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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23008 E Galveston Street
Mesa, AZ 85212
$1,250,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
3,039
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6764340
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
*SELLERS WILL PAY 10K- BUYERS CLOSING COSTS/ RATE BUY DOWN* Nestled in Rancho Apache this non HOA home sits on over an acre of land, surrounded by nature and grandiose custom homes. Near fwy 24, Eastmark, and the famous sports complex. This location is unbeatable, very close to shopping, dining, and entertainment! This home features 13ft ceilings, custom floor to ceiling windows and glass doors throughout, which makes it spacious and open. A great kitchen with large waterfall island perfect for entertaining. 3ba and 3bd plus a flex room which can be used as a 4b/ office/ den, all bd have exterior access. The 3 car garage is overextended and spacious, also features RO and water softener. And a large workshop in the back. This home is ready to make your own!
11790 E Bella Vista Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
$1,250,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,087
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778837
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover unparalleled luxury in this beautifully remodeled home within the prestigious guard-gated community of Stonegate. Spacious design exudes elegance with natural light, from the refined living areas to the sleek modern kitchen with top-of-the-line built-ins and abundant cabinetry. A dramatic living space offers versatility, while the split bedroom layout ensures privacy for all. Well sized owner's suite features a large walk in closet, spa-like bathroom, perfect for relaxation and French Doors to the beautiful yard. Outside, the extended covered patio and sparkling pool create a stunning backdrop for entertaining. Enjoy community resort-style amenities: pool, spa, pickleball/tennis, trails, playground, and more—experience luxury living at its finest in Scottsdale!
34428 N 68th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$1,250,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,974
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767039
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Completely reimagined Crista floorplan with the finest luxurious materials and designer finishes. This property feels like a brand-new home thanks to an extensive transformative rebuild, which included expanding rooms, removing walls, and adding more storage. Residents of Terravita Country Club enjoy a lifestyle rich in amenities, including dining, a pool, tennis, pickleball, and a fitness center, all set against beautiful mountain-side views.The Terravita lifestyle offers a private 18 hole champion golf course, driving ranges, chip and putting practice areas. Homes come with a social membership to the First Class Country Club, complete with dining and banquet facilities, swimming, spa and tennis center, a state-of-the art health & fitness center, 6 pickle ball courts, social meeting pavilion, and miles of walking/jogging trails.
6060 E Nugget Patch Trail
Prescott, AZ 86303
$1,250,000
3
Beds
4
Baths
3,181
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787168
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Magnificent Mountain Setting having 7.2 Split-able Acres with Fabulous VIEWS of Granite Mountain, Thumb Butte, San Francisco Peaks, Bill Williams & City Lights of Prescott Valley!!! This Beautiful home built in 2016 has 3181 Sq Ft of Semi-Custom Construction featuring 3Bedrooms/3.5Bathrooms/3CarGarage + Den or (Possible 4th Bedroom), GREAT ROOM, Sunken Formal Living Room, Game Room/Rec Room with Bar & Pool Table, Vaulted/Beamed Ceiling, Ceiling Fans, Hardwood, 20'' Tile, & Carpet flooring, Peeled Pole Accents, Wood/Gas Fireplace with Stone Chimney face, & Upgraded Lighting. Kitchen is fabulous with Knotty Hickory Cabinetry, QUARTZ Countertops, Tile Back Splash, ISLAND/Island Sink, Breakfast Nook, Pantry, & Black Stainless-Steel Appliances (Inc. Fridge)... Huge Master on Second Floor, Dual Sinks, Jetted Garden Tub, Snail Shower, His & Her Closets, & has Private Deck. The 2 Bedrooms on Main Floor are Spacious & are both MINI MASTERS...one with Full Tub/Shower & the other with Walk-in Shower. Additional Features include Large Laundry Room w/Washer & Dryer conveying, large Fenced Back Yard with Gazebo & Artificial Grass to enjoy those Outstanding VIEWS. You must see this to get the full effect!!!!
2211 E Camelback Road Unit 506
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$1,250,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,074
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768074
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
UNOBSTUCTED Mountain VIEWS! Immaculate, updated condo. 2 bed/2 bath - Wood floors throughout. Murphy bed and desk in guest bedroom. Open floor plan with views from every room. Fully updated kitchen. Washer/dryer included. Lots of storage throughout. Fully equipped gym, Roof top heated swimming pool/jacuzzi and 2 BB pits. Surround sound music throuoghout common areas. HOA fee includes everything except electriity. Fully equipped state of the art gym. Building business office with 2 terminals and high speed internet/fax/copier etc. Club room with huge. TV/Fireplace/Piano/Library. Available for immediate occupancy. Beautifully updated! Also available for lease.
7734 E Adele Court
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$1,250,000
6
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,281
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767959
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled in the coveted North Scottsdale 85255 zip code! Entering be captivated by soaring ceilings & upgraded flooring. This unique layout offers 2 master suites one upstairs & the other on the main level providing ultimate comfort & privacy. while an additional main level bedroom offers extra space for guests. The gourmet kitchen offers premium Viking appliances, double oven & island perfect for culinary creations & entertaining. The large great room invites relaxation, Upstairs, you'll find 4 additional bedrooms. The second master suite serves as a personal retreat! Step outside to a beautiful yard with a sparkling pool & backing to a natural area for added privacy. Conveniently located to upscale shopping, fine dining, world-class golf & vibrant entertainment epitomizing luxury living.
4721 W Banff Lane
Glendale, AZ 85306
$1,250,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,000
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768569
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautifully updated horse property featuring 8 spacious stalls, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts! The kitchen has been fully remodeled with stunning quartz countertops, sleek new cabinets, and modern appliances including oven, stovetop, refrigerator, stove vent, and dishwasher. All 3 full bathrooms have also been upgraded with quartz countertops, new sink cabinets, stylish glass showers, and new toilets. Additional updates include brand-new doors and windows with shutters, a new Pentair motor and filter system for the swimming pool, repaired stable area poles with new lighting, fresh countertops in the laundry room, steel gates leading to the backyard, and new pole lights for added illumination. This property is a perfect blend of luxury and functionality, ready for you
930 W Maryland Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85013
$1,250,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,922
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771148
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Your dream corner lot home is finally here! This 3-bedroom gem boasts fantastic curb appeal with a 3-car garage, a circular driveway with a canopy, and an immaculate lawn. Fall in love with the delightful open floor plan with soaring ceilings, recessed lighting, a soothing palette, and 24x48 Italian tile flooring. The gourmet kitchen comes with quartz counters, modern flat-panel cabinetry, pendant lighting, a stylish tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and a large center island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The primary bedroom features a romantic fireplace, direct backyard access, a lavish ensuite with double sinks, and a spacious walk-in closet. Outdoors, the enchanting backyard showcases a covered patio and a refreshing pool. Make this gem yours!
3007 E Calaveros Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85028
$1,250,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,576
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774557
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Highly sought after Heritage Heights remodel. Enter the home through custom Wrought Iron Double Entry Door with double operable insulation glass and step on tile that looks like real wood. This oversized lot in a cul-de-sac w/ a north/south exposure has fab mountain views and is walking distance to the trails at the Phoenix Mountain Preserve & Piestewa Peak.. The gorgeous kitchen features updated quartz countertops w/ glass back splash, top of the line stainless steel Samsung appliances w/ a gas stove and pantry. Bathrooms with double sinks and granite countertops, huge primary room with a generous walk in closet sports a shower with 2 heads and a warming heater and a separate soaking tub. Cozy fireplace in the family room, formal dining and a separate great room. (see more) Newer low-e dual paned windows. Community has a pool (heated part of the year), tennis, pickle ball, game room in the rentable clubhouse. The Memorial Day Parade and other fun activities make for one of the most cherished neighborhoods in the Valley (see under documents). Back yard has a large covered patio with tongue and groove ceiling, a built in firepit, fabulous BBQ with seating, large side yard with garden and another large side yard with view, shed and an RV gate for storing items such as boats and toys. Safe stays as it is part of the home. Good size 2 car garage with epoxy flooring on this elevated lot. Easy access to the SR-51, restaurants, shopping and more. Fabulous mountain views!!
7788 E Main Street Unit 1003
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
$1,250,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,115
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772687
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
BUILDER financing available. Up to $10,000 in closing costs. Will consider lease to own. This resort style community features 21 units, each with its own spacious two car garage and rooftop balcony. The elegant contemporary exterior architecture, and careful attention to detail & design, make Seneca Luxury Condos an inviting community atmosphere. Your new conveniently located home in Old Town Scottsdale awaits! As you walk up to your home in Seneca, you experience a luxury private gated vestibule leading you through the cobblestone paver patio to a custom modern glass and iron front door for each unit. Entering the home, you will immediately take in the sophisticated and livable design! The interiors combine luxury with urban contemporary. Elevators are an option for these beautiful townhomes. From the premium selected base package including solid core hardwood flooring, the executive Thermofoil kitchen cabinets, natural Quartz counters, beautiful European fixtures, for the chef or the entertainer, this kitchen will be difficult to say no. Each unit has 3 ample sized bedrooms and 3 baths with complete attention to detail such as touchscreen, backlit , LED mirrors, intricate stone design in showers and baths, walk in closets and full patio or balcony offering outdoor privacy in every room. Through the custom contemporary open stairways featuring hand cut stairs and railings, you will access the remote-operated skylight with stairs leading to your exclusive roof-top outdoor deck space with composite wood plank flooring. The impressive 500 sq ft rooftops come plumbed for gas and water allowing future owners the opportunity to get a complete outdoor kitchen, perfect for enjoying Arizona's beautiful sunsets and year-long warm weather. Come visit today and take advantage of year end pricing and incentives.
7788 E Main Street Unit 1002
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
$1,250,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,115
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772692
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
BUILDER financing available. Up to $10,000 in closing costs. Will consider lease to own. This resort style community features 21 units, each with its own spacious two car garage and rooftop balcony. The elegant contemporary exterior architecture, and careful attention to detail & design, make Seneca Luxury Condos an inviting community atmosphere. Your new conveniently located home in Old Town Scottsdale awaits! As you walk up to your home in Seneca, you experience a luxury private gated vestibule leading you through the cobblestone paver patio to a custom modern glass and iron front door for each unit. Entering the home, you will immediately take in the sophisticated and livable design! The interiors combine luxury with urban contemporary. Elevators are an option for these beautiful townhomes. From the premium selected base package including solid core hardwood flooring, the executive Thermofoil kitchen cabinets, natural Quartz counters, beautiful European fixtures, for the chef or the entertainer, this kitchen will be difficult to say no. Each unit has 3 ample sized bedrooms and 3 baths with complete attention to detail such as touchscreen, backlit , LED mirrors, intricate stone design in showers and baths, walk in closets and full patio or balcony offering outdoor privacy in every room. Through the custom contemporary open stairways featuring hand cut stairs and railings, you will access the remote-operated skylight with stairs leading to your exclusive roof-top outdoor deck space with composite wood plank flooring. The impressive 500 sq ft rooftops come plumbed for gas and water allowing future owners the opportunity to get a complete outdoor kitchen, perfect for enjoying Arizona's beautiful sunsets and year-long warm weather. Come visit today and take advantage of year end pricing and incentives.
26715 N 168th Street
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$1,250,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,594
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774784
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Whispering Canyon - a breathtaking 3.5-acre desert retreat in Rio Verde Foothills! This luxurious 3-bedroom, 3-bath property, complete with a charming guest casita, is perfect for a family compound or serene getaway. The main home features an open layout w/ high ceilings, abundant natural light, and elegant finishes. The gourmet kitchen boasts premium appliances and a spacious island, ideal for entertaining. The master suite offers a spa-inspired bath, walk-in shower, and ample closet space. Outdoors, enjoy stunning views, a covered patio, & pristine desert landscaping. Whispering Canyon is equipped with a 5,050-gallon water tank by Dynamite Water & permanent water service approved by EPCOR, ensuring reliable access. Embrace the ultimate desert lifestyle in comfort & style.