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.
Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth
1212 E Indianola Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85014
$614,999
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,738
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6675839
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this well-built 1950s mid-century modern with a total 2023 remodel from top to bottom. Upgrades include a new roof, new electrical panel, dual pane windows, energy efficient HVAC, all new flooring, fully upgraded kitchen with huge island and quartz countertops, all new appliances, newly renovated bathrooms, paver patio, sidewalk and driveway, tankless water heater, irrigation system. On suite bathroom in the master bedroom with a walk-in closet, 3 additional large bedrooms, as well as a bonus room/home office. Step out into privacy in your fully fenced backyard with a beautiful patio to enjoy the Arizona sunshine! Located in the heart of Central Phoenix minutes from downtown, Arcadia/Biltmore and highway 51. This is truly the perfect location!
23969 N 171st Lane
Surprise, AZ 85387
$614,995
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,840
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6684307
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your exquisite new home residence. Darius provides a sophisticated and accommodating ranch-style layout. Popular multi-generational living layout. Talk about curb appeal. Love at first site with the modern upgraded elevation. The inviting front entrance opens up t a very spacious layout. Abundance of much desirable features including spacious great room open to gourmet kitchen complimented by10 ft ceilings and center meet door to open to the covered patio and backyard. Perfect for all gatherings. 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 or a flex space that an be utilized best for your desired livability. Jack and jill bathroom off bedroom 2 & 3 . Split
21864 E Saddle Court
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$614,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6730732
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.
16711 W Saguaro Park Lane
Surprise, AZ 85387
$614,990
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,664
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767427
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. This Parklane floorplan offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a garage extension, and a glass no-step walk-in shower. Notable features include 8' interior doors, built-in appliances, granite kitchen countertops, and gas stubs in the kitchen, backyard for BBQ, and laundry for a gas dryer.
37750 W Padilla Street
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$614,990
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,024
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762739
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! This captivating Flagstaff floorplan features an expansive great room, Media room, Extra Suite with kitchenette, and stunning kitchen appointed with stacked cabinetry, gas stove top, and double ovens! Relax in your Primary suite and resort like bath with freestanding tub. The great room and adjacent patio are ideal for hosting gatherings. The tandem 4 car garage is perfect for storing offroad toys! With 10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, and 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.
32018 N 117th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85383
$614,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,012
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755506
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Larkspur - 4 bed/3 full baths. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave, glass canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Linen-off white cabinets with black hardware, 42'' kitchen uppers. Upper and lower cabinets at owner's entry, and cabs in laundry room. AZT Steel gray granite tops in kitchen and all baths. Upgrade flooring - Mohawk Wood laminate Driftwood in all areas except beds & closets and so much more. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 3. PHOTOS OF THIS LISTING ARE OF THE CLOVER MODEL HOME.
2212 W Chisum Trail
Phoenix, AZ 85085
$614,990
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,976
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6784079
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to the Perata plan, a 3 bedrrom, 2.5 bathroom floorplan offering 1,976 square feet of elegant living space with a charming Farmhouse exterior with artificial turf in the front yard enhancing the home's curb apeal. As you step onto the pavers at the covered entry, you'll immediately appreciate the attention to detail in every corner of this beautifully crafted home. Stepping into the home, the white paint grade mission stair rail adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship while the 8' interior doors adorned create a sense of grandeur. This home's kitchen and greatroom open 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 a 36'' chimney hood, a built-in gas cooktop with five burners, and a built-in wall oven and microwave with trim kit. There are white-painted 42 upper shaker cabinets at the kitchen perimeter and shale cabinets at the island with satin nickel and matte black hardware. A large single basin stainless steel sink with a Moen stainless steel kitchen faucet completes this chef's dream kitchen. All bathrooms feature Moen Eva 8 widespread brush nickel premium faucets. The bathrooms continue the theme of elegance with shale painted shaker cabinets and crisp white cultured marble tops with rectangular sinks. Throughout the downstairs, bath 2 and the laundry upstairs, you'll find durable 6x36 Natural wood look tile, while the primary bathroom boasts a serene 12x24 AZ Futura Tile in the shade Ivory which compliment the enlarged primary bath shower with white cultured marble surrounds and 3/8 glass, perfect for unwinding after a long day. 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-lines streets, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and 5,500 sq ft recreation center with resort style pool and kiddie pool, shared ramadas, parks, gathering areas, pickleball courts and basketball. Close to I-10 and 303. Walking distance to restaurants, movies, entertainment, and shopping.
11458 E Utah Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$614,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,474
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787361
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to ''The Pearl,'' a stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom farmhouse-style home featuring a guest retreat. With 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, this home boasts an open, airy feel. The great room opens to a covered patio through a 4-panel center slider, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen includes a 36-inch gas cooktop, charcoal shaker cabinets with hardware, a tile backsplash, and quartz countertops. Upgrades abound, including 6''x36'' wood-look tile in the main areas, and upgraded bathroom lighting, faucets, and fixtures. Experience luxurious living in this beautifully designed home..
865 S Oak Street
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$614,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,243
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787824
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this delightful 4-bedroom residence in Raven Ranch! You're greeted by a spacious 3-car garage and a tasteful desert landscape. Discover a bright living room with high ceilings, a cool palette, plantation shutters, and wood-look flooring. The great room includes sliding door access to the backyard and ample windows for abundant natural light. Cook delicious meals in the spotless kitchen, equipped with wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for quick meals. The serene main bedroom offers a sitting nook, an ensuite with double sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture out onto the backyard, complete with a covered patio, lush natural turf, and a refreshing pool. Make this gem yours today!
3043 E Rose Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$614,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,185
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6696353
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This charming, newly renovated 2 bed, 2 bath townhome is situated on the prestigious Biltmore golf course and offers amazing views and amenities. The kitchen opens to the family room overlooking the patio and course. The bedrooms and baths are separated offering privacy. The community offers a swimming pool, spa, guard gate and tennis court. Plenty of room for parking between the single private garage and the covered public one.
21225 W Wilshire Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$614,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,322
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6713534
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Picture yourself enjoying the fall sunsets on your private patio next to your heated pool, perfect for entertaining family and guests, or maybe just your own quiet time This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem with a den features a modern design and an open floor plan, perfect for both family life and entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, boasting contemporary appliances, a large island, sleek tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and ample cabinetry. Step outside to your private oasis with a fully landscaped yard and a luxurious heated pool, perfect for year-round enjoyment. The home also offers a three-car tandem garage, solar system for energy savings, and double gates to conveniently park your toys. Nestled on a desirable corner lot, this home is an absolute must-see
3948 E Gold Mountain Avenue
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
$614,857
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,146
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776756
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Enchanting new home featuring designer selections, a split floor plan, and north/south exposure. Located in Bella Vista Farms, homeowners have access to their community pool and playground. The kitchen boasts a GE Executive kitchen appliance package including double ovens and a gas cooktop, there are also Delta Terra Quartz Zinc countertops and Aristokraft 42'' cabinets in Benton White. Other highlights in the home include a frameless walk-in shower at the primary suite and Vicinity White 6 x 36 Matte Wood like tile flooring. Utilities for this home include: Mesa Gas, EPCOR Water, and Rural Metro.