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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20063 N 98th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85382
$550,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,858
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747446
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
UPDATED PRICE!!! RARE REMODELED HOME IN WESTBROOK VILLAGE! Beautifully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home with 1,858 sq. ft. of living space. Owners spent over $165,000+ on the remodel (see documents tab for breakdown of costs). Step inside to a bright and open great-room living area featuring vaulted ceilings, gorgeous electric fireplace and luxury vinyl plank flooring. The elegant kitchen boasts a mixture of quartz slab counters on the perimeter & slate gray granite countertops on the island. These perfectly compliment the upgraded cabinets & SS Kitchen Aid appliance package purchased recently in 2023. There is also a huge breakfast room area just off the kitchen perfect for everyday meals. The primary bedroom is carpeted, providing a warm and comfortable retreat, and features its own bathroom with double sinks, a full bath, private toilet room, and a separate shower & tub, offering a touch of luxury and convenience. The secondary bathroom has been updated to a stylish 3/4 bath with a walk-in shower, remodeled in 2023. The laundry room may be one of the nicest rooms in the house as this was expanded and remodeled to provide plenty of countertop space, a sink, and cabinets to make laundry fun again! Step outside to the backyard, where you'll find a covered patio, desert landscaping, mature landscaping, synthetic grass, and a new irrigation system installed in 2023perfect for outdoor entertaining and convenience. This is a true LOCK & LEAVE HOUSE that also includes 2 garage spaces and is part of a vibrant community with countless amenities such as a biking/walking path, clubhouse/rec room, tennis courts, community media room, heated pool and spa, golf course, and workout facility. Don't miss your chance to own this move-in ready gem in a fantastic community!
1431 E Wood Street
Phoenix, AZ 85040
$550,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
2,136
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6738358
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PRICED REDUCED TO SELL. Beautifully remodeled property with R-4 multi family residential zoning on HUGE 19,996 sq ft LOT - Endless Potential! Offering immense flexibility, this property is perfect for investors or developers looking to maximize their return, with the potential to build multiple units or houses. Modern upgrades and high- quality finishes throughout the main house. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a versatile property with significant development potential here in Phoenix.
2522 N 11th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,111
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6742322
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MOTIVATED SELLERS!!! Discover your dream home in the Coronado Historical District. This newly renovated gem features new windows, flooring, and tile throughout. The stunning kitchen boasts custom Euro-style cabinetry, quartz countertops, and new stainless steel appliances. Enjoy updated bathrooms and an enclosed laundry room with cabinetry and a built-in seating area, perfect for an artist studio or more. Open French doors for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining in the courtyard. The home also offers a brand-new roof with a 10-year warranty, a new hot water heater, turf grass, and front-yard irrigation. Located on a quiet street, yet close to downtown, Roosevelt Row, and Phoenix Country Club. Modern comfort meets historic charm!
14867 W Windsor Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85395
$550,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,098
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6744603
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Get ready to fall in love with this spacious 4-bedroom home boasting 3 full baths, a versatile loft (easily convertible to a 5th bedroom), and a 3-car garage. Nestled in the beautiful Rio Paseo Community in Goodyear. This gem is right in the heart of an entertainment district, surrounded by fantastic restaurants, a theatre, shopping hotspots, walk/bike paths, waterfall pond, parks, and top-notch schools. Step inside to discover a formal living and dining area, a large open kitchen featuring a breakfast bar, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances (including a refrigerator). Downstairs you'll find a convenient bedroom with a full bath. Home is complemented by stylish touches such as stone decor on the kitchen island, a single bowl kitchen sink, new blinds and laundry room with built-in cabinets. Upstairs, you'll be greeted by 3 generously sized bedrooms, including an expansive retreat with double doors, a remodeled ensuite with a separate soaker tub and a spacious walk-in shower, double sinks, and a large walk-in closet. The backyard offers a full-length covered patio, providing ample space for your creative vision. Not to mention, several upgrades have been made between 2022 and 2023, including partial roof replacement, new flooring, water heater, water softener, AC units, upgraded kitchen, and remodeled bathrooms. Conveniently located near the I-10 and Loop 303 Freeways. This home is move-in ready and waiting for you to make it your own!
19314 S 208th Place
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$550,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,185
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751638
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New $11,000 PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Welcome to this beautiful & immaculate Gateway Quarter home. Attractive paver driveway, and charming covered front porch with perfect view of landscaped walking trails across the street. Inside a den/office could be 4th bedroom, and the very open great room & kitchen are perfect for Gatherings of loved ones. Recessed lighting, and durable tile flooring. Gorgeous kitchen w/ crown molding on cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances,gas cook top, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The main bedroom offers soft carpeting, an en suite with dual sinks, and an enormous walk-in closet. Low maintenance backyard showcases a large covered patio, artificial turf, gravel and Perfect location, Just blocks away from Costco, Aldi, Target, so many restaurants, and a huge tranquil nursery to stroll through.
501 W Jasper Drive
Chandler, AZ 85225
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,961
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6745933
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
***PRICED BELOW COMPS!*** Walk into instant equity in this unassuming gem in Chandler! Motivated Seller. NO HOA!! A great property with HUGE potential! This 4bdrm/2bth home on a large corner lot insulated in highly sought-after neighborhood of Thunderbird Estates in Northern Chandler. Down the street from Knox Gifted Academy (Ranked #1 AZ Public School) and Apache Park (Basketball, Tennis, Racquetball and playground). Home was remodeled in 2019 and included new roof and a/c. There is room for an addition or guest house in the backyard! The interior has all modern finishes. This home's exterior and landscaping is essentially a blank slate, just waiting for a new owner to make it their own! *Perfect for a light-flip or DIY homeowner! PROPERTY FEATURES: a LARGE, gated, pull-through RV pad.
4565 S Merriman Way
Gilbert, AZ 85297
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,793
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747135
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to 4565 S Merriman Way, a beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering an inviting living space. The open-concept kitchen features modern appliances, a spacious island, and ample cabinetry. Relax in the elegant master suite with a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom. The highlight of this home is the entertainer's dream backyard, complete with an outdoor BBQ kitchen, gazebo, fridge, and sink. Enjoy community amenities such as playgrounds, walking paths and tennis courts. Conveniently located near shopping, schools and major highways.
6504 W Behrend Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$550,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,313
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6765381
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Move in Ready! Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in desirable Arrowhead Subdivision. Features an open concept kitchen to great room, fresh interior paint, and a prime location in Glendale with easy access to the Loop 101. Ideal for comfortable living!
30061 N 70th Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$550,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
1,818
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748482
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Your DREAM home is here in Sonoran Mountain Ranch! Backing the mountain preserve, this beauty offers privacy & serene views. Providing 4 beds, 3 baths, 2-car garage, & a low-care landscape. Home exudes refined style, showcasing an open layout paired with a fireplace, designer paint, archways, & wood-look tile flooring in all the right places. The impressive kitchen boasts SS appliances, granite counters, a double-door pantry, two-tone cabinetry, tile backsplash, & a 2-tier island. The den can be an office or play area! Main bedroom has a double-door entry, outdoor access, and an ensuite w/dual sinks & a walk-in closet. If entertaining is on your mind, the backyard awaits you! With a covered patio, artificial turf, & refreshing pool, this space promises year-round enjoyment. Move-in ready!
818 N 87th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,628
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6761025
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! Welcome to this spacious home, nestled in the heart of South Scottsdale, and ideal for someone looking for a home improvement project. With some modern updates, this home will easily return to its full potential. It has great bones and a fabulous layout with both a family room and a living room, spacious kitchen, and a pool that's serviced weekly behind a new wrought-iron fence and a newer variable speed pump and filter. New'ish SS appliances are staying, along with the W&D. An atrium off the family room is a perfect place for a flower garden or water feature. This is your opportunity to put your own touches and style on an affordable home in a prime location with a LOW HOA near the 101 and 202, and a 7 minute drive to both Old Town Scottsdale and ASU.
18001 N 46th Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$550,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,620
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751622
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come see this beautiful 4bed / 2.5 bath home located in the Belair neighborhood on the golf course! Take in the beautiful scenery in your own private pool - You've gotta see this one!
1036 E Sahuaro Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85020
$550,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,735
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760943
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to the heart of Phoenix. This 3 bedroom 2 bath open floor plan is nestled in the desirable Pointe Tapatio community. Once inside you are greeted with a sunken seating area with a large fireplace. Gaze up to the vaulted ceilings with windows that provide ample natural light. The spotless kitchen has numerous cabinets for storage and a new marble backsplash to complement the granite counter tops. Double doors open to the master bedroom with a California walk in closet and dual sink vanity. Relax in the spectacular backyard with your private pool and covered patio. Multiple recent upgrades: paved front patio, front & back yard timed watering system with all new pipes and drips, new kitchen appliances, backsplash, extra plush carpet and MORE. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME