What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 22, 2016

Last week’s economic news included the NAHB Housing Market Index, Commerce Department releases on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

Shortages of available single-family homes have driven up home prices and increased competition among homebuyers; short inventories of homes for sale are affecting affordability in many areas, although buyers seem motivated by lower mortgage rates and some easing of mortgage requirements. Analysts have repeatedly said that the only solution to the shortage of homes is building more homes.

Fortunately, the National Association of Home Builders reported that builder sentiment concerning U.S. housing markets increased in August. The HMI moved up to a reading of 60 in August as compared to July’s reading of 58. Readings over 50 indicate that a majority of builders surveyed are confident about housing market conditions.

According to NAHB, home builders continued to face obstacles including shortages of buildable lots and skilled labor. Regulatory issues were also cited by some builders, but overall, builders remain optimistic about housing market conditions.

Housing Starts Up, Building Permits Issued Slip in July

Commerce Department reading s on housing starts and building permits issued were mixed; housing starts rose from July’s reading of 1.186 million permits issued to 1.211 million permits issued in August. July’s reading was the second highest since the recession but was driven by multi-family construction. Building permits were lower in August with a reading of 1.152 million permits issued against July’s reading of 1.153 million permits issued.

Analysts said that under present market conditions, there is little reason for homebuilders to increase single-family home production as current pricing has put many would-be buyers on the sidelines.

Mortgage Rates Mixed, New Jobless Claims Lower

Freddie Mac reported that average rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed rate mortgages dropped last week while the average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages rose. The average rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage was 3.43 percent and the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 2.74 percent; both readings were two basis points lower than for the prior week. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage was two basis points higher at 2.76 percent. Average discount points held steady for fixed rate mortgages at 0.50 percent; average discount points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages were lower at 0.40 percent.

New Jobless claims fell by 4000 claims to 262,000 new claims, which was lower than analyst expectations of 265,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 266,000 new claims. Job security is important to home buyers and signs of strong labor markets can help propel would-be buyers into the market,

Whats Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes releases on new and existing home sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released on schedule.

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25635 N 47th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

$2,100,000
6 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,806 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6715717
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BEST VIEWS IN THE WHOLE WEST VALLEY!!! This is my all time Favorite! This is the most Private ESTATE sitting on top with views of the whole Mountain Range! It takes my breath away!It has everything a property has to offer tucked away in Saddle View Estates with no HOA. It is a Fortress of an Estate. Everything is newer and meticulously kept. Including Owned $80k solar! 2000sf 5 car oversized enormous garage with storage rooms, Newer Roof, Upgraded AC's electronic air filters, Activic Air Scrubbers. New Anderson Windows, new clothes W/D, new kitchen appliances, new whole house filtration, new hot water heaters x2, new toilets, new Pentair water softner, New whole house copper plumbing. New pool pebble Tech surface, filter, pump, propane htr, multi-colored pool light, wireless Pool control The upgraded AC's have electric air filters, and Activek Air Scrubbers, 5yr service plans, new garage Epoxy floors,

8214 E Kael Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$2,100,000
5 Beds
5 Baths
6,565 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768451
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Entertain with elegance or retreat from everything in this opulent one-of-a-kind custom home, priced BELOW APPRAISAL, with statuesque port cochere and brick paver horseshoe drive. Greet guests beneath a 40ft high circular foyer between sunlit travertine staircases. Prepare feasts in a huge gourmet kitchen with extensive granite countertops, dual ovens, dual gas cooktops, pot filler, walk-in pantry, and expansive breakfast bar with dedicated sink. Indulge family and friends with large home theater (14 recliner / 7.2 surround), large heated pool and spa, indoor and outdoor wet bars, full outdoor kitchen and bbq, sound speakers throughout, 3200 sq ft of covered patio, relaxing fountains, and a very large rooftop deck amidst mountains and city lights. Pamper yourself in a very spacious primary suite with dual walk-in closets, dual showers and jetted tub, dual vanities, and private walk-out pool and hot tub access. This 5 bed/5 bath + office with 2 addl ensuites boasts too many features to list. Dual garages, ample storage, newly painted, partial roof updates, newly installed pool heater and pump. It's super energy efficient and boasts fire suppression and safety features. Capture all this with the added bonus of amazing, quiet, exclusive and private gated community - just minutes from: Las Sendas Golf Club, Red Mountain Community College, and dozens of activities. This home features 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms upstairs surrounding a circular art gallery, sitting area, and office or den. The pool sparkles through the large back picture window, and the beautiful covered front patio and fountains beckon from the large front picture window. The 12 ft ceilings throughout the home are multi-tiered with coffered ceilings in the office and beautiful columns throughout. The home has four zone temperature control heating and AC with 3 gas fireplaces for ultimate comfort. Additional pool-adjacent storage rooms are perfect to convert to dedicated bathrooms for pool access, provided currently by one of the additional ensuite bathrooms. The rooftop deck boasts amazing sunsets and 360-degree wraparound mountain ranges and city lights featuring the Superstition Mountains and Red Mountain. It can accommodate large family meals, parties, or intimate star-gazing for a silent retreat or vacation. The surrounding area features dozens of golf courses, hiking, camping, horseback riding, boating, Saguaro Lake Marina, Lost Dutchman Park, Tonto National Forest, Salt River tubing, great shopping, restaurants, museums, culture, and more!

3401 N 34th Place Phoenix, AZ 85018

$2,100,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,217 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759345
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
In the highly desirable neighborhood of Pomelo Park, this Arcadia home has everything you need to make memories that will last a lifetime! This impressive 3,200+ sq ft, 4-bed/4-bath (three en-suite) home features 9-ft ceilings, split master plus a central office with pool/backyard views. As you arrive at the property you'll be impressed with the curb appeal of this home. Mature trees, white crossbuck ranch rail fence, and a three car epoxied garage with lots of extra parking space contribute to the initial impression that continues throughout this beautiful home. Step inside and you're greeted by a true indoor/outdoor living space. Double sided floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors completely open the interior & make this home ideal for entertaining. The large open concept kitchen boasts marble countertops, two wall-mounted ovens, microwave drawer, side-by-side fridge/freezer combo, pot filler over the stove, a large island and walk-in pantry. There is an oversized farm sink with an additional sink in the kitchen island. The pool is great for year round usage with the newly installed and updated pool equipment, pool heater and salt cell. Additional backyard features include three built-in pool fountains, a heated outdoor shower, a covered oversize patio, built-in BBQ, and large grassy area. The home has energy saving spray foam wall insulation and a synthetic stucco exterior for ease of maintenance. Come and see for yourself why this home won't be on the market long!

3317 E Mcdowell Road Mesa, AZ 85213

$2,100,000
5 Beds
5 Baths
5,670 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771162
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
GREAT HOME! Ground Floor: 3,938 sq. ft. of livable space, including a master bedroom, an additional bedroom, a beautiful executive wood office, and a large laundry room. Basement: 1,746 sq. ft. of livable space, finished with a game room and theater room combination, plus three bedrooms (one with a private bath and two sharing a Jack & Jill bathroom). ATTACHED Office/Shop: 827 sq. ft. with 1/2 bath, which can be converted into a 4-car garage or a guest room with a 1-car garage. 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 bathrooms in total. Energy Efficiency: Solar panels are owned, which means lower utility bills. The Spacious Master Bedroom & Bathroom features a Double-Sided Fireplace, A Sitting or Workout Area, 2 Large Walk-In closets a separate Jetted Tub and Seven Head Shower Combination Steam Room The Wood flooring is Acacia, a breed of rosewood. All cabinets Upstairs and downstairs are cherry stained knotty alder. Solid wood doors are Brazilian cedar. 8- foot doors upstairs and standard 6' 8 downstairs. Den is solid natural walnut with desk inlay of Bubinga and Hard Maple. Entry Medallion is Walnut, Cherry, Hard Maple, and Fiddleback Maple. Built-ins in the Master Bedroom, the Master Walk-in Closets, and the Family Room are Cherry. Fireplace Mantel is Solid Cherry. Stair Bannister and Baseboards and Bar are Solid Hickory. Also lots of storage space areas.

7932 E Dynamite Boulevard Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$2,100,000
5 Beds
5 Baths
5,631 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6758673
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Santa Barbara Spanish style architecture on almost 2 acres, zoned for horses w/ no HOA just minutes from Troon Golf Course. Incredible amenities including 30 ft. golf chip & putt, pool & spa, pickleball court w/ basketball hoop, outdoor chess, ping pong and more! Flowing river/pond at entrance of property. Separate casita with full living + kitchen + bedroom + full bath. Huge travertine patio w/ pergola (wired for misters) & built in grill. Remodeled throughout with custom cabinets/vanities, quartz counters, saltillo tile floors. Gated entrances on 2 sides. Garage has 2nd laundry & is potential future living space. Vault/safe room. Furnishings & decor included w/ full price offer. Shipping container for extra storage. Home can also be turnkey ABnB! Listing agent related to selle

9175 N 82 Street Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$2,100,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,333 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762990
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Voted #1 in the Heart of Scottsdale tour!!! This gorgeous, remodeled 4BD/3.5B home has soothing neutral tones & is versatile for so many decorating styles. Make it your own! A magnificent Chef's kitchen w/custom Thermal Foil cabinets, quartz countertops, Thermador SS appliances, incl sep full size freezer & fridge, 2 sinks, 2 dishwashers, 4 ovens, gas stovetop & much more! Beautiful white porcelain floors throughout w/lots of natural light & an abundance of windows! Exquisite 2 sided glass & marble FP, upgraded lighting, spacious BD's w/walk in closets & gorgeous updated baths! Primary BA w/walk-in shower & serene soaking tub. Private backyard w/sparkling pool, ramada & lg covered patio! Close to walking/biking paths, restaurants, golf & shopping! Come be amazed at this Stunning home!

7175 E Camelback Road Unit 902 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$2,099,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,041 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695128
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Step into luxury living at the exquisite Scottsdale Waterfront Residences, nestled in the vibrant heart of Scottsdale! Perched on the 9th floor, this residence boasts breathtaking views of Camelback complemented by an expansive balcony perfect for hosting gatherings and enjoying the Arizona sunshine. The kitchen is a culinary paradise, featuring top-of-the-line amenities such as a 100+ bottle wine refrigerator, Viking gas cooktop, Viking refrigerator, and a timeless tile backsplash, all seamlessly integrated into the open great room floor plan, ideal for both cooking and entertaining. Experience the epitome of convenience with the Waterfront's full-service building amenities, including 24-hour security, rooftop pool, fitness center and spa services. views, a sophisticated resident club room, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a versatile board room, a fully-equipped business center, and the added luxury of valet parking. Indulge in the ultimate urban lifestyle with the convenience of walking distance access to over 100 restaurants, world-class shopping destinations, and vibrant art galleries, ensuring every day is filled with excitement and possibility. Embrace the essence of the good life at Scottsdale Waterfront Residences, where luxury, convenience, and sophistication converge to offer a lifestyle beyond compare.

13272 E La Junta Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,098,337
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,034 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776228
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Just Completed! Stunning Rosewood luxury home at Storyrock in Scottsdale on 1/2+ acre N/S lot w/ open space on two sides + mountain views in gated Rosewood Canyon w/ miles of walking/hiking trails in McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Enjoy indoor/outdoor living w/ 16-foot wide Disappearing Wall of Glass + custom Andersen ''view windows.'' Stunning Kitchen w/ upgraded cabinetry & custom features, large Island, Quartzite countertops, 6-burner Wolf gas range w/ large convection oven + 2nd convection oven, microwave, 48'' Sub Zero + wine ref! Professionally-designed w/ gorgeous wood flooring, Ortal fireplace, custom iron/glass front door, Master Bath w/ Quartzite + oversized shower & tub. Ensuite Bedrooms, Den, dramatic Powder, ''Pool Bath,'' oversized 3-Car Garage w/ huge Storage Area & much more!

37268 N 110th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,095,000
5 Beds
5 Baths
5,217 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758268
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This North Scottsdale desert gem is a stunning retreat with a resort-style backyard. Situated on nearly an acre in a tranquil gated community, this 5 bed, 5 bath home boasts over 5,200 square fee of sophisticated living space designed to capture breathtaking views. The open floor plan features expansive windows, a chef's kitchen and main-level primary suite complete with a spa-like bath and sitting area with stone fireplace. Step outside into your impressive backyard, featuring a sparkling heated pool and spa, sport court, putting green, and built-in kitchen area with grill. The home includes countless upgrades such as custom iron doors, LED lighting, Lutron shades, Control 4 smart home technology, and 4-car garage with cabinets and epoxy floors. Just minutes from top golf courses

15215 N Kierland Boulevard Unit 536 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$2,095,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,086 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786018
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Now Available For Sale.....Overlooking the Westin Kierland Golf Course, this highly coveted location in the Plaza Lofts Tower also captures INCREDIBLE views of City Lights, the McDowell Mountains, Sunrise and Sunsets. This truly is the ''SWEET SPOT'' of the market for those buyers wanting TWO Spacious Master Suites or TWO Bedrooms with a Study.. Both Master Suites have Spacious Sitting areas and En-suite bathrooms plus there is a separate Powder Room for Guests! Upgraded features throughout include gourmet kitchen, SubZero and Wolf Appliances, floor to ceiling expansive windows, ten foot ceilings, an oversized balcony and covered terrace make this the perfect loft for entertaining. Community amenities include concierge, a private fitness studio, two resort-style sundecks, heated lap pool, grilling stations, pet park, and exclusive VIP discounts at Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter and the surrounding area. (Furnishings available by separate agreement.)

7175 E Camelback Road Unit 702 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$2,095,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,041 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6696924
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Experience luxury living at Scottsdale Waterfront Residences in the vibrant heart of Scottsdale! This turn-key 7th-floor condo, with all furniture included, offers stunning Camelback Mountain views and an expansive balcony. The chef's kitchen boasts premium Viking appliances and a spacious granite island that flows effortlessly into the open great room, creating an ideal space for cooking and entertaining. The thoughtfully designed layout features split primary bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, offering privacy and comfort. A versatile den adds extra space for relaxation, work, or an additional sleeping area. Enjoy resort-style amenities, including 24-hour concierge, a rooftop pool, fitness center, spa services, a resident club room, valet parking, and more. Steps away from over 100 restaurants, world-class shopping, and art galleries, this is luxury living at its finest. Don't miss your chance to call Scottsdale Waterfront Residences home!

3770 S Bridle Path Flagstaff, AZ 86005

$2,095,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,455 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6723781
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience unparalleled luxury, comfort, and security in Troon managed Flagstaff Ranch GC. The home is a meticulously designed Luxury Mountain Modern home nestled on a prime Golf Course Estate Lot. The residence has an attached 800 SF Casita with full kitchen and separate entrance for guests and extended family. This single-level residence boasts 2 covered decks featuring a large gas fire pit overlooking the 5th fairway with views of San Francisco Peaks. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with Wolf, Sub-Zero and Asko appliances, Quartzite counters and a 100+ bottle wine cooler. The living room features a floor-to-ceiling oversized fireplace crafted from imported Pennsylvania Blue Stone. Exquisite custom lighting, fixtures, whole-house sound, security, lighting, and temperature control.