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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3006 E Posey Court Star Valley, AZ 85541

$1,530,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,048 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6749066
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 3,480sf, Pioneer Log Home, sitting on just over 1 acre in a private gated community, will take your breath away! Constructed of Massive Western Cedar Logs, carefully sited into the natural surroundings with a year round creek at the rear of the home has unmatched beauty! This home features a 2 way wood burning fireplace that heats both the large great room and spacious master bedroom, Small pond and waterfall feature in great room, big kitchen with gas cook top, kitchen island, breakfast bar, and giant laundry area/ mud room, and fire suppression system. Walk upstairs to find another living area, two huge bedrooms, and giant jacuzzi tub with double sinks and walk in shower! Bring the outdoors in with floor to ceiling windows, and great natural lighting. There is 5,000 Square Feet Under Roof which includes the covered porches, breezeway and the garage (provided by the owner).

5455 E Lincoln Drive Unit 1016 Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$1,529,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,702 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6639094
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Indulge in loft living at Mountain Shadows Resort! exquisitely upgraded 2-bedroom loft home is adorned w/ designer touches & meticulous details. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Camelback Mountain, Mountain Shadows Resort offers a distinctive lifestyle in a community of only 41 condo & loft homes, providing a serene Paradise Valley setting w/ full privileges at the resort iincluding a pool, spa, gym, restaurants & concierge services. There's also the unique opportunity to join the rental pool for stress-free income generation. Welcome to the epitome of resort living in Paradise Valley! Step into this two-story residence that emanates unparalleled style, offering turn key living at its finest. Furniture is avail for purchase. Property has ability to be in rental pool program.

6942 E Thirsty Cactus Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,525,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,472 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6749247
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wonderful home in Terravita Country Club with views of the 14 fairway and Black Mountain with stunning AZ sunsets! This remodeled home offers a fabulous kitchen, granite and luxury stainless appliances all overlooking the great room. The view windows offer unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains, sunsets and world-famous Saguaros. This Caelum model plan is perfect for guests to relax, both inside and out! The backyard is a resort paradise with a heated pool, large built in BBQ/entertaining bar, large gas fire-place and lots of outdoor seating with and covered patio areas to enjoy the best of Arizona resort living! This is a must see!

7117 E Rancho Vista Drive Unit 4006 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$1,525,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,734 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755060
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
RARE CORNER UNIT COMPRISED OF 3 BEDROOMS + 2.5 BATHS, TWO SEPARATE ENTRANCES (ONE FOR RESIDENT, ONE FOR GUESTS) WITH TWO EXPANSIVE TERRACES, WITH CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN AND CITY VIEWS. PANORAMIC FLOOR-TO-CEILING GLASS SLIDERS. TWO SECURED UNDERGROUND PARKING SPACES NEAR ELEVATORS. AWARD-WINNING OPTIMA CAMEL VIEW IS RENOWNED FOR ITS PRIME LOCATION AND CUTTING-EDGE ARCHITECTURE OFFERING UNPARALLELED AMENITIES INCLUDING POOLS, SPAS, BBQ AREAS, AND A RECENTLY UPGRADED TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT FITNESS CENTER WITH LOCKER ROOMS, STEAM ROOMS, INDOOR LAP POOL, SPAS, AN ON-SITE CONCIERGE, PUTTING GREEN, HYBRID BASKETBALL/PICKLEBALL COURT, AND RESTAURANT. WALKING DISTANCE TO, COFFEE SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTCLUBS AND ALL THAT OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE HAS TO OFFER.

7374 E Woodsage Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$1,525,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,472 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747900
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Exquisitely curated interiors create the distinguished ambiance offered in this very private, gracious villa. Discerning tastes will take note of the Ralph Lauren inspired fabrics and appointments throughout the spacious floorplan, with comfortable, open living spaces on the main level, including the dramatic vaulted entry & formal living room w/ wet bar, sophisticated Formal Dining, well-lit kitchen w/ charming breakfast room adjacent to the finely appointed Family/TV room, which overlooks the private patio with glass tiled dipping pool. Upstairs, the Primary Suite is a richly appointed sanctuary of it's own, separated by an open walkway from the secondary bedrooms. Additionally, an office/exercise room & delightful powder room exist on the main floor. (Newer roof w/ warranty.) Furniture may be purchased by separate bill of sale for a move-in ready scenario, if desired.

9781 E Gamble Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,525,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,166 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754348
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fantastic opportunity to own a completely remodeled, single level home in the Monument at Troon North. Fall in love with its gorgeous open floorplan featuring wood floors, linear fireplace in great room, chefs kitchen with Wolf Range, double ovens, under/over/inside cabinet lighting, huge breakfast island and quartzite counters. Your favorite room will be the dining room with its lovely view and wall to wall hutch that makes a statement. The inviting primary suite features cozy fireplace and a exit to back patio and view deck. Enter primary bath thru barn door into spa like bath with free standing tub, double sinks, huge shower, private water closet and large walk in closet with organizers. Huge second ensuite with lots of closet space and lovely bath with backlite mirrors, tiled mirror, tiled wall and a lot of style. Large 3rd and 4th bedroom offer walk in closets, shutters, nicely sized, 4th has private patio. Well laid out laundry room with sink and extra refrigerator space. This corner lot gem is a must see, desert landscape with a lot of lights and RV gate, this lot is large enough for putting green, pool and ramada or possibly a guest home! Garage is 3.5 at least and extended. View Deck offers 360 degree Mountain views as well as city lights!

6055 E Indigo Sky Road Hereford, AZ 85615

$1,525,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,307 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777571
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning Santa Fe style 3300 ft.² + is located between Bisbee and Sierra Vista AZ. Just off highway 92 backed against Thompson Peak. This property offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and serene desert living on a spacious 5 acre lot. The house offers two master suites and 2 1/2 bathrooms. The open concept layout flows seamlessly from the welcoming large foyer with Stackstone accents, to the expansive living areas. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances, granite countertops, butcher block Island, Stackstone backsplash and tons of maple cabinets. The huge main master suite provides a relaxing retreat with panoramic valley and Mountain View's walk-in closet, spa like bathroom and private balcony. A detached one bedroom, guest suite and a 40 ft RV garage/worksho

7438 E Visao Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,525,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,146 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786533
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience this beautifully remodeled single-level home in the exclusive guard-gated community of Bellasera. Upgraded to perfection, this residence boasts new flooring, elegantly redesigned bathrooms, and a custom chef's kitchen with a gas cooktop that seamlessly flows into the formal dining and living areas—ideal for hosting and everyday living. Offering 4 bedrooms (3 in the main house and 1 in the attached casita) and 3.5 bathrooms, the home features a transitional interior design and an open-concept great room floor plan. Enjoy unparalleled privacy in the resort-style backyard, which backs to open space and spectacular mountain views, and built in BBQ. A low-maintenance home with a hassle-free yard—ideal for winter visitors/2nd home, yet large enough to put a resort like pool. Bellasera's premium community amenities include a fitness center, play pool, lap pool, spa, library, sport courts, and a dog park. This home is the perfect blend of luxury, style, and tranquility. Welcome home!

3519 Lee Doyle -- Flagstaff, AZ 86005

$1,525,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,497 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6772140
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located on a large corner lot in a private area of Forest Highlands, this charming SINGLE LEVEL home is the perfect mountain retreat. The open floor plan, privacy and additional bonus room provide comfort and versatility for large groups or intimate gatherings. The open kitchen has granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances as well as a large walk-in pantry. It also has a pass-through service window to the bonus room. The large covered deck has both covered and uncovered areas with a built in barbecue and plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors. This is quite the find at a price point seldom seen in Forest Highlands.

9020 N 33rd Way Phoenix, AZ 85028

$1,525,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
4,521 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6729215
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Priced well below appraised value! Elegance & timeless charm will be found in this stunning Santa Barbara-inspired property located just mere steps from the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. This gorgeous residence greets you with rich hardwood plank & luxury Saltillo tile , high ceilings with wood beams plus beautiful wood cased windows. A central atrium creates an airy atmosphere with tons of natural light that can be adjusted with electric blinds. The open gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight with custom cabinetry, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances with Taj Mahal leathered Quartzite countertops, an adjacent oversized laundry room, and a huge storage pantry. The heart of the home is the great room, illuminated by skylights and anchored by an authentic tiled fireplace. Step outside to to the entertainer's garden, with its large pool surrounded by lush trees. This beautiful home is perfect no matter what your lifestyles! With a large playroom/hobby room/craft room that can also be used as attached guest suite complete vaulted ceilings, fireplace, quartzite desk, lots of storage, sleeping loft and private bathroom. Flex room off loft would make a perfect kitchenette/coffee area. New Tesla Super Charger in Garage. Minutes to 51 access, downtown, airport, Basis Phoenix Primary, new PV Mall redevelopment, biking/walking trails, Press Coffee, 32 Shea, many other fine restaurants. Check out these amazing details & features: ***

3124 E Blackhawk Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$1,520,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,324 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6661174
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This spacious beauty in Acacia Estates boasts the addition of a separate living quarters and a recent remodel with high-end upgraded features such as solid hardwood knotty alder doors and baseboards, a Chef's kitchen with GE Monogram appliances, 3 beverage fridges and a 4-car insulated and temperature-controlled garage. Additional highlights include front yard artificial turf, plantation shutters throughout, remote blackout shades in the bedrooms and a home surveillance system. Other luxury features such as a private courtyard, ensuites in secondary bedroom, attached casita with a full bathroom remodel to include an oversized shower and soaking tub

Flagstaff AZ 86004

$1,519,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,920 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6703866
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning custom home on 2.5 acres is the realization of an arts and crafts vision singular to Flagstaff. From the careful details of the front doors, to custom built ins & woodwork, cherry cabinets, & tiffany style light fixtures, this is a work of art! Live your quiet dream in serenity surrounded by natural beauty, or create an entertainer's paradise. Delight in the chef's kitchen with a Viking suite of appliances. Lose yourself in the beautifully treed, gardened yard with mountain views. The lower level is pure fun. Entertain, work out, dance, play pool. Located in desireable Pine Mt. Estates, only steps from national forest, this is an equestrian & outdoor lover's dream. With 2 living areas, spacious rooms, custom office, 3 car garage, owned solar & AC, it's your perfect retreat. Furnishings available with a few exclusions (wood telephone on wall does not convey as well as personal antiques). We've completed an inspection and this home is in excellent shape! See additional documents for many details on items repaired, solar information and the vegetation on property.