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$1,399,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,946
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6678773
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Exceptional Golf Course and mountain views offered with the unique Alora model. This 3 bedroom 3 1/2 bath also features an attached casita with a private entrance is a must see. 2 additional ensuites offer full baths with separate entries, no expenses spared in any of the 2 rooms. Casita offers a living/TV room with separate bedroom and full bath. The Open-air concept architecture is ideal for entertaining and dining. Gourmet kitchen with custom cabinets, Monogram appliances, dual ovens, gas cook top, oversized granite kitchen island, featuring ceiling height glass front cabinets. The large laundry and home office has custom cabinets and granite counter tops. Custom window shutters with window shades. Upgraded wood flooring and tile throughout. Central vacuum system, dual HVAC System
34813 N 73rd Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$1,399,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,588
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769529
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled within the gated community of North Scottsdale's Enclave on the Eighth, this immaculately maintained home offers 2,588sf of easy, luxurious living featuring a resort level backyard oasis. Built in 2016, this modern home features 3 bedrooms plus a versatile den, 3 baths, and a split floorplan perfectly suited for today's lifestyle. With no interior steps and soaring 12-foot ceilings, the open-concept design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living spaces, creating a true sense of expansive comfort and elegance. At the heart of the home, the great room's full wall of windows opens to a stunning outdoor oasis through two sets of expansive bi-folding patio doors, allowing you to transition between indoor and outdoor living with ease. Step into a backyard that rivals a high-end resort, where the dynamic water feature cascades beside a custom stone fire pit with seating designed for gatherings under the stars. A built-in stone BBQ and spacious artificial turf area offer a perfect setup for outdoor entertaining, while the covered patio provides a comfortable retreat for quiet moments of relaxation, all framed by a combination of mountain views and easy-care landscaping. Inside, the open kitchen impresses with a grand center island, offering seating for sixideal for both casual dining and socializing. Top-tier appliances, including a Wolf 5-burner gas cooktop, double Wolf ovens, a Subzero refrigerator, and a Bosch dishwasher, make gourmet meals a breeze. The owner's suite is a true retreat, complete with an oversized walk-in closet and an indulgent dual-head shower, providing a perfect space to unwind after a long day. Beyond the home's luxurious features, the property offers quick golf cart access to the renowned Boulders Golf Course and is just moments away from upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. This exceptional home is the perfect blend of style, comfort, and location, offering a unique opportunity to experience the best of North Scottsdale living.
7740 E Gainey Ranch Road Unit 24
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$1,398,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,922
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6780323
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
READY TO MOVE IN SINGLE LEVEL ON GOLF COURSE -THIS 2BD PLUS DEN W VIEWS FACING SW-WALK UP PRIVATE WALKWAY TO NEW GLASS FRONT DOOR-WALK INTO SPACIOUS OPEN FLOOR PLAN -HARDWOOD FLOORS THRU-OUT-LIVING ROOM HAS FIREPLACE & ACCESS OUT TO PVT BACK YARD-PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING -REMODELED KITCHEN W GRANITE COUNTERS-STAINLESS APPLIANCES,UPDATED CABINETS,BREAKFAST BAR-LOVELY DINING AREA -ANTIQUE CHANDELIER-LARGE MASTER SUITE W PVT SIDE PATIO -MASTER BATH W SEP TUB/WALK IN SHOWER-DOUBLE SINKS W GRANITE COUNTER-LARGE WALK IN CLOSET-OVERSIZED GUEST BEDROOM HAS DOUBLE CLOSETS-UPDATED GUEST BATH W TUB/SHOWER-DEN/OFFICE AREA CAN BE ALSO USED AS BEDROOM-DIRECT ACCESS INTO HOUSE FROM 2CGARAGE-GREAT LOCATION -WALK TO ESTATE CLUB-ENJOY GAINEY AMENITIES-TENNIS,PICKLE BALL,FITNESS CENTER-24 HR GUARD GATEDCOMM