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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2849 N Heritage Street
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$575,000
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,975
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6724962
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Exceptional housing opportunity in the sought-after Verrado community! This nearly 3000 sq. ft. property features 4 bedrooms and a loft. It includes a rare 440 sq. ft. casita with a private entrance—ideal for extra rental income. The main house boasts durable wood and tile flooring, a well-appointed kitchen with granite countertops and brand new stainless steel appliances. The master suite offers a garden tub, separate shower, private toilet room, and walk-in closet. Fully paid-off solar panels reduce energy costs. Currently rented until May 2025, ensuring immediate rental income. The newly renovated casita adds tremendous value to this home. Don't miss this turn-key investment in Verrado!
4115 S 75th Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85043
$575,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,170
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6733896
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come take a look at this amazing home. It could be YOUR New Home Sweet Home. It is a corner lot with an oversize lot and huge backyard. You will appreciate the great curb appeal and attractive landscaping when you pull up. It has a split floor plan with 3 spacious secondary bedrooms on one side of the home and the primary bed on the other. Your new kitchen offers a breakfast bar, granite countertops, tile backsplash, and a ton of cabinet storage space. You will spend a lot of time in the oasis of a backyard which has covered patio, dog run, covered gazebo with built in BBQ, sparkling swimming pool, RV Parking, and a ton of room to play and entertain. You don't want to miss out on this amazing home so hurry and come take a look! You will love it.
6841 N 15th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85014
$575,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,125
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6783194
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. THIS 3 BEDROOM 3 BATH HOME IS READY FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUCHES. INTERIOR FRESHLY PAINTED, TILE IN ALL ROOMS EXCEPT ROOM OFF OF LAUNDRY, PROPERTY HAS GREAT VEIWS OF THE MOUNTAINS. LARGE FENCED BACKYARD WITH COVERED PATIO, STORAGE, AND MATURE TREES. CLOSE TO SHOPPING, DINING AND ENTERTAINING AS WELL AS EASY ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
18720 E Via Laguna --
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,799
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6744613
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come enjoy resort style living in this sunny, turn key 3 bed/2 bath home nestled into a very quiet street in the active adult, golf community of Rio Verde. Incredible views of green fairways on Quail Run and the majestic Mazatzal Mountains from your very private North facing back patio. Plenty of room for outdoor entertaining on the extended, fenced in patio area. Wood burning fireplace to take the chill off a cool desert night. Eat in kitchen with separate dining area. Community lap and social pool, tennis and pickleball courts, billiards room, two clubhouse restaurants and our new community café/bodega next to the post office as a fun meet up place for breakfast and coffee. golf membership information upon request.
39920 N River Bend Road
Phoenix, AZ 85086
$575,000
5
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,168
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747304
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Your search is over!! LEASE TO OWN OR SELLER FINANCING with 0% DOWN and NO BANK QUALIFING!! This Beautiful 4 bedroom + office and loft RECENTLY REMODELED home is available in the much sought after community of Anthem. The kitchen has all new stainless steel appliances and new quartz counter tops. The primary suite has a large walk in closet, spa like bathroom with dual sinks with new quartz countertops and fixtures. The other three spacious bedrooms have new plush carpet and paint. The backyard is fully landscaped in an easy maintenance desert theme including a beautiful large custom fireplace feature. This truly is a MUST SEE! (please see documents for a complete list of remodeled features and Seller Financing Details) The backyard is fully landscaped in an easy maintenance desert theme including a beautiful large custom fireplace. This truly is a MUST SEE! (please see documents for a complete list of remodeled features and Seller Financing Details)
1411 N Overfield Road
Casa Grande, AZ 85194
$575,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,000
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6765465
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Home on approx 1/2 acre $575,000, Home with 1 acre pasture, $650,000 LOT SPLIT IN ESCROW Seller will provide water from well located on the adjacent property.
3616 E Ludlow Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85032
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,426
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748475
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Don't miss out on this large corner lot home with a huge 33,000 gallon diving pool, pavers, synthetic grass, and a built in BBQ in the backyard. Inside you'll find a lovingly cared for, fully remodeled home with tons of upgrades including custom white shaker cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms. Kitchen has Quartz countertops, matching stainless steel appliances with stainless steel undermount sink. Barn door from dining room leads to a large laundry room with more than enough space to serve as a craft room or home office. Both bathrooms have beautifully tiled showers and entire home is tiled throughout for easy maintenance and upkeep. All doors and windows have been upgraded to dual pane for great energy efficiency. Great central location right off of the 51 and 101 Freeways.
18997 N 74th Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$575,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,058
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6754498
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover your dream home in the serene Arrowhead neighborhood, where this stunning single-story gem awaits. With four spacious bedrooms and two elegantly upgraded bathrooms, this residence offers both comfort and style. The interior features hardwood floors and a gourmet kitchen with painted cabinets, a sleek stainless steel sink, and high-end stainless steel appliances with quartz countertops. Large windows throughout ensure abundant natural light. Step outside to your private oasis, complete with a newly resurfaced sparkling pool and meticulously landscaped gardens perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Additional upgrades include an epoxy-coated garage floor and a recently replaced water heater. Nestled near picturesque mountain trails for hiking and convenient shopping malls.
23038 E Twilight Drive
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,243
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6763396
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your New Home in the prestigious master-planned lake community of Harvest Queen Creek! This beautiful property has over $40k in builder & seller upgrades! It features an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile flex space perfect for a playroom, office, or teen retreat. The Great Room is highlighted by a builder-upgraded kitchen, complete with a gas range, an oversized island, and tasteful Roman shade window coverings. Modern light fixtures and ceiling fans add elegance and comfort throughout the space. Expansive 12-foot sliding doors open to an extended covered patio, overlooking one of the largest lots in Hacienda at Harvest, spanning 8,281 square feet. The Primary Suite offers privacy with a split-floor layout, featuring a spacious walk-in shower and a walk-in closet. Both secondary bedroom include walk-in closets and share a full bathroom. The home's exterior has an upgraded paver driveway, walkway, and entrance, leading to a 3-car tandem garage equipped with a commercial-grade, non-slip floor, backed by a lifetime warranty. As part of the Harvest community, you'll enjoy access to a variety of amenities, including a heated pool, children's playground, and scenic walking and biking paths around the catch & release lake. The home is within walking distance to Schnepf Elementary and is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and fun seasonal events. This property is a blank canvas, ready for you to transform into your dream indoor-outdoor oasis. Refrigerator, Washer, and Dryer are included! The Seller is willing to install rocks at backyard for the right Buyer.
35314 N 31st Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85086
$575,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,258
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760137
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Wow, beautiful 4 bedroom Tramonto home, Updated with granite counters, sinks and faucets. Large private rear yard. 2+ car garage with storage. Newer carpet and paint. Wait to you see the newly completed master bathroom remodeled. Total renovation with massive shower. Tramonto offers community pools, tennis parks and miles of walking trails. Easy walk to highly rated grade and middle school. Near shopping and restaurants . True sense of community. Area becoming a technology center with Taiwan Chip factory near by. Vacant and easy to show
10910 E Oro Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$575,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,922
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766561
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover the perfect retirement lifestyle in this inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a den, located in a sought-after 55+ community in Mesa, AZ. Designed with comfort and ease in mind, this home offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ideal for those looking to enjoy their retirement years. This active adult community boasts incredible amenities, including a 27-hole executive golf course, perfect for both seasoned players and those just looking to enjoy a leisurely game. You'll also have access to top-tier recreational facilities, with clubs and activities tailored to your interests—whether it's Pickleball, Tennis, or Softball, there's something for everyone. Enjoy a vibrant social life, meet new friends, and participate in a variety of clubs and programs that keep your retirement to the fullest. This is more than just a homeit's your gateway to a fulfilling and active retirement!
20502 N Date Palm Way
Surprise, AZ 85387
$575,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,266
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779625
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence, complete with a charming detached casita. This home has been well maintained, owned by original owners since its construction in 2004. Step inside the home to find a gourmet kitchen, featuring built-in wall ovens, a cozy breakfast nook, and a formal dining room. The spacious laundry offers cabinets for ample storage. You will love the 3 stall garage with cabinets. Located less than a mile from the Cimarron Clubhouse and Golf Course. The Grand has many amenities for residents to enjoy, including multiple pools, 4 golf courses, 2 clubhouses, tennis and pickleball courts, an indoor walking path, fishing lakes, and scenic biking and walking trails. Close to shopping, dining and Spring Training! Ask about the golf cart!