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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15394 W Cottontail Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$554,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,734 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786000
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
2,743 SQ FT SINGLE LEVEL - 3 CAR GARAGE Quick CLOSE! This beautiful 4 bedroom with a study + 3-bathroom single story is AMAZING !!! the perfect home, upgraded convenient electrical package, prewired for pendant light over the island, gorgeous tile flooring, Burlap Cabs, Quartz Slab, stainless steel appliances, gas range and dryer gas hookup, TANKLESS WATER HEATER, window coverings oversized sliding door, Smart Home and Energy Star Certified, garage door openers included just to mention a few, come see!

32001 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$554,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,486 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755152
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
It's the Acacia being built at our newest community of Mystic in Peoria. Barnett Maple Latte cabinets throughout with 42'' kitchen uppers soft close drawers and doors in the kitchen. Wood laminate floor Casita Court with 5'' baseboards and 3 1/4'' door casings in all areas of the home except beds/closets. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with tile on the surrounds and floor. Stainless steel gas appliances including a 30'' cooktop and glass canopy hood. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Tile in tub & shower surrounds in Bath 2. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 303.

15992 N Gil Balcome Street Surprise, AZ 85374

$554,990
5 Beds
2 Baths
1,955 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724780
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!! Stunning Fully Remodeled 5-Bedroom Home w/ Luxurious Features This remodeled, move-in-ready home boasts 5 bedrooms & 2 baths on an oversized lot backing to a serene Greenbelt. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry, chef's kitchen appliance package, pot filler, large granite sink, quartz countertops and an oversized island. Wood tile flooring t/o, 10 ft ceilings, upgraded paint, 5 1/2 in baseboards, new doors, and dual-pane windows provide style and efficiency. Luxury baths with dual sinks and floor to ceiling tile. Master Suite features a custom master closet. Laundry room with new GE washer/dryer and cabinetry storage. Outdoors, enjoy a landscaped yard, Pebble Tech Pool, 12x43 covered patio, 12ft RV Gate and 5 car driveway. Move in ready & waiting for you!

242 S 165th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$554,990
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,229 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739790
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the stunning Crimson floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath. Large storage area in garage. 12'x8' sliding glass door off the extended covered patio. Stainless steel gas appliance package with a 30'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and canopy hood. Barnette Maple slate (Gray) cabinets throughout the home. AZT Della Terra quartz Linen countertops in kitchen and owner's bath. White single bowl undermount sink in kitchen. Satin nickel hardware. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Riverside Firenza 20x20 in all areas of the home except for beds/closets. Dual sinks in bath 2. Soft water loop, 8' tall garage door opener with two remotes and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

5054 N 183rd Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$554,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,275 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6765735
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home! Why choose this home over a new build? This exquisite property features an open-concept layout perfect for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen boasts high-end appliances, and the ensuite laundry room is conveniently attached to the primary bedroom closet. Enjoy over $20,000 in beautiful landscaping, ready for you from day one, while new builds often require additional landscaping investments.The luxurious primary suite includes dual sinks in the ensuite bathroom and a well-designed Jack and Jill bathroom for added convenience.With premium upgrades, plantation shutters, and a versatile extra room ideal for an office or bonus space, this home is move-in ready. The spacious three-car tandem garage offers plenty of storage. Don't miss the chance to make this yours!

31381 N 130th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$554,990 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Village A At Vistancia Parcel F-6, Peoria
Open House
$554,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,958 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745460
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Kendrick features a quaint, covered front porch ideal for welcoming guests. Walk through the spacious foyer and gallery hall to the grand open concept dining and great room ideal for hosting and entertaining. A centralized laundry room makes access easy from any room in the home. While a dedicated office is perfect for students and hybrid workers. A back covered patio perfect for taking in the surrounding Peoria mountains and Southwest landscape is the cherry on top! Located in the highly desirable Vistancia masterplan, resident will enjoy access to the 3.5 mile Discovery Trail, and two state of the art recreation centers.

1024 N Moccasin Trail Gilbert, AZ 85234

$554,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,063 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6731571
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Make your home in the heart of Gilbert! This beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath home on a premium lot is looking for only it's second owner. A newly painted exterior, manicured front yard, a 2-car garage with built-in cabinets, and a welcoming porch are just the beginning. Inside you will find large dining & living areas w/newly installed wood-look flooring in all the right places, vaulted ceilings w/skylight, and a neutral palette w/fresh interior paint. The kitchen is comprised of white cabinetry, ample counter space, a prep island, a large pantry, and recessed lighting. Enjoy brand-new stainless-steel Whirlpool appliances including a gas range. Soak in the sun or enjoy entertaining on cooler evenings with a backyard that includes a covered patio, extended seating areas w/pavers, a lovely gazebo, and mature citrus trees. Finally, end your busy day in the primary bedroom with a charming bay window, a walk-in closet, and a full bath with dual sink. Near every amenity the Valley has to offer, is it time for you to discover the joy of Gilbert living?

16572 W Lincoln Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$554,900
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,452 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6725169
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 2-story home in a prime, strategic location. Boasting a massive 3,452 sqft of living space. This residence is filled with natural light, creating an airy, bright, and cozy atmosphere. The kitchen is a chef's dream with a double wall oven, granite countertops, and a spacious island. Step outside to the covered patio overlooking a private play pool, pavers, a charming gazebo, and a meticulously maintained backyard with trees and shrubs. Enjoy easy access to the 303 and I-10, and the convenience of being within walking distance to schools and abundant shopping. The community also features beautiful parks, perfect for outdoor activities!

8448 E Cambridge Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$554,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,020 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6726694
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WOW! This home has recently been remodeled by a licensed contractor. The home features new front half of roof, fresh paint, new flooring, and updated fixtures throughout. Walk in to a spacious living room filled with natural light. The kitchen has been completely redone with new white cabinets, quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and new hardware. Both bedrooms boast new carpet, fresh paint, and new light fixtures. Both bathrooms have been updated with new vanities, counter tops, tiled showers, and fixtures. The backyard has a large covered patio and easy maintenance landscaping! No HOA!

15971 N 91st Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$554,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,310 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739323
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful Single Level Home Located in Desired Arrowhead Horizons area. This home features, a Formal Living & Dining Room w/Vaulted Ceilings, Open Kitchen w/Breakfast Bar, Appliances Included & Eat-In Dining Room w/4 Bedroom, 2 Bath. Spacious Family Room, Master Bedroom w/Walk-In Closet, Master Bathroom w/Dual Sinks & Separate Tub & Shower, Split Floor Plan, Wood Shutters Throughout, Covered Backyard Patio, Sparkling Swimming Pool, 2 Car Garage, RV Gate w/RV PARKING, NO HOA. Walking Distance to Desert Harbor Elementary & Within minutes to Centennial High School. Close to Loop 101, Arrowhead Mall and the Phoenix Cardinals Stadium and much, much more

11490 N 162nd Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$554,900
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,695 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741317
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to finer living in this beautifully appointed Shea Home. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 3 car garage. Equipped with a junior on-suite on the main floor for multigenerational living. Enjoy the well designed high end kitchen with KitchenAid appliances, white quartz countertops, and deluxe high end cabinetry. Formal living and family rooms along with a flex space provides ample space for comfortable living. The upstairs laundry room is convenient next to the large secondary bedrooms and guest bath. Let's not forget the huge owner's suite with super shower and large walk in closet. Fresh turf in the back with a large paver patio make this backyard complete and ready for those sweet backyard gatherings. Check out the mountain view and the convenience to Prasada Shopping!

21667 S 225th Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$554,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,832 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748269
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Motivated sellers here!!!!Sellers just replaced majority carpeting for tile!!!! This stunning 3-bedroom home with an office, separate tech center, and teen room features seller-owned solar installed in October 2021 for over $40k. Say goodbye to high summer electric bills without the hassle of a lease. Step inside to discover the modern elegance of wood plank tile flooring in the main living areas and baths, creating a warm and inviting ambiance throughout. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and ample storage space. The master suite is a very spacious and. complete with a luxurious ensuite bathroom featuring dual sinks, a soaking tub , and a separate shower. Two additional bedrooms offer plenty of space, while the office and tech center provide ideal spaces for remote work or study. Outside, the beautifully landscaped backyard is a tranquil retreat, featuring synthetic grass for easy maintenance and a covered patio for outdoor dining and relaxation. Why wait to build when you can move right into this almost new home? Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a home that is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Come check this out today and make this energy-efficient oasis your own!