Last week’s economic reports were in short supply due to the Christmas holiday. Events reported included Case-Shiller home price indices, pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Consumer confidence was also released.
Case–Shiller Readings Indicate No Slowdown in Home Price Gains
Case-Shiller’s October readings for its home price indices showed continued growth in home prices. In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, high demand for homes and slim supplies of homes for sale continued to fuel higher home prices.
According to Case-Shiller’s national home price index for October, home prices rose 5.60 percent on an annual basis as compared to September’s reading of 5.40 percent. The 20-city home price index rose to 5.10 percent from September’s reading of 5.00 percent. Case-Shiller’s 10-city index also gained 0.10 percent in October with a reading of 4.30 percent year-over-year.
Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon and Denver, Colorado had the highest year-over-year home price gains in October with readings of 10.70, 10.30 and 8.30 percent respectively. David M. Blitzer, Managing Director and Chairman of the S&P Indices Committee, said that “Home prices and the economy are both enjoying robust numbers,” but he also cautioned that rising mortgage rates and home prices growing faster than wages continue to pose obstacles for some home buyers. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise its federal funds rate in 2017, which is expected to prompt rising mortgage rates.
Mortgage Rates Mixed, Pending Home Sales Fall
Pending home sales fell 2.50 percent in November. Analysts said that post-election reaction helped to drive mortgage rates higher, which made homes less affordable for first-time and moderate-income buyers; Sellers and buyers may have postponed decisions to sell or buy as they waited for volatile post-election responses to ease.
According to the National Association of Realtors®, pending home sales fell to their lowest level in almost a year with an index reading of 107.30 in November. September’s reading was 110.00. The holiday season and rising mortgage rates were seen as contributing to fewer pending home sales.
Freddie Mac reported the ninth consecutive week that fixed rate mortgages rose. In the final mortgage rates survey for 2016, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage rose two basis points to 4.32 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was three basis points higher at 3.55 percent. 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rates averaged 3.30 percent, which was two basis points lower than the prior week. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all three mortgage types.
New jobless claims were lower last week with a reading of 265,000 new claims filed. Analysts had expected 270,000 new claims filed based on the prior week’s reading of 275,000 new claims filed.
In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, consumer sentiment was higher than expected in December with a reading of 113.70 as compared to expectations of 110.00 and November’s reading of 109.40.
What‘s Ahead
Next week’s scheduled economic reports include Labor Department releases on Non-Farm Payrolls, and the national unemployment rate. ADP payrolls and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released. Financial markets are closed today in observance of New Year’s Day.
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13128 W Avenida Del Rey --
Peoria, AZ 85383
$469,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,213
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6678584
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gorgeous former model home, clean and move in ready! Upgraded carpet and tile flooring. Kitchen is equipped with granite countertops , large island, gas range, pantry, and extended cabinetry. Living/formal room and Office! Split floor plan, large Primary suite and 3 car Tandem Garage. Refrigerator, washer and dryer convey. Large covered patio and beautifully landscaped front and backyard with great Privacy.
20100 N 78th Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$469,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,116
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6614306
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
This 2-bedroom 2 bath home features 1116 sqft of living space and is located on the 3rd floor for great views! Nestled the gated community of Edge at Grayhawk, this property boasts a carport space for your convenience. Inside you'll discover stainless steel appliances, NEW Quartz countertops, and gorgeous custom dark blue cabinets. The bathrooms have been updated and there is an electric fireplace that you can luxuriate by on those chilly nights. You'll simply fall in love when you take in the large balcony with sweeping mountain and pool views. Amenities include 2 pools, lounge, theater, tennis, fitness center and more! Enjoy access to the amenities to the Venu at Grayhawk as well! Live like you're always on vacation!
17923 W Porter Lane
Goodyear, AZ 85338
$469,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,735
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6621309
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Large Corner lot on a Cul De Sac with RV gate. Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, covered patio, irrigation system front and back, house is conveniently located a block away from South Lake and close to North Lake. 2 members only club houses, with gyms, libraries, restaurant and bars in both club houses as well as yacht club, water park, basket, tennis and volley ball courts. Plenty of biking and hiking trails plus a Golf Course in the community! Stainless steel fridge, range, microwave and dishwasher (BRAND NEW) OWNER IS A LICENSED ARIZONA REALTOR Owner offers $10k towards closing costs
8011 S 23rd Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85041
$469,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,527
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6633722
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Builders Model Home and it has lots of upgrades, including a Premium Elevation. Features: Surround sound speakers/recessed upgraded lighting/ceiling fans. Bedrooms have walk-in closets. Kitchen has beautiful cabinets/a large walk-in pantry/hi end appliances with 2 ovens(Convection feature) & there's an island with brick trim. Primary bedroom has a large deep tub with brick accents & a walk-in shower.The backyard has a mature tree that produces limes & lemons and there is a raised garden planter with sprinklers. The 3 car tandem garage has an 8 ft door to accommodate hi profile vehicles. The energy efficient HVAC system has a unique 3 zone feature for your convenie
42833 W Mallard Road
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$469,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,945
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6636635
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Split floor plan, 2 bedrooms with ensuites and a den/office/workout room. Kitchen with under-cabinet lights, gas appliances and gas double oven range. Butler's pantry and walk-in pantry, cabinets have crown molding and dual pull-outs. Granite countertops, oversized island with additional storage. Laundry with counter space and cabinets.10' ceilings and 8' doorways. Primary bedroom has an extended bay window bump-out for additional space. Tile flooring throughout the home. Backyard has gated side yards with bunny fencing. Extended pergola patio, with outdoor BBQ. Extended patio with pavers. The home has foam insulation, energy-efficient windows with sun-screens, and a powered attic ventilator. Ceiling fans in all rooms. A 25' extended and insulated garage with sink and 5' storage extension Items to convey - back patio TV, cabinet under back patio TV, covers for both, garage TV and sound bar, King platform bed with mattress in Primary bedroom, and desert scape artwork above bed.
25615 N Bolero Bend
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$469,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,718
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6635756
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
FURNISHED turn-key townhome with spectacular view of the Mazatzal Mtns.-Four Peaks and the 4th hole of the White Wing golf course. This end unit has great space with 2 bedrooms and 3rd bedroom/Den/Office. Kitchen with casual dining and front patio access. Great room with dining, wood burning fireplace, vaulted ceiling and sliding door access to the back patio and views. Primary suite has walk in shower, soaking tub, dual vanities and walk in closet. Guest bedroom is spacious, guest bath has shower/tub. Den/Office/3rd bedroom gives you options! Back patio with Saltillo Tile and plenty of space to enjoy the views. Wooden shutters in all rooms. 2 car garage and roof recoated Nov. 2023! Move right in and start enjoying the Rio Verde life!
18134 W Maui Lane
Surprise, AZ 85388
$469,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,737
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6645154
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Explore this splendid 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom energy-efficient home, boasting impressive curb appeal with a 2-car garage, extended driveway, additional RV parking space, and low-maintenance landscaping. Step inside to find a luminous interior adorned with high ceilings and stylish wood-like flooring throughout. The kitchen is a chef's delight, outfitted with chic countertops, a mosaic tile backsplash, fine wood cabinetry, a central island, and stainless steel appliances. Each bedroom is carpeted for comfort and includes a ceiling fan, with the primary suite boasting a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom. The backyard is an oasis, featuring a covered patio, a a shimmering swimming pool, well-maintained landscaping, grass, and an expansive patio ideal for sunbathing.
5603 N Wilshire Drive
Williams, AZ 86046
$469,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,590
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6656887
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Energy efficient mountain home on a treed acre with views, just North of I-40 on the way to the Grand Canyon. Temperature controlled 2 car garage, huge loft bedroom, large kitchen and two more bedrooms and a great room complete the house. Vaulted ceilings, clerestory windows up top. Grounds include a deck shaded in the summer, patio, even a play house for little ones. Passive heating and dual paned windows make this super efficient in the Winter. 7000 foot elevation makes it cool in the summer. Small changes will make it your own! Make it your retreat, or make it your vacation rental to help pay for it. Call for more information.
13137 W Stella Lane
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
$469,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,040
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6662083
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Check out this great 4-bedroom, 2-bath home situated in a welcoming community with an excellent location. This well-maintained property showcases a low-maintenance backyard, a newer AC unit, and water heater. Smoke/Pet Free, with a spacious 3-car garage, the residence offers both practicality and style. Its proximity to schools, restaurants, and shopping centers enhances the convenience of modern living, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking comfort and accessibility.
6919 E Boise Street
Mesa, AZ 85207
$469,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,220
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6670863
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Embark on suburban magic in Mesa, AZ, with this 3-bed, 2.5-bath solar-powered gem! Spanning 2200 sq ft, revel in sleek tile on the main floor, a chef's kitchen, and a master suite fit for royalty. Step into an eco-luxury paradise inside and a solar-powered sanctuary outside. Seize the keys to this stylish, sustainable dream in the heart of suburbia!
5414 W Desert Cove Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85304
$469,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,656
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6680434
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful remodeled home in a great neighborhood! Home comes with an Open floor plan with a spacious kitchen with all new cabinets. Stunning remodeled master bathroom with beautiful vanities and large walk in shower. New Carpet in the bedrooms and new Luxury vinyl throughout high traffic areas of the house. Upgraded fixtures along with Delta Faucets throughout! Large, beautiful backyard with a pool and new grass area. Property comes with a two car garage and a new roof. Must see home!
