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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15550 N Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard Unit 1009
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
$625,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,656
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6726509
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
One of the kind with tons of upgrades done just recently. Brand new flooring with water proof laminate, brand new kitchen with quartz countertops, LG appliances, newer AC unit only 3 years old, brand new windows in entire house just installed, one year old water heater, newer water softener and water osmosis, equipment. Not to mention prime Scottsdale location just east of Loop 101 on Frank Lloyd Blvd . Phoenix Open, Barret Jackson and TONS of shopping/dining at Kierland Commons/Scottsdale Quarter just down the street. Don't miss this opportunity this place offer to you.
7467 E Pleasant Run --
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$625,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,590
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766453
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your beautifully upgraded 2 bedroom master suite in the highly sought after community off Pleasant Run.The kitchen features new cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances with ample pantry space. The expansive greenroom boasts vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace. Relax on your private patio wile overlooking lush gardens.
4120 E Donato Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$625,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,114
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774491
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover the charm of this exceptional home situated on a desirable corner lot in a wonderful, gated community. Offering a split floor plan that ensures privacy and functionality, this home is perfect for modern living. The inviting great room, complete with a cozy gas fireplace, is bathed in natural light, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. The large kitchen is a chef's delight featuring an expansive island and a gas cooktop, ideal for both everyday meals as well as entertaining. The home also includes a versatile den, perfect for a home office or reading nook. Retreat to the spacious primary suite, boasting a luxurious bathroom for your personal sanctuary. Step outside to the patio courtyard with a firepit, an idyllic setting for relaxing evenings in a quiet neighborhood. Enjoy the added benefit of numerous amenities while taking advantage of the golf course, pool and spa, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center, and clubhouse. This home is a rare find, offering a blend of comfort, style, and community to help you live your best life!
755 E Orchid Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$625,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,800
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6752734
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PAID OFF SOLAR! Enjoy $50 summer electric bill with this energy efficient home. Ideal location minutes from DT Gilbert, top-rated schools, shopping in San Tan Vistas, and tons of local dining. Major upgrades include OWNED Solar, a newer roof(2022), and new quartz countertops(2024). The home offers a wonderful floorplan which is highlighted by 3 large bedrooms, multiple living spaces, den, and an enclosed AZ room. Find beautiful travertine tile in the main living spaces and plantation shutters through out the home. The large, chefs kitchen features new quartz countertops, gas range, central island, and ample storage The primary suite is spacious and is complimented by an ensuite featuring his and her vanaties, seperate shower & soaking tub, & a large walk-in closet. Both the front and backyard are on a automatic irrigation system for easy upkeep, leaving you more time to enjoy your green spaces. Don't miss an opportunity to make this yours.
9165 W Stageline Road
Payson, AZ 85541
$625,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,272
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768169
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your slice of country heaven, where wide-open spaces and peaceful living come together on 2.35 acres of pure bliss! This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spans 1,272 square feet, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Enter a cozy living area warmed by a classic Earth Stove fireplace, perfect for chilly nights after a day spent outdoors. The kitchen, filled with natural light, offers plenty of cabinetry and counter space for your culinary creations, all while overlooking the beautiful landscape. Generously-sized bedrooms provide a retreat for relaxation, with the primary suite featuring its own private bath for added convenience. Every inch of this home is designed for comfort, practicality, and a timeless country feel—Large Barn is a MUST see!! ideal for those who love the equestrian lifestyle and the serenity of country living!
43317 N Whisper Court
Anthem, AZ 85086
$624,999
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,168
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781323
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautifully renovated 4-bedroom plus office, 2.5-bathroom home, located in a quiet cul-de-sac effortlessly blends luxury and everyday convenience. The heart of the home is the fully remodeled kitchen, featuring elegant quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures, and an RO system. Each bathroom has been thoughtfully updated with custom sinks, toilets, fixtures, and stylish flooring. Designed for comfort, the home includes a newer AC, furnace, water heater, and water softener. Step outside to a sparkling pool with a built-in BBQ—perfect for entertaining. Inside, the updated stairwell adds to the home's appeal, while the exterior remains meticulously maintained. With scenic hiking trails nearby, this home offers more than just a place to live—it offers a lifestyle.
20218 W Hollyhock Street
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$624,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,630
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6698296
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Ease and Elegant design blend beautifully in this ranch-style Pomona plan at our Estates at Arroyo Seco in Buckeye. An inviting great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a dining nook and a gourmet kitchen showcasing 42'' white shaker cabinets with brushed nickel pulls, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, GE Plus stainless-steel appliances w/pyramid hood and 36'' gas cooktop, center island with an undermount stainless-steel sink. The impressive primary suite offers a walk-in closet and a private bath that includes dual vanities and a tiled deluxe walk-in shower with rain shower. Three additional bedrooms and two additional bathrooms, a central study and a laundry round out the floor plan, which includes a multi-slide door leading out to a covered patio, a 2-car garage, a 1-car side turn garage, paver driveway and walkway and front yard landscaping. This home also includes 10' ceilings, Two-Tone paint package, Pendant lighting at the kitchen island, 9 x 35 tile flooring throughout with carpet only in the bedrooms, ceiling fan pre-wires at all bedrooms, study, great room and patio, exterior coach lights, pre-plumb sink at the laundry room, garage service door at 2-car garage, gas stub at the patio and soft water loop pre-plumbed in the garage. Located on an 8760 square foot corner lot.
4828 W Stargazer Place
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6686946
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two car tandem garage! Inside, a well-appointed Gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, Quartz counters Shaker cabinets and stainless-steel appliances is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access and center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom featuring Deluxe walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan. Select homes will include deluxe options in the primary bathroom and gourmet features in the kitchen.
4738 W Stargazer Place
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6693066
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom, deluxe bathroom with separate shower and garden tub as well as ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.
10429 S 47th Lane
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6700668
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access with center meet back doors. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom deluxe walk in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a fourth bedroom will complete the plan.
4735 W Stargazer Place
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,630
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6707290
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy breakfast nook and an impressive kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home will be built with either a study and interior guest quarters. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included as well as a 3 car garage.
10519 S 47th Lane
Laveen, AZ 85339
$624,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6720455
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, black matte fixtures, and a walk-in pantry. The kitchen is flanked by a great room and a dining room with center meet doors opening to the covered patio. This home is finished with stone tile and carpeted bedrooms. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with large walk-in shower, dual sinks, and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room complete the plan.