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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23942 N 171st Drive
Surprise, AZ 85387
$609,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,630
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6645243
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Estates at Asante , a beautiful community with surrounding views. Look no further as this community offers only single-story homes. Step inside and you'll be greeted by the popular spacious Pomona floor plan. Very airy, open and bright. Perfect for entertaining with he multi slide off the great room and outdoor patio to bring outdoor living inside .Kitchen island awaits the family chef to enjoy the amazing kitchen island and abundance of cabinets. Set up 4 bedrooms, 3 bath, study and 3 car garage. Your dream home is here.
1865 S 231st Lane
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$609,995
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,112
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6773421
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Spectacular and spacious 2-story home in Sundance of Buckeye. Homes sits on one of the largest lots in the neighborhood. Completely remodeled with tons of upgrades. OWNED 42-panel solar system that saves $$$ on electric bills. The home offers ultimate privacy with no rear neighbors due to the common area behind the lot. With low property taxes and HOA fees, this luxurious home is also cost-effective. See the list of upgrades in the docs tab...TOO MANY to list here. Don't miss out on this extraordinary property that blends luxury, modern amenities, and functionality in a peaceful, private setting. Don't miss this one!
37735 W Padilla Street
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$609,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,756
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762778
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! This beautiful Jerome floorplan features an expansive great room with 10ft ceiling and a 15ft multi slider allowing for indoor outdoor living. The stunning kitchen is appointed with stacked cabinetry, matte black hardware, gas stove top, and double ovens! Relax in your Primary with Ultra Spa Shower and large walk-in closet. Your FIVE CAR GARAGE is perfect to store everything! With 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.
3936 E Terrel Street
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
$609,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,175
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778908
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This home has it all with room for all of your toys! Popular Wayfarer plan features it's own RV garage. This home is situated in the amenity rich community of Bella Vista Farms. Residents enjoy an amenity-rich lifestyle with exclusive access to an onsite swimming pool, picnic area, splash park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court and greenbelt. The local area is host to the San Tan Regional Park, where locals enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding and more. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.
16683 W Saguaro Park Lane
Surprise, AZ 85387
$609,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,605
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6745142
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Up to 3% of Base Price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender.'' Discover the sophistication of the Coventry floorplan, offering 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and an additional kitchen with living space. Noteworthy structural details include a step-free shower, 8' interior doors, and a spacious 3-car garage. The home is further enhanced with built-in appliances, quartz kitchen countertops, a gas-ready kitchen, a BBQ-ready backyard, and a laundry area equipped for a gas dryer.
5317 W Rainwater Drive
Laveen, AZ 85339
$609,990
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,550
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769244
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MLS#6769244 January Completion! Discover The Turquoise at Tierra Montana Encore, a spacious two-story home that greets you with a charming front porch entry. Upon entering, you're welcomed by a light-filled foyer that leads to a versatile study. Entertain in the formal dining room, then flow seamlessly into the open kitchen, casual dining area, and gathering room. The private owner's suite offers a luxurious retreat with a spa-like bath and a large walk-in closet. Upstairs, you'll find four additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a generous loft, perfect for family living or recreation. Structural options include: tub at owners bath, garage service door, paver front porch, laundry room sink.
37630 W Padilla Street
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$609,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,765
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749647
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! The captivating Jerome floorplan features an expansive great room, 15ft multi slider, home office, and stunning kitchen appointed with stacked cabinetry, gas stove top, double ovens, and matte black hardware! Relax in your freestanding tub, host on the patio, or take out the toys from your FIVE CAR GARAGE! With 10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, and 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.
3365 E Aris Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$609,990
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,122
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751289
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
POSSIBLE ASSUMABLE CONV LOAN 3.49% Stunning 4 bed/2bath home is perfectly situated on a corner lot in the sought-after community of Marbella Vineyards. As you step inside, you're greeted by a spacious front living and dining room, ideal for hosting guests or enjoying quiet evenings at home. The heart of the home is the modern kitchen, boasts an oversized island, perfect for both meal prep and entertaining. Modern floor tiles flow throughout the entire house, providing both style and easy maintenance. The owner's suite offers a tranquil retreat with a cozy sitting area complete with a bay window. The secondary bathroom offers double sinks for added functionality. Extended 2.5-car garage provides ample space, featuring built-in cabinets and overhead racks to help keep everything organized Step outside to the low-maintenance backyard, lush turf and an open fence, creating an oasis with only one neighboring property. Additionally, the home comes equipped with leased solar panels, enhancing its energy efficiency and reducing utility costs. This home truly has it all, from its modern finishes to its thoughtful design, ensuring comfort and convenience at every turn.
9849 E Radioactive Drive
Mesa, AZ 85212
$609,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,137
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766186
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
FUNCTIONAL 4 BED + 3 FULLBATH. GREAT GILBERT SCHOOL DISTRICT. FAST GROWING EASTMARK, GREAT APPRECIATION OF PROPERTY VALUE! FULLY LANDSCAPED FRONT & BACKYARD, COVERED PATIO, PAVERS, BUILT-IN BBQ GALORE, DRYBAR, & FIRE PIT. PAVER DRIVEWAY TO ENTRY TOO! MANY UPGRADES INCLUDE: WOOD-LIKE TILE FLOORING, SHUTTERS, ELEGANT TRIPPLE-PANEL SLIDING GLASS DOOR, 8 FOOT INTERIOR DOORS, NEW LAMINATE WOOD FLOOR IN MASTERBED, LARGE SHOWER IN MASTERBATH, UPGRADED PLUMBING & LIGHTING FIXTURES & CEILING FANS THROUGHOUT, UPGRADED BASEBOARDS, APPLE KIT COMPATIBLE SMART HOME, WATER SOFTENER SYSTEM, EPOXY GARAGE FLOOR. KITCHEN FEATURES: 42'' CABINETS WITH HARDWARE, GRANITE COUNTERTOPS WITH UNDERMOUNT SINK, R/O SYSTEM, & SLATE APPLIANCES. FRIDGE/WASHER/DRYER TOO! A NEWER BUILT WITH N/S EXPOSURE = ENERGY SAVERS!
29785 N 203rd Drive
Wittmann, AZ 85361
$609,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,142
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6770244
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Surrounded by all newer built Bellator Homes, this must be one of the prettiest streets in Wittmann! Located on a premium acre lot, this new build home is a must see. The updated and upgraded floor plan design; The Angelo, is a spacious open layout paired with stunning light fixtures, wood-look tile flooring, a neutral palette, and multi-sliding doors to the back. Your new home offers 4 beds, 2 baths and a 3-car garage. The kitchen has granite counters, subway tile backsplash, a pantry, ample shaker cabinetry, an island w/breakfast bar and an open dining area with a bay window! Plush carpet adds comfort to the bedrooms. Main bedroom has an ensuite with a soaking tub, large separate shower, dual sink, & walk-in closet.
6108 W Stony Quail Way
Florence, AZ 85132
$609,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,067
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6770315
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
SUN CITY ANTHEM at Merrill Ranch 5 years new. Southeast facing - Energy Efficient HERS 55 rating - 2 bdr + den Large corner lot block privacy wall - 10 foot ceilings WiFi ceiling extendrs. Custom window coverings throughout - Main Bth has huge walk in shwr. Bay Windows kitchen & main bdrm- Upgraded Kitchen Granite Counters w/Chef Lux Alder Cabinets soft close drawers-dual flush toilets - Ceiling fans in all rooms & patio. Total home AquaSana million gal water filtration system. Custom Pool 36' x 19' w/Travertine deck rock waterfall + UltraTemp Pool Heater 145K BTU. Epoxy coating in entryway, patio & garage 4 ft garage extension & workshp area w/service door & utility sink Pavers on driveway & walkway, Seamless rain gutters. Some home furnishings may be available for purchase
4065 S Birch Street
Chandler, AZ 85249
$609,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,722
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769615
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled within the prestigious Old Stone Ranch community, this immaculate 3-bedroom residence is a unique blend of sophistication and comfort, eagerly awaiting its next lucky owner. Designed with the utmost care by its original owner, this home welcomes you through an inviting foyer and into an expansive open floor plan that exudes warmth and elegance at every turn. The thoughtful design features ample recessed lighting that dances off lofty ceilings, illuminating the living spaces adorned with chic plantation shutters and artful archways. Enjoy quality family time or movie nights with the in-home audio system, enhancing your entertainment experience. The gleaming hardwood floors extend throughout, leading you to the serene back patio, where indoor and outdoor living beautifully meld. At the heart of this home is a stunning kitchen, a culinary enthusiast's dream. Outfitted with striking granite countertops, stylish tile backsplashes, and rich cabinetry accented with crown molding, this kitchen marries functionality with flair. A convenient pantry and breakfast bar make meals a delight, whether casual or formal. Escape to the primary suite, your personal sanctuary. Indulge in relaxation within the luxurious ensuite, featuring marble countertops and a spa-inspired bath and shower surround. The expansive walk-in closet ensures that elegance and organization go hand in hand. Don't miss your chance to own a masterpiece of design and quality in Old Stone Ranch. Schedule a tour today and embrace the lifestyle that awaits you!