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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9006 W Luke Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85305
$559,500
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,725
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6777178
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
BEST HOUSE ON TOUR! Stunning, brand new on corner lot, lightly lived in, 4 bed/2 bath/2 car garage, fully furnished gem in the highly sought after StoneHaven community. Inside, feel the bright and welcoming atmosphere of the open concept, split floor plan. Everything in this house is brand new. Kitchen boasts a center island, granite countertops, deep/wide ss sink, gas stove, Frigidaire double doors top/freezer bottom refrig, W/I pantry, Whirlpool dishwasher and built in microwave. The LR has big screen TV, projector w/hide away screen and an electric fireplace. The primary suite has double sinks, granite countertops, W/I closet, W/I shower, private toilet and linen closets. Garage has a Nordic Track workout center, Echelon stationary bike, tankless Rheem hot water heater & is equipped w/EV charging plug. Full house sec syst included. Community offers a pool, walking/biking paths, parks, playgrounds etc. Minutes away from Westgate Entertainment Center, State Farm Stadium, shopping, restaurants etc.... This house is a must see; don't miss it. HAVE YOUR AGENT REACH OUT FOR INFORMATION ON $7500 IN PREFERRED LENDER CREDITS ON THIS HOME.
7835 E Lakeview Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85209
$559,500
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,946
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760616
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Location, check; Views, check! 2 bed/2 bath golf home with 2023 roof located a short walk to the restaurant, Pro Shop and community amenities. Watch the golfers on Hole No. 1, wind down the day with views of community ponds, or sip coffee as the sun rises over the Superstition Mtns. The original owners created unique customizations including custom wood valences over several windows, built-in Mahogany china hutch in formal dining room, Mahogany shelving surrounding the family room's electric fireplace, oak plank flooring with accents, plantation shutters, unique attic feature, extended garage and many more. As you enter from the extended north-facing covered patio and through the stained-glass windowed front door, you're greeted by a vaulted living room which gives access to the central formal dining room with striking views of the golf course. The kitchen, which provides plenty of counter & cabinet space, is brightened from the south-facing golf course window. Entertain for any occasion, whether it's BBQing in the backyard, unwinding at the high-top table overlooking golf course, casual meal at the eat-in kitchen area, or a beautiful dinner in the formal dining room. The spacious primary bedroom with south-facing windows provides space for a king bed & multiple dressers including the private bathroom featuring dual sink vanity, private room with marble walk-in shower and stool as well as extra-large walk-in closet. Visiting guests will appreciate the privacy of the guest bedroom split from the primary bedroom and the guest bathroom featuring tub/shower combo is right next door. Just off the kitchen is the spacious laundry room featuring cabinets and counterspace for home office, craft or sewing room. The south-facing back covered patio features beautiful golf course views as well as the community ponds with color changing lighted water fountains. The extended double garage features cabinets and closet. Make this home your own and start enjoying the benefits of living on SVE's beautiful golf course. The saying there is something for everyone is true in this 55+ amenity-packed community. The community also has a public golf course, restaurant, pickleball courts, tennis courts, state-of-the-art gym, beautiful woodshop, library, computer club, stitcher's room, two swimming pools and a lap pool, two hot-tubs and Clubs for all interest and hobbies.
9660 S Centennial Road
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
$559,490
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,264
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786636
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Blossom Rock! The east valley's newest master planned community. With views of the Superstition Mountains and a wealth of amenities currently in the making including three community parks, dozens of neighborhood parks, a community school, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces all meant to serve as the backdrop of the calendar of signature events and annual celebrations currently being created. A copy of the public report can be found on the AZ Dept of Real Estate's website.
4069 W Nora Drive
San Tan Valley, AZ 85144
$559,465
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,762
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6723176
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful new build with no one behind you and views to the San Tan mountains. Gourmet kitchen layout, stainless steel appliances, 8' Interior doors.
26191 S 228th Street
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$559,222
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,956
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6743326
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This home offers 1954 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, enclosed study, and 2 car garage. Professionally designed with gourmet kitchen includ GE appliances and refrigerator, upgraded plank tile flooring, and finishes through out. Our homes include 10 ft ceilings, 2x6 construction, and amazing warranty service. Make new friends in the highly desirable community of Harvest, offering 2 pools, catch and release fishing, parks, splash pads, and walking trails.
28289 N 134th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85383
$559,179
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,821
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786784
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A soon to be complete single-story Copper with a Mid-Century Modern exterior elevation style. This 3-bedroom home plus a flex room offers 2 baths and a 2 car garage. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and stylish grey tone cabinetry and beautiful white quartz countertops. Throughout the home, find upgraded baseboards and wood-like tile. The home and community are at the base of a mountain and are near Vistancia. Home warranty included.
12311 W Parkway Lane
Avondale, AZ 85323
$559,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,272
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6782987
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
4 bedrooms and 3 baths, including one with private hallway and bath, perfect for family or guests. This high-end home stands apart in a class of its own with 10' ceilings, expansive living with an open concept and impressive windows that spill the beautiful Arizona sunshine onto the upgraded tile floors. The incredible Gourmet Kitchen has a classy look with shaker cabinets, gas cooktop with GE Stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tiled backsplash and oversized islands gives you a culinary kitchen fit for a chef. The luxuries continue on the outside as the covered outdoor patio extends onto an oversized lot with tons of room for outdoor fun. The 16' slider opens to beautiful Arizona outdoor living. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; EXTENDED NEW HOME WARRANTY.
5752 N Luna Drive
Eloy, AZ 85131
$559,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,009
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786684
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
. *This Designer Home* has just received special pricing to move fast! The home is complete and ready for an immediate move in, is one of our most popular floor plans. With a spacious Kitchen & raised height ceilings, you won't believe its only 2009sf; it is beautifully upgraded with well thought out finishing touches selected by our design team. Robson Ranch was voted one of the top 50 best master planned communities in the county by Where to Retire magazine. Robson Ranch is centrally located between Phoenix and Tucson and offers world-Class, resort-style amenities including: New Clubhouse w/Ballroom/Auditorium, Championship Golf, Heated Indoor and Outdoor Pools, 16 Pickleball Courts, Tennis, Fitness & Creative Arts Centers, Restaurant, Softball Fields, Dog Park & Much more.
12406 W Cougar Drive
Sun City West, AZ 85375
$559,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,864
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6701498
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover the allure of this charming single-story sanctuary! Captivating front yard featuring a 2 car garage, enclosed patio, & manicures desert landscape with irrigation and accent lighting. Inside, the comfortable living/dining showcases bay windows. The spacious family room enjoys wood-look tile flooring, high ceilings, & arcadia door to the backyard, perfect for merging indoor & outdoor activities. End your gatherings in the centrally located formal dining room w/modern light fixtures. You'll love the meticulously designed kitchen that includes recessed lights, shaker cabinets, mosaic backsplash, granite counters, & skylights. Additional den, next to the family room, ideal for a game or crafting room. The bonus room can be used as a guest bedroom or office. The main bedroom boasts tile floors, bay windows, a sitting area, walk-in closet, & lavish ensuite. Be dazzled by the large outstanding backyard and enjoy the relaxing covered patio, extended seating areas, delightful landscaping, paver pathways, stone features, iron fencing & wonderful views of the 18th hole of Stardust Golf Course. This gem won't last for long!
116 N 3rd Street
Tombstone, AZ 85638
$559,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,404
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6746565
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
INVESTORS WELCOME!! THIS HOME HAS 3 - 1 BEDROOM UNITS FULLY FURNISHED FOR SHORT OR LONG TERM RENTAL OR PERSONAL LIVING PURPOSES. VERY COMFORTABLE RANCH STYLE HOME IN ''THE TOWN TOO TOUGH TO DIE''! QUIET STREET, WALK 3 BLOCKS TO ALL THE FUN IN ALLEN STREET! COVERED RV PARKING IS AN ADDITIONAL BONUS OR INCOME PRODUCING BENEFIT! OFF STREET PARKING AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS. WATCH THE BIRDS & ANIMAL PARADE JUST A STONE'S THROW FROM THE GORGEOUS GAZEBO WITH ''FIRE PIT/GRILL'' IN THE BACK YARD. LOWER LIVING SPACE COMES WITH ACCESS TO A MINE AND POSSIBLE GHOST.
43154 N Outer Banks Drive
Anthem, AZ 85086
$559,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,153
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6753584
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover this stunning Tuscan-style home, featuring 3 bedrooms plus a den and breathtaking mountain views. Designed with elegance and comfort in mind, this residence offers a formal living room and dining room, perfect for entertaining, while the spacious great-room provides a welcoming space for everyday family living. The home showcases luxurious travertine flooring throughout, complemented by granite countertops and a travertine and marble backsplash in the kitchen, creating a seamless blend of style and sophistication. You'll love the location of this home as it is close to dining, shopping and entertainment not to mention the community pools, parks and clubhouse that are waiting just for you.
2417 W Gambit Trail
Phoenix, AZ 85085
$559,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,045
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6758138
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
AMAZING REMODELED HOME! MOVE IN TODAY! 4BD/2.5BA Brand New flooring throughout the entire home! Brand new, stainless steel appliances! New AC, New, fresh interior paint. Priced to Sell! This one won't last!