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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668 N Miller Street
Mesa, AZ 85203
$550,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,065
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6700260
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Don't let looks deceive you this house is HUGE, 3065 square feet. Priced at the value of a three bedroom but has the space to be used as 4/5 bedroom. Has two seperate living areas which makes for awesome two family residence. IT's a steal at only $550,000 Granite counters in bathrooms and kitchens. tile in all the wet areas and brand new carpet. Turn key ready to move in!
3610 E Sumner Place
Rimrock, AZ 86335
$550,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,152
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6754467
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gated community 30 minutes south of Sedona, Arizona. Brand New, Never Lived in home with community pool and clubhouse, tennis courts, walking trails, work out facility. Beaver Creek Preserve community features modern luxury with rustic charm, blending in with the natural landscape around. This home is ready for your RV and toys, featuring a 2 car garage plus a 52' in length and 14' width RV Garage, Awesome kitchen, large island, granite countertops, walk-in pantry in your new kitchen, 3 bedrooms plus a den, and a gorgeous primary bathroom. Inside, expansive windows frame panoramic views, while the open-concept layout boasts premium finishes and modern amenities. Outside, a spacious patio invites outdoor living and stunning vistas.
2008 E Stacey Road
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$550,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,959
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6728969
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover your beautiful home in this exclusive community! This stunning 3-bedroom plus den residence features breathtaking mountain views, three upgraded bathrooms, and a spacious three-car tandem garage. Inside, enjoy an open-concept living area, a connected kitchen with newer appliances and butlers walk-in pantry, and a versatile den perfect for an office, playroom, or can be made into a 4th bedroom. Primary suite at back of the home for privacy has expanded walk in shower and closet. Step outside to a beautifully landscaped yard and expansive paver patio, ideal for entertaining. Community amenities include parks and walking trails, fostering a vibrant atmosphere.... Special Incentive for the right buyer!!
1010 W Olson Trail
Huachuca City, AZ 85616
$550,000
4
Beds
5
Baths
4,323
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6671963
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Custom Site Built Home with gorgeous mountain views all around. Complete with 9 acres. 4,300 sq/feet, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms,Spacious Kitchen, Game/Media Room,Workshop,Full RV hookups,she- shed and a separate yard shed for all your lawn tools. Easy drive to Tucson, Close to the Sonoita Wineries, Tombstone, Bisbee, and Sierra Vista, this could be the place for you!
27036 W Sequoia Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$550,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,998
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6774218
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
NEWLY REMODELED PRESERVE with OWNED SOLAR and WALLED LOT and FURNISHED! You'll fall in love the moment you walk through the door. This home features new wood-grain tile & carpet throughout, fresh interior paint & baseboards. Enjoy a custom-built media wall, new light fixtures, custom drapery & plantation shutters. The living room has a center slider door that enhances the space. The master bath boasts a floor-to-ceiling tile shower. In the kitchen, you'll find S/S appliances, a new microwave, quartz countertops, backsplash & under-counter lighting. The newly remodeled backyard offers beautiful landscaping and turf, an extended travertine patio with a BBQ & Blackstone. Epoxy, storage, sink & workbench in the garage. THIS HOME IS A GEM!
10923 W Escuda Drive
Sun City, AZ 85373
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,246
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6733296
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Wow, Look Honey, they just dropped the price on this Beautiful Lakefront Home in Ventana Lakes 55+ Community. It has everything you want, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an Office, 3 car garage, 2 living spaces and an open concept home. Assumable Solar loan of Purchased system with Seller contributing $20,000 toward the loan balance at close of escrow. You will enjoy the morning sunrises as well as the evening sunsets from your lakefront backyard. Ventana Lakes is one of Peoria's premier 55+ communities. The community features 9 lakes, some with waterfalls, and great catch and release fishing. 4 community pools and spas, recreation and fitness rooms, billiards, fine arts, crafts and quilting rooms, handball, pickleball and tennis courts. Bingo games and more.
27524 N Montana Drive
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$550,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,730
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751350
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Beautiful turnkey townhome in the gated community of Tonto Verde. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, backing to the beautiful driving range and a short walk to the clubhouse and its amenities. Great room style living with fireplace and walls of windows taking in the backyard views and gorgeous sunsets. Split floor plan with 2 large bedrooms and 2 full baths. Primary bedroom with access to the spacious patio and primary bath with dual vanities, tub, walk in shower and walk in closet. Kitchen with center island and cooktop, breakfast counter and dining that is open to the lush landscaping with floor to ceiling windows. New Interior paint 2024, New roof in 2022, New HVAC in 2020, New Hot water heater in 2022 and New Washer/Dryer in 2020. Oversized 2.5 car garage with golf cart access
5089 S Louie Lamour Drive
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,670
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777908
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
WOW! Fabulous, FULLY FURNISHED, Turn-Key 3 Bedroom UPDATED HOME with DEN & HEATED POOL plus DOUBLE MOUNTAIN VIEWS of Superstition & Dinosaur Mountains! ***You'll LOVE the HIGH-END UPDATES throughout including....FULL KITCHEN REMODEL with GORGEOUS GRANITE & Cabinets, Plantation Shutters, Complete Updates of BOTH BATHROOMS with Travertine Showers and Granite & more! *** You'll also appreciate and enjoy the QUIET & PRIVATE BACKYARD OASIS with 11,000 Gallon Pool (2012) plus... HVAC (2017), Exterior Paint (2022), PVC Irrigation (2022), Water Softener (2021), Water Heater (2021), Tile Flooring through-out (ZERO CARPET) & More - Must See! *** GOLD CANYON EAST is ... Gold Canyon East is a popular community of 647 homes located in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. In addition to panoramic mountain views, residents enjoy walking and hiking paths through-out the community and championship golf courses, dining, spa services and more at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort next door!
11991 N 69th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85345
$550,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,323
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781152
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover a stunning blend of modern elegance and Arizona charm in this fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, spanning 2,323 square feet. Every detail of this renovation has been carefully curated for style, comfort, and functionality, creating a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere. The heart of the home unfolds seamlessly as the living room transitions into a private backyard sanctuary through beautiful bifold doors. These doors bring the outdoors in, offering panoramic views of Arizona's endless skies and direct access to a sparkling pool—ideal for relaxation or entertaining. This backyard oasis provides ample space for lounging, al fresco dining, and savoring the tranquility of the Arizona desert.
11674 W Parkway Lane
Avondale, AZ 85323
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,311
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6784222
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 bathroom single level home featuring a climate controlled 4 car garage with a roll up door pass through to the backyard! Garage also has polyaspartic epoxy flooring, built in workbench, and custom storage shelves. Explore inside to an open layout showcasing wood like tile flooring, plantation shutters, and a custom electric fireplace feature. A remarkable gourmet kitchen with all the upgrades including wood shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances including a gas stove, and a large walk-in pantry. Unwind in the master suite featuring a shiplap accent wall, private bathroom with dual vanities, extra storage cabinets, large walk-in shower and a huge walk-in closet. Enjoy the outdoors in your low maintenance backyard with paver walkways, artificial turf, and an insulated covered patio.Other features include whole house water softener/RO filtration system, tankless water heater, and spray foam insulation. Pre-plumbed to add a sink in the garage, gas line for a bbq in the backyard as well as an outlet for a jacuzzi/hot tub. Lets make this your dream home! (Amazing 2.875% assumable loan also available for Veterans only)
13202 W Beechwood Drive
Sun City West, AZ 85375
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,525
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6693377
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful, fully remodeled brick front home on a corner lot in the 55+ community, Sun City West. Gorgeous new flooring throughout this thought out, open floor plan. The kitchen has new white cabinets with a large island for entertaining. The living area has a wet bar with a built-in refrigerator. All 3 BRs have walk-in closets and large enough for King beds with space to spare. The entry has a privacy gate to keep out solicitors and it opens to an impressively large patio. The back yard has another large patio with flourishing citrus trees. There are many extras throughout including plantation shutters, weather shield roller shades for when you travel, extra long garage, plush landscaping, and more. The furnishings are included in so all you have to do is pack your bags and move in!
9254 E Milagro Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85209
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,924
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6780804
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this beautifully remodeled home with extensive landscaping ideally situated on an oversized lot. Citrus trees and privacy hedges create a beautiful and quiet oasis. The home features newer wood-look tile and carpeting throughout. The modern kitchen features sleek white cabinets with stylish hardware, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, making it a chef's dream. Enjoy the spacious owner's bath, complete with a separate shower and tub for your relaxation. The expansive covered patio is perfect for entertaining, featuring a beautiful Pebble-Tec pool, recently remodeled with tile and travertine that promises endless summer fun. The yard offers plenty of space for outdoor activities, with a gate for your convenience.... Located within the vibrant community of Augusta Ranch, you'll have easy access to the golf course and an elementary school right within the subdivision. Don't miss the chance to own this exceptional property that combines elegance with outdoor living at its finest!