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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3284 S 176th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$574,990 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in El Cidro Parcel 1d Phase 2, Goodyear
New
$574,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,647 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6789061
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ask about special financing with preferred lender! This single-level home showcases an attached private suite ideal for multigenerational living. The suite includes a one-car garage, separate entrance, living space, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom. In the main home, an open floorplan allows for effortless transition between the Great Room, kitchen and dining room, with access to the covered patio through sliding glass doors. The luxe owner's suite is situated at the back of the home, while two secondary bedrooms are comfortable and private retreats. Photos are renderings of model home, not the actual home.

610 E Aurora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$574,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,144 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774531
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Almost complete! CORNER LOT! This Pasadena split plan home includes 4 bedrooms, den and 3 baths. Designed with our beautifully curated Classic inspired interior selections. The open great room features a stunning vaulted ceiling and a multi-panel slider that opening to the large patio and backyard perfect for indoor/outdoor living. The kitchen features grey cabinets with satin nickel hardware, sparkling quartz counters and beautiful pendant lighting over the island. The den is ideal for working from home or a quiet retreat. The primary suite includes a generous walk-in closet and a resort like bath with free-standing soaking tub and large shower. This home is not to miss, plan your visit today!!! ^^Up to 6% of Loan Amount can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

668 E Aurora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$574,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,144 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768733
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move-in Nov. 2024!!! - Welcome to Edgewood, a charming community by K. Hovnanian Homes, conveniently located just south of AZ-24—perfect for both commuters and weekend adventurers. This beautiful Pasadena plan offers a spacious split floor design with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an additional office or flex room for extra versatility. The great room, with its vaulted ceilings and large sliding doors that open to the backyard, is ideal for entertaining. The home's interior is thoughtfully designed with our Loft-inspired ''Looks'' collection, featuring sleek grey cabinets, quartz countertops, elegant tile, and nickel hardware throughout. Don't miss the opportunity to own this newly completed home! Up to 6% of Loan Amount can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

10215 W Piccadilly Road Avondale, AZ 85392

$574,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,456 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728893
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6728893 November Completion! Experience modern living at Parkside Los Cielos with our 40-3 floorplan—a two-story sanctuary boasting 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. The open design seamlessly connects the dining room, kitchen, and great room. For added privacy, a bedroom and bathroom are situated at the front of the home. The second floor features the primary bedroom, complete with a spacious walk-in closet, shower, and dual vanities, along with three additional bedrooms. Embrace a lifestyle of comfort and elegance in your new home.

18694 N 266th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$574,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,474 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737822
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender. Ready for immediate move-in, this elegant home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, including a Jack & Jill bath. Enjoy the AV built-in, a den with double French doors, 8' interior doors, and 10' flat ceilings. The owner's bath offers a framed low-threshold walk-in shower with a seat. Additional highlights include a rear extension, 2+ car garage, gas stub & outlet package, a 36'' stainless gas cooktop, wall oven/microwave, chef luxury cabinet layout, and upgraded flooring, cabinets, countertops, and surrounds.

5881 N 193rd Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$574,990
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,189 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745694
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home to the Remerton floorplan. Featuring a full bedroom bathroom downstairs, two of the secondary bedrooms have private ensuite bathrooms. A formal foyer and hall is the perfect centerpiece for family photos or your art collection. The entrance hall then leads you to the expansive open concept kitchen and living space ideal for holiday gatherings. Whip up some mouthwatering recipes in the open kitchen featuring an impressive walk-in pantry and dedicated breakfast nook. Upstairs bedroom 2 features an ensuite bathroom, making this plan perfect for multi-generational families. An upstairs loft creates the ideal location for family game night! 3 car tandem garage and no homes behind you and stunning mountain views are the cherry on top! This home is ready for a 30-day close of escrow

12963 S 183rd Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$574,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,900 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763190
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
OWNED SOLAR ~ Golfer's Dream Home encompassing Post-Card like Panoramic Views; Imagine Resort Backyard ~ Extended Covered Patio, Pavers, 2 BBQ Grills with Seating. Relax ~ Stargazing from Hot tub & Cozy Firepit on 4th Fareway of Troon, Niklaus Design Premium Golf Course. Tray Ceiling in Entry welcomes you to Triple Slider ~Captivating Views of the Estrellas. Kitchen boasts Granite, Attractive Backsplash, Gas Cooktop, Double Ovens & New Lighting! Enjoy, Low Elec Bills, 3 Car, Cen Vac, Tankless HWH, RO, WS, Shutters & Blinds, Various New Lighting, Faucets & Fans! Estrella ~50+miles Hiking, Biking trails, 35+ Parks, Waterpark, Splashpads, Heated Pool, 2 lakes: Boating, Fishing, Tennis, Pickleball, BB, Volley. Award Winning Goodyear: Rec Campus & Civic Square, Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft Estrella has amazing HOA amenities included in your low HOA dues! 50+ Miles of Hiking & biking trails, 35+ parks, waterpark, heated pools, Lap Pool, 2 Lakes, Yacht Club with free resident boating, fishing, Troon, Niklaus golf course, tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, horseshoe pit, covered BBQ ramadas and pavilion, playground equipment, splashpad, BMX park, sporting fields, just to name a few of the Incredible Amenities. Starpointe Residents' Club offers incredible, gourmet lakeside dining at Lakeside Grill Estrella, as well as: weekend brunch, happy hour on the patio, gazing at unsurpassed sunsets. Starpointe is second to none: complete with a waterpark, heated lap pool, cafe, library, fitness center, youth club, meeting rooms for rent.Enjoy a family Wedding or Reunion at Starpointe's event rooms or lawn gazing to the spectacular fountains and the glistening lake. HOA features community events at both Clubhouses! Also included in your dues, Presidio Residents Club featuring a year-round heated pool with splash pad, outdoor showers, mountain views, beautiful social space, sports/ recreation game room with pool table and multiple TVs, great room with fireplace, demonstration kitchen, event lawn, fire pits to relax by, 3400sf, state of the art fitness center, community game/entertainment room perfect for sporting and family gatherings located in Presidio Club. The Cantina, Mexican Restaurant has incredible Mexican food, all fresh braised meats with homemade salsa, sauces, dressings made in house. Cantina includes TV's to watch sporting games, a beautiful patio with amazing views and also hosts free music entertainment! Join in on organized activities via the HOA, some included at no cost, others a minimal fee. Two picturesque lakes, and beautiful backyard displaying one amazing sunrise and sunset after another, are just a few of the reasons to choose this magnificent home. You name it! Estrella is known to be the best value out there when comparing HOA amenities and costs! It's the ideal place for young professionals, singles, active families, and retirees with convenient access to Route 303, I10 and 101. Estrella located in Award Winning Goodyear, named number seven Best US Cities to Live by 24/7 Wall Street. Goodyear was the recipient of prestigious national awards in 2008: All American City Award and the National Civic League and City Livability award from the US Conference of Mayors. Goodyear's focus is on Commerce, Livability, Healthcare and Education. Goodyear was also named #22 in the best 100 cities to reside. New Goodyear Civic Square, showcasing wonderful New Georgia Lord Library, City Offices, City Square for outdoor events, music, plays, etc! There is room to Grow for Goodyear to add around the Civic Square more Restaurants and Retail. Goodyear Recreation Campus Now Open! Multiple Sporting Parks including popular Pickleball, Fitness, BB Court, Tech Room, Water Park, Swimming Lessons! Community Events, Classes, & Celebrations. Goodyear's Largest Christmas Tree Displayed! In addition, many companies that have made Goodyear their home: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Ball Corporation, Aldi, Macy's, Wolf - Subzero, Huhtamaki, REI, Dicks Sporting Goods, Ferrero Rocher, Anderson Windows, Fed EX, UPS, Hobby Lobby, Data Tech Centers! Goodyear has a commitment to bringing industry into the area for local job growth. Sports fans flock into Goodyear watching games at Goodyear Ballpark, home of Spring Training for Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds. The Goodyear ball field also partners with the community for incredible festivals, as well as for graduation and city events. Many travel from all over the US and other countries to be cared for at the Cancer Treatment Center of America (now City of Hope) located its Western Regional Medical Center within the city's Medical Innovation Corridor of Goodyear! Goodyear is education focused and now the home of Franklin Pierce University and Columbia University. Make Goodyear and this Stupendous home your new full-time home or perfect winter retreat!

149 N Charlotte Street Queen Valley, AZ 85118

$574,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,600 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6742416
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow, PRICED UNDER APPRAISAL VALUE! ~Owners need to move! ~SPECTACULAR CUSTOM HOME offers STUNNING 360 SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN VIEWS from your balcony & front porch! ESCAPE HARSH WINTERS in your One-Of-A-Kind PICTURESQUE VACATION HOME or FOREVER HOME! Nostalgic MAYBERRY-ESQUE Town, a rural sanctuary quiet reprieve! ~THE GOOD LIFE U DESERVE AWAITS! ~GOLF ~2 Restaurant/Cantinas ~TOWN SQUARE SOCIAL EVENTS! ~LAKESIDE Picnics ~WARM GLOW of HARDWOOD SOARING CATHEDRAL CEILINGS w/STAINED GLASS accents create UNIQUE AMBIANCE of a SKI CHALET in the DESERT! ~$220k in REMODEL/UPGRADES ~2 sep OWNER'S ENSUITE BEDROOMS ~Replumbed Home ~REBUILT BATHROOMS ~NEW FLOORS ~NEW APPLIANCES ~INTERIOR PAINT is Eco-friendly, all-natural, Real Milk Paint w/no off-gassing *GOLF+POOL/SPA MEMBERSHIPS avail at nominal fee. ...Owners cleaned all ducts with a special custom cleaning company, Arcadia Cleaners. The whole house, including the air quality, is set up perfectly for anyone with environmental allergies or for children who need a clean environment for their growing development. ***Optional***JOIN VOLUNTARY Homeowners Recreation Center Assn at ONLY $20 annually to participate in RECREATION CENTER SOCIAL EVENTS! This voluntary participation ONLY affords social events & DOES NOT extend any control by any HOA over your property; it's purely for entertainment purposes.

2425 N 142nd Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$574,940 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Cottages At Palm Valley, Goodyear
Open House
$574,940
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,065 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768236
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Prime golf course lot! Located in a desirable Palm Valley gated community this home has everything you're looking for! 4 bedrooms, loft, 3 bathrooms, multiple patios & more than 3,000 sq ft of livable space. 2 brand new a/c units, newer appliances & water heater. Throughout you will notice the plank tile in the main living areas, 10' tall ceilings , 8' tall doors & large windows providing an abundance of natural light. Large kitchen with lots of counter space, 42'' upper cabinets, under cabinet lighting, pantry, travertine backslash & granite countertops. Primary suite is located downstairs & has great golf course views, double sinks, separate shower/tub & walk-in closet. Upstairs there are 2 large bedrooms, 2 balcony's with amazing sunset views & a large loft. Community Center, pool, tennis courts and children's playground. Located near shopping, schools, entertainment & the I10 freeway!

Show Low AZ 85901

$574,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,448 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6731512
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Your search is over for the Perfect Getaway Cabin in the Pines! Formal Model so has beautiful finishes throughout. This beauty conveys furnished so you can immediately come relax & enjoy the White Mountains. Nestled in the Tall Pines on apx .53 of an acre on a corner lot, landscaped & fenced. WOW! Call for more details...

17033 E Bobwhite Way Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$574,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,446 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774586
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Now complete, move-in ready, Just off 172nd (paved road). Minutes from trails, w/great hiking and Biking. Enjoy horseback riding with easy access to trails. The beautifully designed Durango Plan offers 10 ft high ceilings and polyurethane spray foam insulation for exterior house walls and attic. Open floor plan, great for entertaining. The kitchen features SS Appliances, White shaker-style cabinets with Soft Close Drawers and Doors, a nice-sized pantry, and a large Island for extra seating. Electric built-in cooktop with separate oven. Jack-N-Jill bedrooms with full bathroom. Tile-plank flooring throughout the home. The primary bedroom boasts a private exit to the back patio, a large closet, dual vanities, and a large easy access enclosed tiled shower. 3 car attached garage.

520 S Roosevelt Street Unit 1009 Tempe, AZ 85281

$574,900
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,483 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743200
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Tempe Urban Living, now ''Skye 15 Lofts'', nestled within the Riverside-Sunset Neighborhood just west of Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe, is truly an architectural gem. Designed by the Baldinger Studio, this large 2 bed, 2.5 bath loft shares a common modern DNA: open floor plans, exposed block construction, Rooftop Terraces, urban Backyard w/synthetic grass, and European style cabinetry. But most importantly, they share modern minimalist architecture that is unique not only to Downtown Tempe, but to the entire Valley of the Sun. This dwelling is walking distance to the Metro light rail, Tempe Town Lake, Mill Ave Streetcar, Whole Foods Marketplace, Mill Avenue with tons of shops and restaurants, ASU and everything else downtown Tempe has to offer!