Last week’s economic reports included readings on pending home sales, construction spending and consumer sentiment. Case-Shiller Home Price Indices for June were released, along with several labor-related reports including national unemployment, ADP Payrolls and Non-Farm Payrolls were also released along with weekly readings on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s survey of average mortgage rates.
Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Holds Steady in June
According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for June, average national home prices held steady with a seasonally adjusted annual growth rate of 5.10 percent in June. The top three cities for home price growth were Portland, Oregon with a reading of 12.60 percent; Seattle, Washington followed with a reading of 11.00 percent. Denver, Colorado home prices grew by 9.20 percent year-over-year.
San Francisco, California, which had posted highest year-over-year price gains in recent months slipped with a reading of 6.40 percent year-over-year in June. This could signify a cooling of rapid price gains in high demand metro areas where home prices have become unaffordable for many buyers.
Construction Spending Flat in July, Pending Home Sales Increase
While builder sentiment has been strong, construction spending was flat in July as compared to an expected reading of 0.60 percent and June’s reading of an 0.90 percent increase in construction spending. The Commerce Department reported that pending home sales increased 1.30 percent in July, which exceeded expectations of 0.90 percent growth and June’s negative reading of -0.80 percent. July’s reading appeared to even out June’s unexpected slump in pending sales, which are considered an indicator for future closings and home loan volume.
Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Rise
Mortgage rates rose for all three loan types reported by Freddie Mac. The rate for a 30-year mortgage rate rose three basis points to 3.46 percent; the average rate for a 15-year mortgage also rose three basis points to 2.77 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage jumped by eight basis points to 2.83 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent, 0.50 percent and 0.40 percent respectively. Mortgage rates rose after the yield on 10-year Treasury Notes increased in response to a speech given by Fed Chair Janet Yellen that indicated that the target federal funds rate could be raised in December.
263,000 new jobless claims were filed as compared to expectations of 265,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 261,000 new claims. Job growth slowed in August; the Commerce Department reported a reading of 151,000 new jobs in its Non-Farm Payrolls report. Analysts expected 170,000 new jobs, which fell significantly short of July’s reading of 275,000 jobs created. Non-Farm Payrolls includes data for public and private sector jobs.
Labor Reports: Job Growth Slows, National Unemployment Holds Steady
ADP Payrolls also reported fewer private sector jobs created in August with a reading of 177,000 new jobs as compared to 194,000 private sector jobs created in July. Analysts characterized August jobs reports as “fickle” due to high numbers of summer vacations and company-wide summer holiday closures.
August’s reading for national unemployment held steady at 4.90 percent.
While slower growth in home prices and job creation could signal an economic slowdown, there was good news as consumer confidence rose to 101.7 in August; this reading surpassed the expected reading of 97.0 and July’s reading of 96.7.
What’s Ahead
This week’s scheduled economic news is lean due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday. In addition to weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates, reports on job openings and the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report will be released.
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17458 N 97th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$1,699,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,130
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755649
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Windgate Living! This spacious residence welcomes you with an impressive foyer that seamlessly flows into an open-concept main living area, where the kitchen serves as the heart of the home. High ceilings and abundant natural light fill the expansive living room and adjacent casual dining area, while a large formal dining room provides the perfect setting for intimate gatherings. The first floor features a luxurious primary suite with a generous walk-in closet and beautiful primary bath. Upstairs, an airy loft connects two sizable bedrooms, a large bathroom with dual vanity and private water closet, and a cozy corner flex space ideal for a coffee bar. Walk out to your resort style backyard with no one behind you and enjoy the Windgate Ranch life style.
7180 E Kierland Boulevard Unit 1012
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
$1,699,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,461
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6724171
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
LUXURY HOME UPGRADES, AMENITIES, LOCATION, & SPECTACULAR VIEWS! This unit has it all, look no further. Owner added an additional $140k of upgrades. Lutron lighting & motorized shade system throughout the unit, Cove & down lighting in Great Room, Custom designed Primary Closet from California Closets, Wood paneled wall in Kitchen, & Backlit mirrors in both bathrooms, just to name a few (see full upgrade list in document tab). Enjoy stunning mountain views by day & twinkling city light at night from every window of this unit. A Neutral color pallet throughout this unit will delight the most discriminating buyer. Enjoy an open floor plan with ample seating for gatherings, or move your guests to any of the amazing amenities Optima Kierland has to offer. Gathering rooms, Kitchens, Game Rooms, Outdoor BBQ area, & of course the infamous Rooftop Pool & Spa appointed with BBQ's, Dining tables, Lounge chairs. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool while taking in the scenic views of Scottsdale, whether it be Mountains or City lights. Optima is the ultimate in Luxury Highrise living & located near Fantastic shopping & Dining.
2936 E Cashman Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85050
$1,699,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,121
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6758900
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Voted best home on tour! Prepared to be amazed at the stunning home with designer finishes throughout, located within the gated community of Astarea. With an extensive list of exquisite upgrades completed AFTER the home was built, including decorative lighting, wood beams, stylish wall accents and the list goes on. The split floorplan features 3 spacious bedroom suites, plus an office, great room and chef's dream kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, built-in fridge, massive island, granite counters, gas double oven/range & pot filler, two pantries plus butler's pantry. The owner's suite stands as a serene sanctuary, featuring an expansive shower and a custom walk-in closet with a secondary entrance directly connected to the laundry room. The expansive great room seamlessly connec ts to the backyard with a vast wall of glass providing access to the large covered patio & outdoor BBQ and entertainment area where you'll also enjoy the beautiful landscape, pool & spa. All this plus a 4 car garage, one complete with a mini-split!
9908 E Cavalry Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$1,699,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,655
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6746544
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Located in the highly desirable gated community of Legend Vista Estates at Legend Trail. Imagine stepping into this bright and airy home, where every corner invites the beauty of the outdoors inside. The multiple oversized picture windows frame stunning garden, sunset and mountain views, transforming each glance into a captivating piece of live art on the private oversized lot. This property is perfect for entertaining with high ceilings, an open floor plan, and chef's kitchen with Wolf & Subzero appliances. The home is move-in ready with desirable finishes & updated systems maintained by meticulous owners. The resort backyard boasts expansive undercover with a pool, water feature, built-in BBQ, updated landscaping, & professionally designed landscape lighting. 3 car garage has storage Legend Trail features a public golf course and community center with pool, spa, fitness, tennis, and pickleball located close to hiking, biking, restaurants and shopping. This is Arizona living at its best!!!
1314 E Las Palmaritas Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85020
$1,699,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
3,615
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6742512
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Take pride in residing in this unique haven nestled on a hilltop cul-de-sac with panoramic 360° views! Exquisite curb appeal, a brand new roof, and a 3-car garage with glass doors are just the beginning! Come inside to discover recessed lighting throughout, ledger stone accents, custom railing, and a custom steel floating staircase. The large living room showcases new wood-look porcelain tile flooring, wide sliding glass doors to the back patio, and a stacked stone electric fireplace. The magazine-cover kitchen is a delight, offering pendant lighting, a walk-in pantry, white cabinetry with crown moulding, a waterfall island with breakfast bar, and high-end SS appliances such as a wine cooler, electric cooktop, & a wall oven.Grand owner's retreat stands out with its plush carpet, direct outdoor access, elegant ensuite with dual sinks & freestanding tub, and walk-in closet. HUGE bonus room on the lower level can be used as a recreational center! The backyard provides a covered patio, paver seating area, and new artificial turf! Highly updated with ALL NEW HVAC including ductwork & handlers, new electrical, new plumbing, new drywall, spray foam insulation, custom showers, and all new dual pane Low-E windows! This gem is sure to captivate you! Hurry and act NOW!
10243 N 58th Place
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
$1,696,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,693
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6727530
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Turn-key offered fully furnished. Country Estates w/private large yard & new pool! 4 bedroom with 3 baths. Double bedroom that could easily be split for a 5th bedroom! BRAND new pool remodel just completed! Spacious open split floor plan w/ 2 master suites, high ceilings, skylights & lots of natural light. Expanded custom chef's kitchen w/ beautiful custom cherry cabinets, 3 sinks, 2 refrigerators, top of the line appliances- wolf, subzero, gas cooking & built in steamer. Quality luxury finishes- tile & Berber carpeting throughout, thermo pane windows, sophisticated lighting & sound systems, central vacuum, . Resort style mature landscaping w/ sparkling pool & lawn.
52312 N 461st Avenue
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
$1,695,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,794
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6733592
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream estate! Custom-built home sits on a 5-acre property in the desirable Wickenburg/Forepaugh area perfect for horse enthusiasts, here's what makes this property truly exceptional- tile floors elegant and easy to maintain wood shutters adds a touch of classic charm, pantry, utility sink in laundry room, bar area for entertaining, master suite walk-in closet, luxurious shower with double heads, knotty alder doors, tile baseboards, tongue & groove patio ceilings, full-size roping arena, ideal for practicing, priefert roping chute, 2 RV plug-Ins, 4 stall free style horse walker ,wash rack ,custom tack room with pavers, automatic waters, 12 covered stalls, 4 (30x40) pens, 3 (60x40) pens, 2 (50x 100) pens, hay shed, custom entry, quarter minus driveway, top notch facility,
6939 E Chaparral Road
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
$1,695,000
6
Beds
4
Baths
2,673
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776773
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Brand new Heated pool in NOV 2024! PV home on almost half acre lot with NO HOA restrictions. Incredible Camelback Mountain views, walking distance from world-class Old Town Scottsdale restaurants/nightlife, & even fashion square mall. This 6 Bed, 4 Bath home with easy maintenance turf yard, putting greens, volleyball court w/ 2 hot tubs. This home has 2 kitchens and masters making it perfect for house hacking/investment or a mother-in-law suite. Home has separate entrances and ability to close off door to create two 3 bed, 2 bath living quarters.This home can can be used as a Air BNB, Behavior Health, Assisted Living, Sober Living; sky is the limit with this remodeled home in Desirable Rancho Vista PV neighborhood
13439 N 79th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
$1,695,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,710
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776801
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Phoenix Home & Garden Cover Home July 2022! This beautifully restored mid-century modern gem is so special and unique, you don't want to miss it! The main living room features original exposed beamed ceilings, gorgeous stacked stone fireplace, floor to ceiling & clerestory windows and opens to the new vibrant custom kitchen and dining space. Handmade Moroccan tiles adorn the kitchen backsplash with custom glass shelving and eco-friendly terrazzo countertops add a timeless appeal. In addition to the great room, there is an oversized bonus/game room with stone faced fireplace and vaulted exposed beams. Rounding out this 3 bedroom home is a bonus office/den space. All of this, plus located on a 32,000+ square foot lot with horse privileges in the heart of Scottsdale!
3846 E Crittenden Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$1,695,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,356
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6780584
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gorgeous home with 4 bedroom/3.5 baths plus separate den & bonus room, nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac in a gated Arcadia community! This incredible home has Camelback Mt. views along with a luxurious kitchen with a walk-in pantry & butlers pantry, built-in fridge, high-end stainless appliances, huge island and tons of cabinet space. A highly desired open floor plan with luxurious wood floors & water softener system with R/O drinking water. On top of all that, it also has a beautiful, well-manicured, extremely low-maintenance outdoor space with heated pool and spa, artificial grass, brick pavers, built-in BBQ and fire pit. Even the garage is amazing with easy to clean epoxy floor, plus more storage! Located close to restaurants, entertainment, easy access to freeways & airport.
309 E Georgia Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85012
$1,695,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,526
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6764499
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This 4 bed, 2.5 bath Tuscan inspired home in the heart of Uptown Phoenix has everything you've been looking for! Bursting with curb appeal, you are welcomed with lush landscaping and Chicago reclaimed brick walkways that lead to an open patio with gas fire pit at the entryway and as you step inside enjoy a thoughtfully designed floor plan split between two stories. The open concept kitchen features granite countertops, an island with a breakfast bar, and upgraded stainless steel appliances including a Viking range. The kitchen seamlessly flows into a tucked away eating nook and the open living room which includes a gas fireplace. The primary bedroom features its own fireplace, a separate seating area, a private entrance leading to the backyard, and a spa-like ensuite with a large walk-in shower, jetted tub, dual vanities, and a walk-in closet with custom built-in shelving. The first floor also includes a full bar that connects a formal eating space to the kitchen and living room, a convenient powder bath for guests, a full-sized laundry room, a private office, and a wine cellar tucked beneath the stairs, showcasing a custom arched iron door. Upstairs, you'll find a den, along with three additional bedrooms. One bedroom has been thoughtfully remodeled with rubberized flooring, ideal for a yoga or workout space. Step outside into your own backyard oasis designed for both relaxation and entertainment. The lush landscaping surrounds a shaded patio, pool, and multiple pergolas. You'll also enjoy an outdoor shower and a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen that includes a bar top with seating for 10, making this the perfect space for outdoor dining and hosting friends and family. The 3-car garage features ample built-in storage, additional racking system, a fridge and 2 Tesla charging stations. This home truly has it allluxury, style, and functionality. Don't miss the opportunity to make it yours!
28669 N 94th Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$1,695,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,858
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772160
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Only 8 years old! This beautiful home is a must-see in the Troon North Community. Stylish yet casual, it features stunning finishes and an easy-living layout. The chef's kitchen boasts a spacious island and premium appliances, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. From your breakfast table, patio, and master suite, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Pinnacle Peak and the lush greens of the Troon North golf course every day. For the adventurous spirit, the area offers numerous hiking and biking trails nearby. As you enter through the charming, enclosed entryway, you'll find a cozy sitting area—ideal for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Inside, discover beautiful stone floors and a seamless layout with no interior steps. This home includes 4 bedrooms, including a spacious master suite and a separate casita, along with 3.5 bathrooms, a large office, a great room, and a television or reading room. This residence embodies the Troon lifestyle at its finestluxurious, welcoming, and surrounded by natural beauty.