Last week’s economic news included reports on retail sales, inflation, and weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.
Retail Sales Slip as Consumer Prices Inch Up
Retail sales dipped into negative territory in August with a reading of -0.30 percent as compared to expectations of -0.10 percent and July’s reading of +0.10 percent. Retail sales excluding auto sales were better at +0.30 percent. Analysts expected a reading of +0.20 percent based on July’s reading of -0.40 percent. August’s negative reading for retail sales was the first negative report since March.
Inflation fared better than retail sales with August’s Consumer Price Index reading at 0.20 percent. Analysts expected a reading of 0.10 percent; July’s reading was flat. Core Consumer Price Index readings for August are less volatile, as the Core CPI does not include readings for food and energy costs. August’s Core CPI reading was 0.30 percent. A reading of 0.20 percent was expected; July’s reading was 0.10 percent. It appears that inflation is creeping upward, but remains well below the Fed’s target reading of 2.0 percent.
Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Rise
Freddie Mac reported higher mortgage rates across the board last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose six basis points to 3.50 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose one basis point to 2.76 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose one basis point to an average of 2.82 percent. Average discount points were 0.50 for 30 and 15-year fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.
Low mortgage rates have helped home buyers, especially first-time and moderate income buyers, meet affordability challenges. Home prices have risen due to low numbers of available homes and high demand for homes. If mortgage rates continue to rise, fewer buyers will be able to qualify for mortgages and or afford asking prices for available homes.
Next week’s meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee is expected to bring news of a Fed decision on raising the target federal funds rate. If the Fed raises its rate, consumer interest rates for mortgages, vehicles and other goods can be expected to increase as well.
What‘s Ahead
This week’s economic news includes the NAHB Housing Market Index, Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued and a Fed Statement at the conclusion of its Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Wednesday. Fed Chair Janet Yellen is also slated to give a press conference after the FOMC statement. The National Association of Realtors will also release a report on sales of previously owned homes.
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5064 E Peak View Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,141
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6650226
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
3BD 2.5BA 2141 SQ FT HOME WITH PRIVATE POOL IN GREAT LOCATION. LARGE BKYD THAT BACKS TO DESSERT WASH. TILE IN ALL WALK AREAS & CARPET THROUGHOUT.
24041 N 171st Lane
Surprise, AZ 85387
$624,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,890
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6684177
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come see this Julia dream home! Included features: an inviting covered entry; a convenient laundry; an elegant dining room leading onto a covered side porch; a spacious great room; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, an extended center island, a butler's pantry and a walk-in pantry; a roomy nook with large center meet doors; an extended covered patio; a versatile flex room; an impressive primary suite showcasing extra storage in the bath and a generous walk-in closet; a study in lieu of a storage area; a 2-car garage and a single-car garage. This home also offers front yard landscaping and driveway pavers as well as ceiling fan prewiring, wood laminate and stone tile flooring and additional windows in select rooms. This is a must see!
21873 E Saddle Court
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6731525
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.
24021 N 172nd Avenue
Surprise, AZ 85387
$624,995
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,840
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6732025
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome Home! Darius plan provides a sophisticated and accommodating plan for livability that checks all the boxes on your wish list. In addition to a lavish owner's suite—with a roomy walk-in closet and attached double-sink bath—this home includes a second owner's suite with an adjacent living room, perfect for multi-generational living. You'll also enjoy a 3-car garage, a study, a great room with a covered patio featuring a multi slide door to bring the outdoor living indoors. Inviting gourmet kitchen with a generous island, dining nook for all entertaining gatherings! Airy 10 ft ceilings ,desired jack and jill bathrooms and so much more! This home sits on an oversized cul-de-sac lot.
22717 E Lords Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$624,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,123
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6761308
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
4 CAR SUPER GARAGE!!! Do not miss the opportunity to own our lovely Opal plan featuring 4 bedrooms, a Den and 3 baths, Modern Desert home Not only will you be impressed with the expansive garage, this N/S homesite has a double gate and is large enough to build a wonderful backyard Oasis. The gourmet kitchen has light grey shaker cabinetry with extended dining cabinets, sleek stainless steele hardware, quartz countertops, and a glitensing tile backsplash. Wood plank tile floors are in the main living areas with designer tile floors in the primary bath; and the primary bath features an oversized shower with tile surrounds. The Opal floor plan offers flexibility with a bedroom, bath, and den separate from the other rooms for a guest suite arrangement. This home offers room for everyone and plenty of storage with the oversized garage, expansive 10' ceilings, & 8' interior doors. Additional convenience features include an electric car charging package, garage sink, preplumb for a sink in the laundry, laundry room to the primary closet, and added LED ceiling lighting. Gather at the community pool, hottub, pickle-ball, BarBQ's, Ramadas, or neighborhood park in our lovely Madera Community. When you choose to venture out for dining and entertainment, there are several options with Queen Creek Market Place a few short miles away and the new Frontier Family Park that is almost complete.
20147 W Mulberry Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$624,990
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,397
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6678219
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's our Carmona sitting on a LARGE lot with over 12,300 sq. ft. and an 8' gate. 3 bedrooms, study, 2 baths, 2 car with storage area. 12'x8' sliding glass door that leads out to the extended covered patio. Stainless steel gas double oven appliance package with a 36'' cooktop and canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Painted ''Linen-off white'' cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers and pull out trash drawer. DT Quartz Evening Gray countertops with a stainless steel undermount single bowl sink. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Beaumont 7x24 Bosso tile in all areas of the home except beds/closets. Dual sinks at bath 2. Garage service door, stub out for future BBQ and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!
25931 N 23rd Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85085
$624,990
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,976
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6758025
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to the Peralta plan, offering 1,992 square feet of elegant living space with a charming Farmhouse exterior. As you step onto the pavers at the covered entry and into the home, the paint grade mission stair rail adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship while the 8' interior doors adorned with matte black door hardware. This home's kitchen and great room open up to a spacious outdoor space with a gas stub for BBQ, ensuring the possibilities of effortless outdoor entertaining. The heart of the home, the kitchen, features stainless steel GE appliances including an under-cabinet hood, a built-in gas cooktop with five burners, and a built-in wall oven and microwave with trim kit. The kitchen features white painted shaker cabinets featuring 42'' uppers and 3'' crown at the perimeter. The kitchen countertops are adorned with Della Terra slate grey quartz which are complimented by the Dal Tile - Brickworks 2x8 backsplash. A large single basin stainless steel sink with a Moen Spring kitchen faucet completes this chef's dream kitchen. All bathrooms and the kitchen feature two-tone black and champagne bronze cabinet pulls. Moen Gibson 8 widespread matte black premium finish faucets offer a beautiful contrast to the white cultured marble countertops with rectangular sinks. Throughout the downstairs and in bath 2 and the laundry upstairs, you'll find durable Dal Tile Hill House Natural 6x36 wood look tile, while the primary bathroom boasts AZ Tile Reside Matte Beige 12X24 tile. The primary bath also features an enlarged primary bath shower, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Moving upstairs, Shaw Kennfield carpet in the shade Ecru providing comfort and warmth. All flooring is elegantly trimmed with upgraded 4 ¼ baseboards. This home is complemented by a soft water loop located in the garage for added convenience. Union Park offers Tree-lined streets, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and a 5,500 sf recreation center with resort style pool an kiddie pool, shaded ramadas, parks, gathering areas, pickleball courts and basketball. Close to I-10, 101 and 303. Walking distance to restaurants, movies, entertainment and shopping. Don't miss your opportunity to own this beautifully designed new construction home where luxury meets functionality.
29403 N 31st Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85083
$624,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,105
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771893
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Ask about special financing with preferred lender. This single-level home showcases an attached private suite, which is comprised of a separate living space, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom, ideal for multigenerational living. In the main home, the Great Room, kitchen and dining room are arranged among a convenient open floorplan, with sliding glass doors that lead to the covered patio. The owner's suite is situated at the back of the home, while two bedrooms are found off the foyer. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.
26827 N 67th Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$624,990
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,125
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6715116
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This home is now complete and ready to make it yours! Experience the charm of Aloravita, nestled within the scenic mountains of Peoria. This community boasts breathtaking views and is conveniently located minutes away from shopping, dining, hiking trails and more! Our popular 'Barstown' floorplan features 3 full bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 Car-Garage and a private yard with views! Designer selected finish includes Burlap Cabinetry, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Wood Like Tile Throughout, and Plush Carpet in all the bedrooms. This beautiful home will have it all including 9' ceilings, Gourmet Gas Kitchen, Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Appliances, Blinds, Pre-Plumb for Soft Water, and Smart Home Technology. Interior photos of similar spec, options may vary**
3537 Plaza De La Rosa --
Sierra Vista, AZ 85650
$624,990
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,412
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781271
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MUST SEE, WONT LAST LONG!! A beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath residence in La Terraza is now for sale! Boasting a stunning facade w/stone accents, low-care landscape, a 3 car garage, and RV gate, it's sure to be the home for you! Inside you will find a spacious semi-open floor plan w/elegant wood-look flooring, vaulted ceilings w/skylights, neutral palette, and a warm fireplace. The kitchen is equipped w/ample wood cabinetry, tile counters & backsplash, a pantry, built-in appliances, a breakfast nook w/a lovely bay window, and a breakfast bar. End your busy day in the primary bedroom, boasting a 3-way fireplace, a walk-in closet, and a full ensuite w/dual sinks. Don't forget about the cozy bonus room, ideal for a lounge or entertainment center! Feel safe in this beautiful gated community. Lastly, the wonderful backyard includes a covered patio, a convenient storage shed, artificial turf, a seating area w/a ramada, and a sparkling blue pool!
2204 E Kelly Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$624,990
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,793
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6759517
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled in the gated community of Belrose, this stunning Gilbert home offers the ideal blend of style & comfort. Wood-look tile flooring with plush carpeting in all the right places, recessed lighting, & modern fixtures & design elements throughout. The bright, open kitchen boasts white cabinets, sleek stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, RO System, & a walk-in pantry. The spacious primary bedroom features an ensuite with walk-in shower & dual vanity. Enjoy AZ living in your backyard with a covered patio, pavers, & a dog run. Also included, a convenient doggy door, a 2-car garage with extra storage & water softener/whole house filtration system. Situated in an incredible central location, this home provides easy access to highways, top-rated schools, shopping, dining, & more!
12643 W Roanoke Avenue
Avondale, AZ 85392
$624,970
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,494
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6783118
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Rancho Santa Fe! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence features a 2-car garage, an RV gate, and a low-maintenance yard. You're greeted by a cozy living room with a soothing palette, plantation shutters, recessed lighting, and tile flooring. The family room has an inviting fireplace and double French doors leading to the backyard. The delightful eat-in kitchen comes with granite counters, crisp white cabinetry with crown moulding, a stone tile backsplash, SS appliances, a handy pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. The bright main bedroom boasts vaulted ceilings, plush carpeting, balcony access, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture out onto the balcony, which offers serene views of the surroundings. The enchanting resort-style backyard showcases a covered patio, a lovely gazebo, a built-in BBQ, an outdoor fireplace, a putting green for golf enthusiasts, and a relaxing spa and pool combo. Make this gem yours now!