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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3792 S Tower Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85286
$575,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,042
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6730052
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Seller offering $5,000 credit! Well maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with a pool, irrigated front yard, newly painted interior walls. Great floor plan with 2 living areas on the main floor - open area when you enter the home plus great room concept kitchen and family room at the back of the house. The kitchen has ample storage and counter space and is open to the spacious family room with dramatic two story ceiling. All 3 bedrooms are upstairs. The oversized primary suite faces the back of the home. The attached bath features dual vanities, soaking tub, step in shower, and walk in closet. The secondary bedrooms are nice sized and both have ceiling fans. There is a nice built in desk at the top of the stairs plus upstairs laundry! BRAND NEW AC UNIT! The backyard has a covered patio, a meticulously maintained pool and waterfall feature. Plus mature landscaping and a fire pit! Great location near freeways and amenities!
22701 E Avenida Del Valle --
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$575,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,799
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6732380
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Contemporary 5 bed, 3 bath house with 2,800 sqft in Queen Creek's sought-after Meridian community. Built in 2018, with updated styling throughout. Enjoy a gourmet kitchen, spacious master suite, and a low-maintenance yard. The residence also boasts a 3-car garage. Experience Arizona living at its finest with access to the 5,000 sqft community pool and quick access to Queen Creek Marketplace, top-rated schools and scenic parks. This house is also pre-wired for 16 security cameras.
2315 E Monona Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85024
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,656
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6734118
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
JUST RENOVATED! AC & ROOF 2023. Welcome to this beautiful 3-bed, 2-bath home that has been recently remodeled! Vaulted ceilings and the open concept kitchen and family room make this a great space for gathering and entertaining. The kitchen has new stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, a pantry, white shaker cabinetry, and an island with breakfast bar. The large primary bedroom has a gorgeous en-suite bathroom with dual sinks, separate tub and shower, & a walk-in closet. Enjoy the privacy of the backyard & relax outside under the covered patio. This home also has brand new exterior paint, so from curb appeal to stylish interior finishes...this place is ready for you!
13357 W Mayberry Trail
Peoria, AZ 85383
$575,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,827
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6743221
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Very livable, Charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath plus Den home in the highly desirable Adult community of Trilogy in North Peoria! This special home has great curb appeal. Step inside to a nice open den space and split front bedroom. Initing living/dining and kitchen area where you will find a large seating island, granite counter tops, Clean white cabinets and stainless appliances. Primary bedroom with ensuite bath featuring dual vanities, beautiful step in shower and walk in closet. Wonderful outdoor living with large covered patio overlooking a beautifully landscaped yard with extensive use of pavers and artificial turf. Trilogy offers the very best of retirement living in Arizona - community pools, fitness centers, golf, tennis, pickleball and loads of classes and clubs!
6402 N 45th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85301
$575,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
2,681
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6744593
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this stunningly remodeled 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home, where no detail has been overlooked. Every aspect has been updated, featuring new tile flooring, Italian cabinetry, sleek black stainless steel appliances, modern windows, fresh lighting, new paint throughout, and so much more. The spacious open floor plan includes multiple living areas and a versatile den or dining room. Outside, enjoy a generous covered patio perfect for entertaining, alongside a garden area surrounded by mature citrus trees. Conveniently located within walking distance to schools and shopping, this home offers both luxury and practicality with space for everyone to enjoy!
2647 N Miller Road Unit 16
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$575,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,542
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6746341
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Rare Old Town Scottsdale Single Family Detached with Two Car Garage on the Coronado Golf Course. New paint in and out with BRAND NEW HVAC system. New Water Heater, and Appliances. Three 3yr old Roof and Updated fire sprinkler heads. This amazing home on a premium lot with a community pool and no common walls. A wonderful year-round home, winter getaway or income property. Large living/dining area with fireplace, tall ceilings, and golf course views. Owner's suite has golf course views, private bath, walk-in closet and patio exit. Third bedroom can be an office with french doors. Direct entry to kitchen with pantry from a 2 car garage with built-ins. Full size washer and dryer with lots of storage space. Enjoy premier Scottsdale art galleries, upscale shopping, restaurants, local music
3308 E Jasper Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$575,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,537
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747866
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Charming Family Home in Prime Location! This inviting 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers the perfect setting for family living. Featuring a versatile loft space ideal for a playroom, family movie nights, or a cozy home office. The spacious, fully turfed backyard is ready for endless outdoor fun, whether it's for games with the kids or relaxing under the stars. Located just a short walk from local restaurants and stores, this home combines the warmth of family living with the convenience of nearby amenities. A wonderful place to make lasting memories!
28721 N 128th Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$575,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,813
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749410
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This charming, meticulously cared for home has 2bd/2ba + den and is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the highly desirable, gated community of Trilogy at Vistancia. This lovely home has many upgrades including central vac, a large eat-in kitchen with loads of storage, s/s gas appliances, and it opens to the great room with a custom wall unit and built-in surround sound. Just off the great room is access to a tranquil, private courtyard complete with a gas fireplace. The backyard has lush landscaping, fire pit, fountain, mister system, artificial turf and generous use of pavers. The upgrades continue in the extended garage which has plenty of storage cabinets, shelving, mop sink, and epoxy floor. You can even listen to music/tv from the great room with the built-in speakers in the garage. You will absolutely love the world class amenities in the active adult community of Trilogy at Vistancia.
6309 N 14th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014
$575,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,226
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748320
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover this exceptional home nestled in an exclusive gated community of just 22 patio homes. Perfectly located for easy access to entertainment, shopping, downtown, and the airport, this residence offers the ultimate in convenience and luxury. Inside, you'll find two master suites, with a third bedroom that can easily serve as a guest room or home office. The spacious living room features a cathedral ceiling and a stunning fireplace, while the charming patio off the dining room offers an elegant oasis to unwind. Additional highlights include brand-new HVAC and flooring, and fresh interior paint!
1639 E Redfield Road
Gilbert, AZ 85234
$575,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,820
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750971
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
ALL ELECTRIC* ZERO UTILITY BILLS *MONTHLY REBATE FROM SRP* TOP OF THE LINE TESLA SOLAR SYSTEM WILL BE PAID OFF AT THE CLOSE OF ESCROW.* *HIGH EFFICIENCY HVAC SYSTEM 2023* *WOOD FLOORING AND CARPET 2024* *HALL BATH ENLARGE AND REMODEL 2024* *TESLA SOLAR SYSTEM 2022* PERFECT FAMILY HOME IN SONOMA RANCH. GREAT SCHOOLS CLOSE BY, NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, BEAUTIFUL YARD WITH SWIMMING POOL. NORTH SOUTH FACING HOME. HOME IS MOVE IN READY.
7723 W Encinas Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85043
$575,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,818
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751731
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover your dream home in Phoenix! This stunning property boasts a spacious 3,818 sq. ft. floor plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, perfect for growing families or those who love to entertain. Enjoy Arizona summers with your very own private pool, ideal for relaxing and hosting gatherings. The home features a brand-new AC system and updated flooring, ensuring comfort and style throughout. Located next to a beautiful greenbelt to the west, this home offers a peaceful outdoor environment while being close to local amenities. Don't miss out on this amazing home.
17392 W Grant Street
Goodyear, AZ 85338
$575,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,148
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6753144
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your new home in Canyon Trails! It's a 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3148 sf single-level home on an oversized corner lot with a 3-car tandem garage and RV gate! Enter through the charming courtyard that leads into a home rich with character. Enjoy a spacious open floor-plan with natural light pouring through the windows, neutral custom paint throughout, and a blend of tile and wood-look floors. The large kitchen shines with stainless steel appliances, wall ovens, tons of cabinetry for extra storage, granite countertops, and a large center island with a breakfast bar. Get a good night's sleep in the main suite, featuring backyard access, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with dual vanities, a soaking tub, walk in shower, and walk-in closet. 3 additional bedrooms, including another en-suite, plus a versatile den offers office potential towards the front of the home. Out back you'll find a low maintenance yard with a screened-in patio and Ramada ready for cooler temps! Easy access to major freeways, shopping, dining and Spring Training Games at Goodyear Ballpark. Don't miss out!