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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

342 W Beechnut Place Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$579,000 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Ironwood Country Club Phase Three, Sun Lakes
Open House
$579,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,904 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773289
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
REMODELED PALMERA model w/ SPLIT BEDROOMS & Den + MULTI-PURPOSE Climate Controlled AZ Room on PRIVATE Corner Lot in the GATED, ADULT community of Ironwood. ALL NEW: Luxury Plank Flooring, Baseboards, Lighting/Fans, Fixtures & Interior/Exterior Paint. 2017 AC, VAULTED CEILINGS & Water Softener. GREAT ROOM is open to the EAT-IN KITCHEN w/ Pantry, Island, Stainless Appliances, INDUCTION COOKTOP & 42''Maple Cabinets. Spacious Primary Bedroom w/Bay Window has a LARGE BATHROOM w/ Quartz, Double Vanity, tiled WALK-IN Shower + HUGE WALK-IN CLOSET. Tons of STORAGE in the Laundry Room & EXTENDED 2 CAR Epoxied Garage. Low maintenance NORTH-FACING backyard w/ fruit trees. Come enjoy Sun Lakes w/ its amenities of golf, tennis, pickleball, pools, fitness center, clubs, social activities & restaurant.

16062 W Alameda Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$578,960
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,674 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6729568
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MOVE IN READY, BRIGHT GREAT ROOM PLAN , QUICK CLOSE!! 4 BEDROOM PLUS LOFT, 3.5 BATH , 9'CEILINGS, GOURMET KITCHEN LAYOUT, UPGRADE CABINETS , GRANITE KITCHEN TOPS, SPA SHOWER, TILED FLOORING. 2'WHITE BLINDS, CEILING FANS, FRONT YARD LANSCAPING COMPLETED, ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOME, INDOOR AIR PLUS. A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE COMMUNITY POOL AREA, PICNIC AREA, TOT LOTS, BASKETBALL, PICKLE BALL COURTSAND SO MUCH MORE.

3726 E Rochelle Circle Mesa, AZ 85215

$578,950
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,705 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6749729
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is a to be built home being offered at Base Price plus lot premium. Price includes a nice standard feature package and an option allowance to be used at the Design Studio to personalize the home to your tastes. Features include a heavy iron front door, 2x6 ext. framing, dual pane vinyl windows, Carrier gas furnace and AC. Price includes ceramic tile in select areas. Choice of interior door styles, iron front door styles plus choice of door hardware and bathroom fixture colors. 10' interior ceilings, front porch and rear patio included! Much more. Front view picture is of an artists rendering, pics are of a upgraded former model home. Final price is determined by any other options or upgrades added by buyer at the Design Studio. Taxes are estimated. 2025 completion

8572 W Palo Verde Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

$578,900
5 Beds
2 Baths
2,196 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6731165
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your next business opportunity! This spacious 5 beds, 2 baths home with a sprinkler system is ideal for starting or expanding a group home business. Previously licensed for a 10-bed behavior group home, it offers ample room for residents with its professionally converted garage adding extra space. Located in a prime area with easy access to local amenities and healthcare facilities, Its turnkey nature allows for business operations, offering significant growth potential and profitability.

6971 W Heritage Way Florence, AZ 85132

$578,700
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,324 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769497
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
RESORT STYLE LIVING.....w/ your own pool on the 16th fairway of POSTON BUTTE golf course! Enter the spacious courtyard & into your dreams. Chef Lux kitchen features an island, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, double ovens, above/under cabinet lighting, R/O, tile backsplash & granite counters. Owner's Suite w/ slider to the patio & overlooks the SPARKLING POOL, WATERFALL & GOLF COURSE! Relax on the ext patio w/ sunshades & lush landscaping. Living area features a built in entertainment center, water feature & surround sound. Room for guests w/ Murphy bed/built in desk in the den. FULL 3 car garage leaves room for toys! Home is offered turnkey/furnished for no additional cost! ENJOY ALL SUN CITY OFFERS w/outdoor/indoor pools/spas, full gym & Poston Butte Golf Course! AVAILABLE TODAY!!

18176 W Paradise Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$578,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,230 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760419
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome Home! This Meticulously maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath home backs to a quiet greenbelt with walking trails giving you privacy while enjoying swimming in the custom pool that features a waterfall or relaxing on the covered patio. Enjoy cooking in the gourmet kitchen which includes cherry cabinets, granite countertops, double oven and all new SS appliances. Cozy up next to the gas fireplace in the great room that features 10' tall ceilings and plantation blinds throughout the house. The large primary bedroom features sliding door access to the patio and pool area, an ensuite bathroom, walk in closet with built-ins. Enjoy the oversized three car garage with built-in cabinets and a large laundry room. New AC/Heater/Water Heater. This home shows like brand new, you wont be disappointed.

3887 E Claxton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$578,000
5 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,523 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6732789
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Incredible investment opportunity in the award winning Power Ranch community. Spacious 5 bedroom/3bathroom with tenant secured at competitive market rent to 2/28/25. Primary bath has large walk in closet, as does one of the guest bedrooms. Covered patio with flagstone pathway and low maintenance landscape

618 E Cleveland Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$578,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
4,141 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748218
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful house in the desired area of San Tan Valley/Queen Creek area. HUGE home with 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, open-floor plan, big loft, large bedroom and full bathroom downstairs, oversized walk-in closet, 3-car garage, large RV gate with enough area for all your toys and storage and a huge backyard to relax. Just minutes away from HWY 60 and Hwy 24 for easy access to your job and the city. This community featuring lots of walking and biking paths, parks and volleyball court, entertainment and much, much more.

10237 E Ulysses Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$577,946
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,536 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769954
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your 2024 DREAM home in the highly sought-after Medley at Avalon Crossing! Over $62k in UPGRADES! This BEAUTIFUL home combines stylish elegance + thoughtful living spaces! GOURMET kitchen features quartz countertops + Whirlpool stainless appliance suite! The great room is perfect for entertaining, while the upstairs loft offers additional living space. Private primary suite w/ensuite bath! Balcony! Situated in a BEAUTIFUL community, residents can take advantage of wonderful amenities including a heated pool, playgrounds, bocce ball courts, and scenic walking paths lined with trees. Perfectly designed for modern living, this home offers luxury, comfort, and community all in one! WELCOME HOME!

4182 E Bonanza Road Gilbert, AZ 85297

$577,770
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,502 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769940
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome Home to Award Winning Power Ranch! Beautiful MOVE IN READY, 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Baths, Living room, Great room, and Oversized Loft! Additional features include front & back covered patios, second level balcony, granite countertops, and upgraded Kitchen Appliances. Samsung Washer, Dryer & Fridge, are INCLUDED! Lower level bedroom & full bath are perfect for a private in-law suite, gym, guest room, or office! 2 car garage, plus partially covered driveway allows parking for 6 vehicles! Power Ranch has 26+ miles of trails, parks, sports, pools, splash pad, lakes, clubhouse, schools, and green belts. Fantastic location allows walking & biking to stores, eateries, gyms, schools, trails, and the Gilbert Regional Park! Its not just a Home, Its a Lifestyle!

18370 W College Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$577,645
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,099 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750583
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
ENTERTAINER'S DELIGHT! Welcome home to a stunning Meritage 3 bedroom, 2 bath home plus large den, located in the highly-sought after Sedella community in Goodyear. Home sits on a large lot with a beautiful landscaped backyard boasting a large sparkling pool, a large ramada with pavers, a beautiful gas fire pit for those cool desert nights, synthetic turf, large covered patio and dwarf fruit trees. Home also has a large RV Gate with generous paved parking, and RV parking IS allowed. From the moment you walk through the front entry, the spacious floor plan opens up to a great room with vaulted ceilings and a beautiful modern kitchen with a large island and a walk-in pantry, made for entertaining. Primary bedroom suite is split from other bedrooms for private tranquility..... All bedrooms have ample walk-in closets. This home shows pride of ownership and is move-in ready, and shopping and other conveniences are close by.

21355 E Sparrow Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$577,511
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,185 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6753927
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning home in Ascent at Jorde Farms, featuring numerous upgrades! Inside, you'll find a gourmet kitchen with designer cabinets, quartz countertops, and Whirlpool stainless steel appliances. The open-concept great room is ideal for entertaining. The private primary bedroom has spacious walk-in closet. This house also boasts upgraded paint and flooring, among $75K of other options and upgrades.