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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18926 N 259th Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$560,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,907
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769286
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This Haven model comes furnished with a heated pool, solar and a lot more. Located on the mountain side of Sun City Festival, the area's premier 55+ active adult community, you can move right in and start enjoying a vibrant lifestyle with incredible amenities. This home features well over $200,000 in furnishings, builder, and homeowner upgrades. It's 1,907 sf includes 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den. Interior upgrades include French doors with sidelights at the den, a built-in entertainment unit, 8-foot doors, SS gas cooktop, upgraded charcoal-colored cabinets, granite, fixtures, lighting and electrical. The back patio includes roll-down sunshades and awnings. The side patio features a wall, gate, and pergola. The tandem garage includes built-in shelving, epoxy floors and soft water system.
7163 E Onza Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$560,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,947
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766050
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Lennar Next Gen Home- Two Homes Under One Roof! Discover the next level, multigenerational living, this Lennar homes feature an attached private suite with its own entrance, kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. The possibilities are endless, GREY tile throughout. Built in 2017, is situated on a prime corner lot, tile flooring throughout. Offering a perfect blend of privacy and togetherness, outdoor space, making it ideal for multi-family living, in-laws, or guests. A large side yard and a low-maintenance backyard, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Included in sale are two washer and one dryer, and two refrigerators, and a gas BBQ.
1716 N Alpine Meadows Lane Unit 1405
Prescott, AZ 86303
$560,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,687
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6707897
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Looking for a weekend getaway, a full-time residence or how about a turnkey, then look no further than this highly sought after, gated entrance to Alpine Meadows Condo community, located within the beautiful and serene Hassayampa Village. This home has been meticulously well taken care of, the owners have upgraded the big-ticket items, so you don't have too; with a new HVAC, a new HOT WATER HEATER, all new APPLIANCES, GARAGE FLOOR has been epoxied, making clean-up easy, 2 car garage with an EV CHARGING STATION for your electric vehicle and so much more (details under documents). The ROOF was replaced by the HOA in 2023. The home and carpeting were recently professionally cleaned, so all you need to do, is move-in. Enjoy the stunning views of Thumb Butte off the private balcony. This spacious one-level 1687 sq. ft., 2BR/2BA + a flex room, with its own private elevator for just a touch of luxury or take the stairs. Enjoy the 9 ft ceilings, great natural lighting, and a gas fireplace for those chilly Prescott nights. Large master bedroom, with room for a sitting area, views of the breathtaking, private Capital Canyon Golf Club fairway greens, designed by Tom Weiskopf and managed by Troon Prive'.
6229 S Moccasin Trail
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$560,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,248
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6731776
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
SELLER IS MOTIVATED! Welcome to this spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with a 3 car garage, perfectly positioned on a corner lot in the highly sought-after town of Gilbert, Arizona. This charming property offers excellent potential for renovation and customization to match your personal style and needs. The open floor plan features a bright and open living space, ideal for entertaining. This four bedroom home offers a split floor plan and large secondary bedrooms. Enjoy the Arizona sunshine in the large backyard, which offers endless possibilities for outdoor living with a built in BBQ and plenty of room to add a pool or spa!
2102 S Nancy Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85295
$560,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,804
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6736775
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Reduced to accelerate sale! Great opportunity in Cooley Station! Beautiful single level home loaded with upgrades and priced to sell! Built by Fulton Homes in 2016 and now for sale from the original owner. Home features 3 bedrooms + den space and 2 baths with 2 car garage, loads of builder upgrades like gourmet kitchen package, granite countertops and staggard tile. Stunning iron and glass entry door completes the cute front patio and the home backs to a community road so no houses behind! Cooley station is one of Gilbert's favorite destinations with Verde and Epicenter close by and easy access to San Tan Village, the 202 freeway and Mesa Gateway Airport. Large community pool and central park with pickle ball court, bocci ball and playground. Check this home out before it's gone!
1500 E Wahalla Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85024
$560,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,679
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6757567
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Luna Azul is a unique gated Community Where residents of every age can live in a neighborhood managed by 24-hr on site staffing. An RN onsite 24hrs a day. The 1679 Sqft Alma floorplan offers 3 beds 2.5 baths and spacious covered front and back porches. Interior features: Designer Finishes, & window treatments.1st floor En-Suite bedroom, high performance exterior wall and roof insulation, energy efficient HVAC, LED lighting ,Brand name appliances, Quartz countertops, cabinets with soft close doors & drawers. Community amenities include landscaped grounds, a 4000+sqft Club house with multi-purpose activity rooms and recreational facilities, an outdoor pool and large space for gatherings. Conveniently located near transportation, social, recreational and cultural opportunities and activities Professionally landscaped low maintenance back yard with artificial turf and dwarf palms just beyond the covered patio. Monthly planned events at the Clubhouse. Medical assistance onsite 24hrs a day by a a register nurse who lives onsite.
20883 E Cattle Drive
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$560,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,352
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6742557
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
You will not be disappointed the moment you walk into this 4BR, 3BA, 2CG located in a well developed Queen Creek area. Very spacious with high high ceiling. Large kitchen with high end upgrades such as granite counter, gourmet kitchen, gas cook top, 42 inch upper cabinets, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting. neutral ceramic tile flooring thru out the house. The open floor plan of the family room, kitchen & dining area will give you plenty of room to entertain all of your guests. Large laundry area. Epoxy flooring in Garage and Paver drive-way. Desert landscaping in the front for low maintenance and a beautiful backyard with covered patio for your relaxing and entertainment after long day work, paver, fake grass, with no house in the back. EZ access to freeway. Close to school
8143 W Salter Drive
Peoria, AZ 85382
$560,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,465
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751158
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Freshly painted Ext/Int 5BR, 3BA, 3CG located in well developed Fletcher Heights neighborhood, new stainless steel stove and dishwasher. Very bright and spacious floor plan with high ceiling. Spacious kitchen over look the family room. Laminate flooring thru out the house. Ceiling fan in every room for your comfort. Low maintenance front with desert landscaping. Large backyard with a swimming pool for your family enjoyment in the summer time, low maintenance desert landscaping with artificial grass . Formal dining and living room. Very large Owner bedroom with double sink, separate tub and shower and a large walking closet. Close to shopping, schools, park, restaurant and easy access to loop 101
4925 W Buffalo Street
Chandler, AZ 85226
$560,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,802
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6770215
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
You'll love to own this incredible 4-bedroom, 2 bath property, now for sale! Charming curb appeal with a low-care front yard and a 2-car garage. The interior features spacious formal living areas perfect for hosting and entertaining. Vaulted ceilings, soothing paint, kitchen is complete with SS appliances, ample counter space, Island and handy pantry. Primary bedroom features a full ensuite, separate tub and shower and a walk-in closet. The backyard invites you to relax and have fun with its covered patio and a fenced pool. Roof is 4 years old and AC unit only 2 years old. Awesome location! Less than a mile away from Intel. Surrounded by shopping, dinning and entertaining. No HOA on this gem! Hurry, this home won't last long
6012 E Vernon Avenue
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$560,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,860
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6770543
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step outside to panoramic views of the Papago Mountains from your front courtyard and Camelback Mountain as the perfect backdrop from your private back patio. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers privacy along a lush greenbelt and features a BRAND NEW ROOF with all new plywood decking ($44k), w/warranty, and the A/C unit has been replaced so you can chill out. Enjoy an oversized patio and yard, a wood-burning fireplace, and access to a hillside pool. Similar remodeled homes have sold for $800,000—this one is full of potential. Located minutes from Old Town, Tempe, ASU, SkySong, and the airport, it's a hidden gem in the heart of the city.
16733 E Duane Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$560,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,512
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6773011
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover your perfect retreat in the serene Rio Verde Foothills! This stunning home offers mountain views and the freedom of no HOA. The open floor plan features a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and ceramic wood-style tile flooring, adding warmth to every space. The expansive backyard, complete with an RV gate and power hookup, is a blank canvas for outdoor projects or relaxation. Customize the property to fit your lifestyle. Nestled in a peaceful location with access to nearby amenities, this home blends style, practicality, and tranquility. Have no worries as this great home is signed up with EPCOR! You won't want to miss this home!