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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15963 W Montana De Oro Drive
Surprise, AZ 85387
$582,436
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,229
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6721719
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New home ready for immediate occupancy! This single level 2229 SF single level 3 BR, plus den 3. BA home is located on a north south facing home site. Surrounded by single level homes, no 2 stories. Exciting included features include upgraded cabinets, upgraded Quartz tops, tile Kitchen backsplash, plank tile on the floors, 10' ceilings, 8' interior doors, 3 car garage, gourmet kitchen, garage service door, tank less water heater, landscape credit, and so much more. Neighborhood also includes, tree lined streets, Certified Energy Star and Indoor Air Plus for more energy savings.
4198 N Spyglass Drive
Florence, AZ 85132
$582,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,989
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6701840
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come and see this beautifully upgraded home with Stunning views on the 1st fairway of the Poston Butte Golf course in Sun City Anthem. This home has SOLAR for low energy bills Enjoy two large bedrooms, two baths and a large den complete with French doors. Hunter Douglas window treatments and ceiling fans in all rooms. Enjoy a gorgeous chefs kitchen with gas range, upgraded cabinets and granite countertops. The master bath has an oversized walk-in shower with stunning custom tile, beautiful tile flooring in all main living spaces with upgraded carpet in bedrooms. A gorgeous outdoor travertine patio gives you a spectacular golf course view, complete with lovely desert inspired landscaping, garden lighting and motorized sunshades! Enjoy the beautiful view and AZ weather all year round. There is a Golf Cart garage, complete with storage area, shelving and wall slat hanging storage system with upgraded additional LED lighting. There is also a whole house RO system and water softener, and tankless gas hot water heater. This home has a freshly painted exterior as well! Located in a wonderful community with numerous amenities, there will never be a lack of activities to participate in! Golf, Pickle Ball, tennis, biking, fitness center, pools and spas, bocce ball, clubhouse and restaurant are all just steps away! Come for a visit and stay for a lifetime! See you soon!
6073 W Caribe Lane
Glendale, AZ 85306
$582,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,996
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6713341
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gorgeous family home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, no HOA, pool, and an RV gate. Currently used a short term rental and can be purchased fully furnished. Home has open layout and was completely remodeled in 2022.. Great location in Glendale family neighborhood.
1275 W Via Del Palo --
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$581,566
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,149
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6785722
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MLS#6785722 April 2025 Completion! Welcome to the Sunrise in Ovation at Meridian! As you step into the foyer, you'll find a flexible space and a full bathroom to the left, and a secondary bedroom with its own full bathroom to the right. Continue into the casual dining area, which flows seamlessly into the gathering room and kitchen, all with views of the outdoor patio. At the back of the home, the spacious primary suite offers a private retreat, complete with an en-suite bathroom and a large walk-in closet. Structural options added include; 8' interior doors, 12' sliding glass door, soft water loop, and garage service door.
15680 W Mercer Lane
Surprise, AZ 85379
$581,027
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,492
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760233
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Brand new home completed this November! This home is a wonderful 3-bedroom with a Den or Flex Room. The amazing kitchen / great room is open and has an oversized island. This beautiful home is under construction & backs to an open space with no direct back neighbors. There is wood plank tile throughout except for the bedrooms. Gourmet kitchen with designer hood, gas cooktop, built in oven / Microwave. & upgraded Painted Linen Cabinets, honed granite countertops, and a custom backsplash. Owner's suite has a tiled shower & Honed Granite counters & undermount sinks. Don't miss the unbelievable owner's closet. The flex room is built in so that it could easily be used as a den / playroom or home office. HOME WILL BE COMPLETE IN November. SELLER IS OFFERING RATE BUYDOWNS!
4230 W Palace Station Road
New River, AZ 85087
$581,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,799
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747349
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Don't miss this one! Stunning single story Barbaro model home on a premium corner lot in sought after Circle Mountain Ranch! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and just under 1800 SF. Split floor plan with a bright and open concept main living space. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, gas range and opens to the spacious great room with tile flooring, ceiling fan, recessed lighting, multiple windows and neutral tones. Primary retreat with double door entry, ceiling fan, carpet, walk in closet, en suite bath w/ dual sinks. Low maintenance landscape, block wall, extended paver patio & cover and turf! Additionally, this home is equipped with smart home technology. Enjoy all of the wonderful amenities Anthem has to offer - walking/hiking paths, parks, shopping, dining, golf & more all with EZ freeway access.
26815 N 65th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85083
$581,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,244
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775468
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Great 4-bedroom home located on a desirable corner lot of a private cul-de-sac with stunning mountain views! Split floor plan boasting wood flooring, formal dining, custom pain finishes, and a charming living room for entertaining. The eat-in kitchen has built-in appliances, honey oak cabinets, ample counters, and a breakfast bar for casual meals. The main bedroom is downstairs and offers a bathroom with a separate tub/shower, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Upstairs, you'll find the secondary bedrooms along w/French inspired stained glass at entrance of 2nd story windows. The fabulous backyard features a view fence, a covered patio, and a sparkling blue pool. Close to shopping, restaurants, and other attractions. Really nice home!
17580 W Running Deer Trail
Surprise, AZ 85387
$580,995
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,840
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6699992
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Explore this impressive Darius home, ready for an August move-in. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a spacious great room; a quiet study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a center island and a pantry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a large living room; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.
9911 S Caballo Drive
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
$580,990
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,444
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6782867
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This expansive 2,444 square-foot single-level home offers the perfect combination of space and comfort. With 5 bedrooms/3 full bathrooms, this residence is ideal for large gatherings for those who love to entertain. The home's open-concept design creates a seamless flow between the main living areas. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring modern appliances with a gas stove, ample cabinetry, a large center island, and a breakfast bar. Adjacent to the kitchen is a spacious dining area that comfortably accommodates family meals and gatherings. The living room is designed for relaxation and socializing, with plenty of natural light streaming through large windows. 3 car garage & HUGE yard! tankless water heater!
13138 N 173rd Lane
Surprise, AZ 85388
$580,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,745
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760540
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This home combines modern luxury with everyday convenience, making it the perfect place to make your own. Located in a newly developed and highly sought-after neighborhood, this brand-new construction (2023) boasts both luxury and convenience. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bonus flex spaces, great room, chef's kitchen, and a large interior courtyard, this home offers the perfect blend of style and functionality for today's modern lifestyle. Chef's Kitchen: The heart of the home, featuring gourmet appliance package including double wall oven, gas cooktop, and drawer microwave, chic white cabinets with 42'' uppers, decorative tile backsplash, and an expansive island - ideal for culinary enthusiasts or entertaining. Large Great Room: Open and airy with plenty of natural light, perfect for family gatherings or relaxing after a long day. The 12' center-slide glass door provides direct access to the patio. Eat-In Kitchen: Spacious for hosting dinner parties, holiday feasts and gathering for family meals. Owner's Ensuite: Nestled at the back of the house and split from the other 3 bedrooms, your private retreat with a spa-like bathroom, oversized walk-in shower, double vanities, and a generous walk-in closet. 3 Additional Bedrooms: Spacious and thoughtfully designed with ample closet space. 2 Bonus Flex Spaces: Versatile areas that can be used as home offices, playrooms, or workout spaces. Large Interior Courtyard: A serene outdoor space for al fresco dining, lounging, or gardening. Across the Street from a Beautiful Park: Enjoy walking, playing, or relaxing in the lush greenery right outside your door. Minutes from Costco and Other Shopping and Dining: Convenience at your fingertips with easy access to a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Don't miss your chance to own this gem in one of the most desirable new neighborhoods!
6658 S St Andrews Court
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$580,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,764
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6730222
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom home is located right in the heart of Seville. On a corner lot in a quiet cul-de-sac you will find this gem that sits on the golf course right between the hole 9 tee box and the hole 8 green. The home has a large, beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and plenty of storage space. Gorgeous stone and wood accents are all throughout the home giving it that Arizona charm. There is a large master bedroom with a full bathroom and it is complete with a large walk-in closet. A full bar room/office is perfect to come relax on a hot day. As you step into your lovely backyard you are greeted with the sound of a calming rock fountain and the stunning golf course views. This home is impeccably well maintained and shows a real pride of ownership.
3705 Ridgeview Terrace
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
$580,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,554
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6754596
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This perfect 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is ideal for two, offering 1,554 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space. The open great room features stunning eastern mountain views and beautiful landscaping. Inside, you'll find upgraded cabinets with soft-close drawers, granite countertops throughout, under-mount sinks, and custom tile flooring with upgraded carpet in the bedrooms. Custom shutters adorn the bedrooms, while the living room boasts a custom entertainment center and shelving. Additional features include central vac, water filtration, a fully fenced yard with ample entertaining space and a custom water feature, all framed by open mountain views to the north and east. Paired with your resort lifestyle living, you've found your desert oasis!