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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4691 E Torrey Pines Lane Chandler, AZ 85249

$575,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Sun Groves, Chandler
Open House
New
$575,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,192 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785339
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Torrey Pines, a stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem nestled in the heart of the highly sought-after Sun Groves community! This expansive 2,192 sq. ft. home has been thoughtfully upgraded to combine modern style with everyday comfort. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by bright and airy living spaces bathed in natural light from brand-new glass windows. The fresh paint and sleek new flooring in the bathrooms enhance the home's polished aesthetic. The kitchen boasts brand-new stainless steel appliances and plenty of space for meal prep and entertaining. Just steps away, the addition of a new washer and dryer ensures convenience for busy lifestyles. The formal living and dining areas are perfect for hosting gatherings, while the open-concept family room is flooded with sunlight, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Upstairs, discover a second family room, ideal for movie nights or a cozy retreat, along with the luxurious master suite. The oversized bedroom is your personal sanctuary, offering the perfect space to relax and recharge. Outside, the expansive backyard awaitsa true outdoor haven. Whether you're envisioning barbecues, a play area, or simply enjoying the serene space, this yard offers endless possibilities. Torrey Pines is more than a home; it's your lifestyle upgrade in the vibrant Sun Groves community. Don't miss your chance to make it yours! This home is a must-see; view it today and discover the endless possibilities in this desert paradise. FINANCING INCENTIVE: If the buyer uses our Preferred Lender, the buyer will receive up to 1% back for closing costs or rate buy down.

1453 E South Fork Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048

$575,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Parcel 2d At The Foothills, Phoenix
Open House
$575,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,232 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786801
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Newly remodeled beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home with Loft and Den in The Foothills Community. Fresh paint makes this home Open & Bright. Fireplace in Living room. Formal Dining, warm Family room w/tile. Large upgraded kitchen, backsplash, new stainless steel appliances , new quartz kitchen island and countertop. Good sized master bedroom upstairs with great view of Mountains , walk in closet. Master bath has double sinks , separate shower and tub and private toilet room. Downstair den can be converted to a bedroom. 90% Sun Blockage black screen. New equipment on pool 2024, exterior wall painted on 2023. Excellent Kyrene School District, quiet community, easy access to 202, only 10 mins convenient to shopping plaza and south mountain trail.

2550 E North Lane Phoenix, AZ 85028

$575,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Greenridge 3, Phoenix
Open House
$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,507 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766161
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Corner Lot! Single Story! NO carpet. NO HOA. Room for RV Parking! 2018 Windows & Sliders! This home features an open-concept layout, where the living room seamlessly connects to the dining area and kitchen, all adorned with stylish wood-look laminate plank flooring and tile, no carpet throughout. The kitchen boasts white cabinetry, black appliances, ample storage drawers, and generous countertops. Enjoy views of the spacious backyard through the large picture window above the kitchen sink. A conveniently located laundry room is just off the kitchen for easy access. The bright and inviting living room is filled with natural light from a large window with shutters that showcase majestic views of Piestawa Peak and Stoney Mountains. The primary suite includes a sliding glass door leading to the backyard, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite bathroom featuring a charming 1970s sunken tub with natural light streaming in from a long window. Two additional guest bedrooms share a hallway bathroom, which has been updated with a remodeled shower/tub combo and a stylish tile surround. Step outside to the expansive backyard, complete with a large covered patio, vibrant natural grass, and a separate entry to the storage room. There's also a large gate providing alley access. Recent updates include all-new windows in 2018 and a Rheem water heater installed in 2021. This home is the perfect blend of classic charm and modern convenience!

18822 N Grandview Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$575,000 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Sun City West Unit 22, Sun City West
Open House
$575,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,319 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750441
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Home is situated on the 10th fairway on the Grandview Golf Course in Sun City West. The solar lease was installed in 2011 and is paid until 2032. Giving you the luxury of sustainable energy. This property has premium upgrades in the kitchen with quartz countertops, stylish cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Roof underlayment was replaced in 2017 and the HVAC system was updated in 2013. The Master Bath was beautifully appointed with new cabinets, tiled shower and sinks and plantation shutters in the master bedroom. Further adding to the charm are the tubular skylights adding natural light. Complementing the indoor living space is an enclosed lanai and a huge covered patio. The outside offers beautiful views of the White Tank Mountains and serene spaces to unwind.

13370 W Domino Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$575,000 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Trilogy West Phase 3 Parcel C46, Peoria
Open House
$575,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,926 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766463
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
RARE 2021 'MOSAIC' WITH 3-CAR GARAGE! Neutral palette. Wide plank tile flooring, kitchen with granite slab on countertops & island, stainless appliances with 5 burners gas stove. Huge SMART SPACE with washer/dryer, 2 built-in desks, laundry sink, abundant cabinets with roll outs and WALK-IN PANTRY. Large open great rm with adjacent extended dining rm big enough for large table. Primary suite w/large walk-in closet, double sinks, large shower and separate toilet rm. Den with double French doors/multipurpose. Very spacious 2nd bed. Lovely, landscaped lot, full fenced yard. Upgraded lighting, fans and blinds throughout plus top-down/bottom-up shades in bedrooms. This home is in award-winning gated, 55+ Trilogy at Vistancia with 5-star-resort style amenities at the 35,000 SF Kiva Club with indoor & outdoor pools, fitness center, day spa, cafe, billiards, meeting rooms, library, tennis courts, pickle ball, bocce ball, events & a plethora of activities to choose from. Outstanding Gary Panks-designed golf course is woven throughout the original part of the neighborhood. The Mita Club has additional outstanding community amenities. Easy access from Trilogy to the 303, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, Lake Pleasant & Paloma Park, Peoria's huge community park loaded with amenities. Move-in ready!

9413 E Osage Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Mesquite Canyon 1, Mesa
Open House
$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,308 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764630
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Back on market after getting a super cute remodel! Fantastic single story home located in highly desirable Mesquite Canyon featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, Through the front door you are welcomed by BRAND NEW vinyl plank flooring throughout, FRESHLY painted white interior which is a blank canvas to decorate to your hearts content, NEW baseboards, additional puck lighting added to give the home that light, bright and airy feeling, living room/dining room combo, kitchen boasts granite countertops and backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white cabs, dining area, kitchen island, flat top electric stove with above b-i microwave, huge walk-in pantry, family room with shiplap accent wall, large primary bedroom with double door entry, walk-in closet and exterior access to backyard , ensuite with dual sinks, separate shower & tub, chevron accent wall with updated mirrors and light fixtures, enjoy outdoor entertaining with sparking play pool, covered patio and canopy with pavered sitting area, vaulted ceilings, faux wood blinds, security screen door, near highly rated Gilbert schools, neighborhood parks, restaurants and shopping. An Absolute Must See!

780 E Kapasi Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$574,999
5 Beds
4 Baths
4,141 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6753650
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SELLER CURRENTLY OFFERING 2-1 BUYDOWN COSTS FOR BUYER'S INTEREST RATE! The space here has been maximally utilized with not only 5 bedrooms but a loft, bonus room, 2 living rooms, a dining room, 3-car garage, split primaries (separate downstairs with a full bathroom), and all walk-in closets. The open floor plan flows seamlessly into the kitchen: a chef's dream. Granite counters that elegantly contrast the wood cabinets, double ovens, breakfast bar, complete with an oversized walk-in pantry. Interior has been recently painted white. Spend evenings in the low-maintenance, backyard relaxing under the pergola. Within walking distance you'll find the community park (reach out for neighborhood amenities). Close to HWY 24, great schools, shopping, dining, groceries, gas, etc.

17932 W Jojoba Road Goodyear, AZ 85338

$574,999
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,294 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757606
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully upgraded and spacious home located in the master planned lake community of Estrella is a must see! Located less than a mile from just one of the community's amazing clubhouses, with inclusive 2 story gym and impressive pools, you do not want to miss out on this opportunity that is priced incomparably! This home is truly in immaculate, like new condition and has been upgraded with no expenses spared. The 1st floor primary bedroom is a massive retreat with a spa like ensuite and huge walk-in closet! High end upgrades throughout the home such as new plush carpet, custom shelving/storage, fresh paint, new ss appliances, wood plank flooring are just a few to name and that doesn't even begin to describe what's been done to the huge backyard oasis! The artificial turf, garden and fruit trees, make you feel like you are living more in a resort than the desert...all the greenery and no mowing! What's the best part of owning this enormous home full of upgrades and turn key? The solar savings will make you feel like you can have all the space, without the high electric bills!

4501 E Grovers Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032

$574,999
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,812 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6723893
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Huge price drop! Corner lot! NO HOA! This fantastic 4 bedroom, 2 bath home is located in a quiet North Phoenix neighborhood off Tatum & Bell. The home features vaulted ceilings and tile and engineered wood floors. The kitchen features espresso cabinets, granite counters, and a large island with a breakfast bar. It also features a gas stove and a stainless steel refrigerator. The master bath features a beautiful master shower with tile, glass door, and 3 showerheads, a vanity with dual sinks and granite countertop, and a walk-in closet. You will love the pebble tech pool, covered patio, and misting system. The garage is large with attached cabinets. The home has an easy to maintain desert landscape with a drip system. It has been freshly painted and is ready for you to move in

12003 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$574,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761530
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The heart of this ranch-style home is an open floor plan with a family room, a breakfast nook and a large gourmet kitchen. The adjacent primary suite offers a walk-in closet and an attached bath. You'll also find two additional bedrooms and a bath, as well as a quiet study and complete with a living area, bedroom, and private bath. Includes covered patio and a 3-car-garage!

11950 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$574,995
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,370 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741755
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this exciting Raleigh home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered entry; a gourmet kitchen offering 42' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, an island, and large butler's and walk-in pantries; an open dining nook; an impressive great room with center-meet patio doors; a beautiful primary suite showcasing a sizable walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; a spacious study; three secondary bedrooms with a shared bath; a central laundry and a cheerful covered patio. This home also boasts soaring 10' ceilings, wood laminate flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, extra windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway.

11949 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$574,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761571
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this stunning Celeste home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry with a tray ceiling; a quiet study; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a double oven, a walk-in pantry and a center island; an open dining area; a spacious great room boasting center-meet doors leading onto a relaxing covered patio; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a mudroom and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.