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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12409 N 60th Lane
Glendale, AZ 85304
$625,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,644
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6770245
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This is it! This gorgeous home is on a quiet street in a well maintained subdivision. You'll be close to highly sought after schools & parks, and only minutes from the 101 and the I-17. Notice the fantastic curb appeal and low maintenance lawn and rv gate. There is wood-like tile flooring in all the main living areas, separate living & family rooms, spacious bedrooms with one bedroom and full bathroom downstairs. Your new kitchen offers custom countertops, island with breakfast bar, tile backsplash, and contemporary cabinets with lots of storage space. It has vaulted ceilings, and open floor plan, and ceiling fans in all the right places. You'll definitely spend a lot of time in the oasis of a backyard with above ground spa, pool, covered patio, built in bbq, fireplace and bar. no maintenance landscaping. You will love so much about this gem of a home so hurry and come take a look. It won't last long on the market. Thanks for stopping in.
36021 N 32nd Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85086
$625,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,669
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771722
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This fantastic home is where your future memories are sure to be made. This beautiful two-story home offers 5 bedrooms 3 baths and an inviting open floorplan. Great room with high ceiling. Open kitchen with Island and Stainless steel appliances. The large primary bedroom has a sitting area and On suite includes Separate Shower & Tub, Double sinks and a Huge Walkin Closet. One bedroom and full bath downstairs. Large lot with easy to maintain back and front yards. Extended covered patio, 3 Car Garage, upstairs laundry, double sinks in secondary bath. Great Community includes heated pools, spas, play areas, tennis courts, walking paths and much more. Conveniently located near restaurants and Shopping. Come and see your new home.
19958 W Glenrosa Avenue
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
$625,000
2
Beds
3
Baths
2,041
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769189
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PEACE AND TRANQUILITY ABOUND IN YOUR BACKYARD OASIS,Welcome to this stunning 2 bed/3 bath w/ den and flex room that provides an additional 150 sqft of living space. Home has custom finishes with many builder upgrades and over $75,000 in owner upgrades.Fabulous great room w/gas FP and mesquite wood mantle,crown molding,tray ceilings,shiplap and 12'ft multistacking corner less doors that bring the outside in. Beautiful chefs kitchen w/ 10' island, pullouts in cabinets,walk in pantry,builtin oven and microwave and granite countertops. go out through the corner less doors in the great room to a fabulous backyard w/ extended travertine patio,large stone water feature and jacuzzi spa. Fire pit, builtin bbque,Sun Setter shades,custom lighting complete this oasis.Wood shutters throughout. The primary suite is accented with shiplap and crown molding.Large en-suite bath w/ walk-in shower and large closet. The den has barn doors for privacy,crown molding and shelving. Secondary bedroom also an en-suite bath. To add to the living space the FLEX ROOM which you enter through the garage has an epoxy floor with central AC and heat and is perfect for the hobbyist or as an office,workout room or workshop. Two car garage has epoxy floor with wall of built in cabinets. All that's left to do in this beautiful home is to ENJOY IT! Embrace the Verrado lifestyle with all the amenities it has to offer.
3040 N Saffron --
Mesa, AZ 85215
$625,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,365
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776002
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2-story home sits on a sprawling 11,239 sqft lot with no HOA AND PAID OFF SOLAR!! Offering 2,365 sqft of interior living space, the home features a cozy fireplace in the family room, high ceilings, and large dual-pane sunscreen windows for plenty of natural light. Plush carpet and tile flooring run throughout. The upstairs primary bedroom includes a full ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The kitchen showcases granite countertops, elegant cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, and a breakfast bar. The backyard is as beautiful as the interior, featuring a covered patio, balcony, and a low-maintenance yard with grass, gravel, and trees. Enjoy the private heated pool and spa! Additional exterior storage, RV parking, and a 2-car garage add to the home's appeal!
4167 N Brigadier Drive
Florence, AZ 85132
$625,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,514
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776342
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Enjoy the luxury and RESORT STYLE LIVING with this HIGHLY UPGRADED Sun City home. Your new beautiful ''Journey'' model is offered FULLY FURNISHED and located on a PREMIUM WASH LOT offering stunning Sonoran Desert views. The exquisite outdoor living space features a private courtyard, paver driveway, extended paver patio, synthetic grass, fencing and beautifully landscaped yards. Every detail has been added starting with the gorgeous CHEFS KITCHEN cabinet layout w/granite counter tops, BUTLERS PANTRY, wood-look tile flooring, tray ceilings, built-in fireplace feature and a double sliding glass door leading to the patio. Additional details include a GOLF CART GARAGE, First Impression security door, ceiling fans and a large walk-in shower and double vanity in the primary en-suite. STUNNING HOME THAT NEEDS TO BE SEEN TO APPRECIATE! Merrill Ranch also offers the Anthem Grille, The Poston Butte Golf Club, a learning center and all the festivities, activities and amenities a Sun City community has to offer. Remember you are buying a lifestyle that goes beyond the homes property lines.
2748 E Canyon Creek Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85295
$625,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,302
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6782491
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step inside your new dream home that is just minutes away from the 202 freeway and the San Tan Mall, this home has too many updates to list. It is a must see! The newly remodeled kitchen boasts all stainless steel appliances, granite/quartz countertops and a farmhouse style sink. The garage has an epoxied floor along with plenty of storage space while the large loft affords extra room for children to play or to just lounge & relax. New carpet in the bedrooms and closets, and upgraded light fixtures throughout make this home shine. Enjoy the lagoon style pool with a baja shelf & built in cleaning system that was built in 2022. The home also has 2 new A/C units with Ecobee thermostats & a new water heater, all installed in 2022.
3367 Turkey Track Road
Pinetop, AZ 85935
$625,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,565
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776847
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Located in Pinetop Lakes Mtn Homes, with Recreation Center privileges, this immaculate 3 bed/2 bath cabin has been beautifully maintained and shows pride of ownership at every turn. Soaring ponderosa pines and easy to maintain landscaping. The wood-burning fireplace with a Napoleon insert is surrounded by stacked stone and a rustic, gnarly mantle. The heated garage has built-in cabinets and a work bench. This cabin has been very loved over the years and continually updated, most recent improvements include all new Composite outdoor decks, new log railings, and remodeled master bath. Located in the heart of the White Mountains within minutes of 3 golf courses, multiple national forest trailheads for hiking/biking and many other summer and winter activities for the outdoor enthusiast to
7534 W Jones Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85043
$625,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777957
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Better than new home, two years old and highly upgraded including an extended RV garage(gives at least 4 parking spots)!!! Perfect for boats,cars, RV, weight room, workshop, golf simulator, Basketball court, whatever fits your lifestyle! Fabulous split, open floorplan that includes double door den, large great room and dining area. and a powder room and plank tile laid in the upgraded herringbone pattern throughout living area. Gourmet kitchen w/ large island and breakfast bar, SS appliances including gas cooktop, double wall ovens, granite countertops, backsplash and huge walk in pantry plus a ''butlers pantry area'' w/ desk and more storage!! Primary suite offers a luxurious, oversized, tiled walk in shower, separate water closet, walk in closet, double sinks. Guest Rooms share a bath w/ private shower area and double sinks! Beautifully landscaped backyard w/ firepit, artificial turf, covered patio and garden bed. Close access to the new 202 south, too
3953 W Salter Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$625,000
5
Beds
5.5
Baths
3,863
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777770
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this gorgeous 5-bed, 5.5-bath home with an above ground SWIMMING POOL, convenient BASEMENT, GUEST QUARTERS, NEW AC units and thoughtful design throughout! Inviting ambiance in the spacious great room, where plush carpet, upscale ceiling fans, recessed lighting, and thick baseboards create an elegant and cozy feel. The kitchen is a chef's dream, comes complete with abundant cabinetry topped with crown moulding, granite counters, a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and a center island. Romantic primary retreat boasts outdoor access, double door entry, and an ensuite comprised of two vanities, soaking tub, and a walk-in closet. HUGE family room in the basement is perfect for entertaining, movie nights, or a game room. Serene backyard provides a covered patio, pavers, and a storage shed. This beauty will sell fast!
18961 N 259th Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$625,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,009
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779380
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
If you've been considering a 55+ active adult community in Arizona, and Sun City Festival is on your list for all it's fantastic amenities, then you will want to see this gorgeous and upgraded 3 bed 2 bath home that has views upon views as it backs to the White Mountains preserve looking east. Stylish and modern upgrades to the large chef's kitchen, flooring, and much more make this is a home that is truly turn-key. Whether as a second home or your year-round residence, this home has the style and finishes you deserve. Also, the leased solar helps lower your electric bills substantially. Imagine yourself sitting on the patio and taking in the beautiful open land and mountain views backed by that gorgeous Arizona sky. Your new home awaits!
2937 N 16th Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85015
$625,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777847
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
WOW!!! Welcome to this stunning move-in-ready home in the highly sought after North Encanto Historic District, completely transformed from top to bottom. It features a newer roof, AC, brand new sub & main electrical panel, LVP flooring, updated electrical, plumbing, and modernized kitchen and baths. While upgraded, it retains charming historic features like a large brick fireplace and a vintage outdoor grill. The reconfigured floor plan includes a primary suite with an ensuite bath. Outside, the front yard has lush grass, and the backyard offers low-maintenance turf. The oversized two-car garage with built-in cabinets provides ample storage. Located on a quiet street, this home blends historic charm with modern living.
7658 E Vista Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
$625,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,236
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781032
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Step into this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, complete with a versatile bonus room that's perfect for a home office or guest space, featuring a convenient Murphy bed. The kitchen boasts sleek quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, creating a modern, functional space for any chef. Throughout the home, you'll find elegant plantation shutters, vaulted ceilings, and walk-in closets, providing ample storage. The resort-style front patio, with non-skid tile, and a spacious back patio overlook lush green common areas shaded by mature trees, with a pathway leading to the community pool. Conveniently located near shopping and dining. This gem won't last long!