S&P Case-Shiller: Home Prices Gain in August

Home prices gained in August per the 20-City S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Analysts said that home values continue to expand in spite of challenges including low inventories of available homes and strict mortgage qualification requirements.

National Home Price Index Near 2006 Peak

According to the national Case-Shiller Home Price Index, August home prices are 0.10 percent below their 2006 peak and all metro areas in the 20-City Home Price Index posted gains. Top gains in the 20-City Home Price Index were posted by Portland, Oregon with a year-over-year gain of 11.70 percent, Seattle, Washington home prices gained 11.40 percent and Denver, Colorado home prices gained 8.80 percent year-over-year.

All metro areas included in the 20-City Index posted year-over-year gains in excess of one percent. New York City had the lowest year-over-year price gain with a year-over-year reading of 1.70 percent in August. Washington, D.C. home prices rose 2.30 percent year-over-year. Home prices in the Cleveland, Ohio metro area increased by 2.90 percent year-over-year.

New Housing Bubble Unlikely

With home price gains close to peak prices seen before the housing bubble burst, concerns may arise over the potential for a new housing bubble to occur in coming months. Analysts say this is unlikely as home buyers are not taking out extreme levels of mortgage debt seen at the onset of the Great Recession. David M. Blitzer, chairman of the S&P Index Committee, said “There is no reason to fear another massive collapse is around the corner. The run-up to the financial crisis was marked with both rising home prices and rapid growth in mortgage debt.”

Possible Fed Rate Hike Won’t Cause Mortgage Rates to Explode

The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve is expected to raise the Fed’s target federal funds rate in December. This action will lead to interest rate increases for consumer credit and mortgages, but not at levels that would make mortgage loans suddenly unaffordable. While gradual increases in federal interest rates would cause mortgage rates to rise over time, market conditions and related factors could potentially cause home prices to slow or even dip in some areas. Regional influences including employment and demand for homes are examples of factors contributing to home price growth or decline in specific areas.

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18045 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$460,535
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,476 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6681312
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come see this incredible floorplan, MOVE IN READY! An amazing layout with 4 bedrooms plus a loft, and 3 baths. In addition to being energy efficient and a Smart Home, the many upgrades make this one stand out. Great curb appeal, nice size yard great for entertaining. Two-tone paint, 9' ceilings. Beautiful dark cabinets, granite in the kitchen and baths, island, and walk in pantry. Lots of room to cook and move around! !

17047 W Butler Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$460,243
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,897 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6660133
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Let the Sabino floor plan welcome you home with ample room for the whole family. With four bedrooms, two bathrooms with a expansive primary bedroom, you're primed to live in domestic bliss. Kitchen features Benton White cabinets with 42″ uppers, Frost quartz counter-tops and Marazzi Artezen backsplash! Tile throughout the home in a Vicinity Natural color! Our High Performance Homes come standard with home automation technology, a Remo Halo Air Purification system designed with you in mind to keep you more comfortable in your new home. This home is conveniently located close to the 303 and northern parkway!

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$460,193
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,070 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6676082
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this must-see Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an impressive kitchen layout offering 42'' cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a center island and a roomy pantry; an open dining area; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms.

2629 S Equestrian Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$460,005
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,812 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6617577
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Remarkable new 2-story condo offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an attached garage. This Spanish-style property is move-in ready! Located in the Towns of Annecy, home owners enjoy gated access, a community pool and spa, a playground, and walking and biking paths, perfect for taking in the lake views. The condo features designers selections and upgrades throughout including Nutmeg Shaker Winstead stained brown cabinets, a Delta Trinsic Faucet Collection, ''Frost'' Quartz countertops in the kitchen, and Matte Black cabinet and door hardware. The kitchen boasts a stainless GE dishwasher, microwave, and slide in electric range. 6'' x 36'' Floor Tile in the living, kitchen, and dining area in addition to the carpeted bedrooms. Ample storage throughout. Soft water loop pre-plumb only.

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