Last week’s economic reports included S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indexes, along with readings on new and pending home sales. Recurring weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.
Case-Shiller: Pacific Northwest Shows Fastest Home Price Growth
According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for August, home prices in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington grew fastest year-over-year. Portland posted an August index reading of 11.70 percent and Portland followed closely with a reading of 11.40 percent. Denver, Colorado rounded out the top three cities with the fastest rates of home price growth with a year-over-year reading of 8.80 percent. The 20-City Home Price Index rose 0.30 percent year-over-year to 5.30 percent in August.
Low inventory of available homes poses challenges for housing markets, but Case-Shiller reported that the national home price index was 0.60 percent lower than its peak reading in 2006. The 20-City Home Price Index was 7.10 percent lower than the 2006 peak. This provides a positive context for healthy home price growth, but concerns linger about a repeat of the housing bubble that burst and caused home prices to crash.
David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the S&P Index Committee said that a new housing bubble is unlikely. Home buyers are not taking out huge mortgages as was common prior to the Great Recession; mortgage lenders have adopted stricter qualification standards to help ensure that borrowers can afford their mortgages.
New Home Sales Rise in September
Sales of new homes rose to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 593,000 sales in September according to the Commerce Department. Although lower than analysts’ expected reading of 600,000 sales, September’s reading surpassed August’s reading of 575,000 sales. August’s reading was downwardly revised from its original reading of 609,000, which suggests that new home prices are growing at a slower rate than expected.
High demand for homes boosted September’s reading for pending home sales, which represents homes under contract for sale that have not closed. Pending home sales increased in September with a reading of 1.50 percent growth as compared to August’s negative rate of -2.50 percent. Pending home sales provide indications of future completed sales and mortgage loan volume.
Mortgage Rates Rise, New Jobless Claims Fall
Mortgage rates were lower last week according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell five basis points to 3.47 percent; rates for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 2.78 percent, which was one basis point lower than the prior week’s reading. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was also one basis point lower at 2.84 percent. Average discount points were 0.60, 0.50 and 0.40 percent respectively.
In spite of growth in home prices and volume of sales, consumer confidence slowed in October. October’s index reading of 98.60 as compared to an expected reading of 101.00 and September’s reading of 103.50. Analysts said that uncertainty over the upcoming presidential election contributed to October’s lower reading.
What’s Ahead
Next week’s scheduled economic reports include readings on inflation, construction spending core inflation, and labor reports. Non-farm payrolls, ADP employment, national unemployment rates will also be released. Freddie Mac’s mortgage rates report and new jobless claims will also be released.
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3006 E Posey Court
Star Valley, AZ 85541
$1,530,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
3,048
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749066
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This 3,480sf, Pioneer Log Home, sitting on just over 1 acre in a private gated community, will take your breath away! Constructed of Massive Western Cedar Logs, carefully sited into the natural surroundings with a year round creek at the rear of the home has unmatched beauty! This home features a 2 way wood burning fireplace that heats both the large great room and spacious master bedroom, Small pond and waterfall feature in great room, big kitchen with gas cook top, kitchen island, breakfast bar, and giant laundry area/ mud room, and fire suppression system. Walk upstairs to find another living area, two huge bedrooms, and giant jacuzzi tub with double sinks and walk in shower! Bring the outdoors in with floor to ceiling windows, and great natural lighting. There is 5,000 Square Feet Under Roof which includes the covered porches, breezeway and the garage (provided by the owner).
5455 E Lincoln Drive Unit 1016
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
$1,529,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,702
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6639094
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
Indulge in loft living at Mountain Shadows Resort! exquisitely upgraded 2-bedroom loft home is adorned w/ designer touches & meticulous details. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Camelback Mountain, Mountain Shadows Resort offers a distinctive lifestyle in a community of only 41 condo & loft homes, providing a serene Paradise Valley setting w/ full privileges at the resort iincluding a pool, spa, gym, restaurants & concierge services. There's also the unique opportunity to join the rental pool for stress-free income generation. Welcome to the epitome of resort living in Paradise Valley! Step into this two-story residence that emanates unparalleled style, offering turn key living at its finest. Furniture is avail for purchase. Property has ability to be in rental pool program.
6942 E Thirsty Cactus Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$1,525,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,472
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749247
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Wonderful home in Terravita Country Club with views of the 14 fairway and Black Mountain with stunning AZ sunsets! This remodeled home offers a fabulous kitchen, granite and luxury stainless appliances all overlooking the great room. The view windows offer unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains, sunsets and world-famous Saguaros. This Caelum model plan is perfect for guests to relax, both inside and out! The backyard is a resort paradise with a heated pool, large built in BBQ/entertaining bar, large gas fire-place and lots of outdoor seating with and covered patio areas to enjoy the best of Arizona resort living! This is a must see!
7117 E Rancho Vista Drive Unit 4006
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
$1,525,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,734
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755060
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
RARE CORNER UNIT COMPRISED OF 3 BEDROOMS + 2.5 BATHS, TWO SEPARATE ENTRANCES (ONE FOR RESIDENT, ONE FOR GUESTS) WITH TWO EXPANSIVE TERRACES, WITH CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN AND CITY VIEWS. PANORAMIC FLOOR-TO-CEILING GLASS SLIDERS. TWO SECURED UNDERGROUND PARKING SPACES NEAR ELEVATORS. AWARD-WINNING OPTIMA CAMEL VIEW IS RENOWNED FOR ITS PRIME LOCATION AND CUTTING-EDGE ARCHITECTURE OFFERING UNPARALLELED AMENITIES INCLUDING POOLS, SPAS, BBQ AREAS, AND A RECENTLY UPGRADED TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT FITNESS CENTER WITH LOCKER ROOMS, STEAM ROOMS, INDOOR LAP POOL, SPAS, AN ON-SITE CONCIERGE, PUTTING GREEN, HYBRID BASKETBALL/PICKLEBALL COURT, AND RESTAURANT. WALKING DISTANCE TO, COFFEE SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTCLUBS AND ALL THAT OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE HAS TO OFFER.
7374 E Woodsage Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$1,525,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,472
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747900
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Exquisitely curated interiors create the distinguished ambiance offered in this very private, gracious villa. Discerning tastes will take note of the Ralph Lauren inspired fabrics and appointments throughout the spacious floorplan, with comfortable, open living spaces on the main level, including the dramatic vaulted entry & formal living room w/ wet bar, sophisticated Formal Dining, well-lit kitchen w/ charming breakfast room adjacent to the finely appointed Family/TV room, which overlooks the private patio with glass tiled dipping pool. Upstairs, the Primary Suite is a richly appointed sanctuary of it's own, separated by an open walkway from the secondary bedrooms. Additionally, an office/exercise room & delightful powder room exist on the main floor. (Newer roof w/ warranty.) Furniture may be purchased by separate bill of sale for a move-in ready scenario, if desired.
9781 E Gamble Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$1,525,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,166
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6754348
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Fantastic opportunity to own a completely remodeled, single level home in the Monument at Troon North. Fall in love with its gorgeous open floorplan featuring wood floors, linear fireplace in great room, chefs kitchen with Wolf Range, double ovens, under/over/inside cabinet lighting, huge breakfast island and quartzite counters. Your favorite room will be the dining room with its lovely view and wall to wall hutch that makes a statement. The inviting primary suite features cozy fireplace and a exit to back patio and view deck. Enter primary bath thru barn door into spa like bath with free standing tub, double sinks, huge shower, private water closet and large walk in closet with organizers. Huge second ensuite with lots of closet space and lovely bath with backlite mirrors, tiled mirror, tiled wall and a lot of style. Large 3rd and 4th bedroom offer walk in closets, shutters, nicely sized, 4th has private patio. Well laid out laundry room with sink and extra refrigerator space. This corner lot gem is a must see, desert landscape with a lot of lights and RV gate, this lot is large enough for putting green, pool and ramada or possibly a guest home! Garage is 3.5 at least and extended. View Deck offers 360 degree Mountain views as well as city lights!
6055 E Indigo Sky Road
Hereford, AZ 85615
$1,525,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,307
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777571
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This stunning Santa Fe style 3300 ft.² + is located between Bisbee and Sierra Vista AZ. Just off highway 92 backed against Thompson Peak. This property offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and serene desert living on a spacious 5 acre lot. The house offers two master suites and 2 1/2 bathrooms. The open concept layout flows seamlessly from the welcoming large foyer with Stackstone accents, to the expansive living areas. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances, granite countertops, butcher block Island, Stackstone backsplash and tons of maple cabinets. The huge main master suite provides a relaxing retreat with panoramic valley and Mountain View's walk-in closet, spa like bathroom and private balcony. A detached one bedroom, guest suite and a 40 ft RV garage/worksho
7438 E Visao Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$1,525,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,146
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786533
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience this beautifully remodeled single-level home in the exclusive guard-gated community of Bellasera. Upgraded to perfection, this residence boasts new flooring, elegantly redesigned bathrooms, and a custom chef's kitchen with a gas cooktop that seamlessly flows into the formal dining and living areas—ideal for hosting and everyday living. Offering 4 bedrooms (3 in the main house and 1 in the attached casita) and 3.5 bathrooms, the home features a transitional interior design and an open-concept great room floor plan. Enjoy unparalleled privacy in the resort-style backyard, which backs to open space and spectacular mountain views, and built in BBQ. A low-maintenance home with a hassle-free yard—ideal for winter visitors/2nd home, yet large enough to put a resort like pool. Bellasera's premium community amenities include a fitness center, play pool, lap pool, spa, library, sport courts, and a dog park. This home is the perfect blend of luxury, style, and tranquility. Welcome home!
3519 Lee Doyle --
Flagstaff, AZ 86005
$1,525,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,497
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6772140
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Located on a large corner lot in a private area of Forest Highlands, this charming SINGLE LEVEL home is the perfect mountain retreat. The open floor plan, privacy and additional bonus room provide comfort and versatility for large groups or intimate gatherings. The open kitchen has granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances as well as a large walk-in pantry. It also has a pass-through service window to the bonus room. The large covered deck has both covered and uncovered areas with a built in barbecue and plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors. This is quite the find at a price point seldom seen in Forest Highlands.
9020 N 33rd Way
Phoenix, AZ 85028
$1,525,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
4,521
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6729215
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Priced well below appraised value! Elegance & timeless charm will be found in this stunning Santa Barbara-inspired property located just mere steps from the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. This gorgeous residence greets you with rich hardwood plank & luxury Saltillo tile , high ceilings with wood beams plus beautiful wood cased windows. A central atrium creates an airy atmosphere with tons of natural light that can be adjusted with electric blinds. The open gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight with custom cabinetry, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances with Taj Mahal leathered Quartzite countertops, an adjacent oversized laundry room, and a huge storage pantry. The heart of the home is the great room, illuminated by skylights and anchored by an authentic tiled fireplace. Step outside to to the entertainer's garden, with its large pool surrounded by lush trees. This beautiful home is perfect no matter what your lifestyles! With a large playroom/hobby room/craft room that can also be used as attached guest suite complete vaulted ceilings, fireplace, quartzite desk, lots of storage, sleeping loft and private bathroom. Flex room off loft would make a perfect kitchenette/coffee area. New Tesla Super Charger in Garage. Minutes to 51 access, downtown, airport, Basis Phoenix Primary, new PV Mall redevelopment, biking/walking trails, Press Coffee, 32 Shea, many other fine restaurants. Check out these amazing details & features: ***
3124 E Blackhawk Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$1,520,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,324
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6661174
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This spacious beauty in Acacia Estates boasts the addition of a separate living quarters and a recent remodel with high-end upgraded features such as solid hardwood knotty alder doors and baseboards, a Chef's kitchen with GE Monogram appliances, 3 beverage fridges and a 4-car insulated and temperature-controlled garage. Additional highlights include front yard artificial turf, plantation shutters throughout, remote blackout shades in the bedrooms and a home surveillance system. Other luxury features such as a private courtyard, ensuites in secondary bedroom, attached casita with a full bathroom remodel to include an oversized shower and soaking tub
Flagstaff
AZ 86004
$1,519,000
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
4,920
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6703866
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This stunning custom home on 2.5 acres is the realization of an arts and crafts vision singular to Flagstaff. From the careful details of the front doors, to custom built ins & woodwork, cherry cabinets, & tiffany style light fixtures, this is a work of art! Live your quiet dream in serenity surrounded by natural beauty, or create an entertainer's paradise. Delight in the chef's kitchen with a Viking suite of appliances. Lose yourself in the beautifully treed, gardened yard with mountain views. The lower level is pure fun. Entertain, work out, dance, play pool. Located in desireable Pine Mt. Estates, only steps from national forest, this is an equestrian & outdoor lover's dream. With 2 living areas, spacious rooms, custom office, 3 car garage, owned solar & AC, it's your perfect retreat. Furnishings available with a few exclusions (wood telephone on wall does not convey as well as personal antiques). We've completed an inspection and this home is in excellent shape! See additional documents for many details on items repaired, solar information and the vegetation on property.