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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682 E Aurora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$569,990
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,094 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768688
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Almost Complete! This gorgeous Santa Rosa II home offers a beautifully designed split floor plan with 4 bedrooms (in lieu of the home office) and 2.5 bathrooms. The spacious great room and kitchen, highlighted by a stunning vaulted ceiling, create the perfect setting for entertaining. The kitchen is a showstopper, featuring our Loft-inspired ''Looks'' collection with sleek dark blue cabinets, brushed nickel hardware, stylish floating shelves, and sparkling quartz countertops. The luxurious Primary Suite offers a serene retreat, complete with a spa-like bathroom and a generous walk-in closet. Every detail of this home has been thoughtfully crafted to create a blend of modern comfort and elegance. Don't miss your opportunity to own this beautiful home—make it yours 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.

31969 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$569,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,486 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755500
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Acacia - We're building this home in the beautiful new community of Mystic in Peoria. Large walk-in shower at owner's bath with tile surrounds and floor. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Kitchen upgrades include stainless steel gas appliance package with a 36'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and glass canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Slate (Gray) cabinets with soft close doors & drawers, pull out trash drawer. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops at kitchen. Upgrade flooring includes AZT 12x24 Sand Matte tile in all areas of the home except beds/closets. 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 3.

5329 W Rainwater Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$569,990
5 Beds
4 Baths
2,838 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769226
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6769226 Ready Now! The Pinnacle at Tierra Montana Encore presents a stunning two-story design with a spacious primary suite located on the main floor. This suite offers a large shower, soaking tub, dual-sink vanity, and a walk-in closet perfect for year-round storage. The open-concept layout connects the expansive gathering room to the gourmet kitchen and dining area, creating an ideal space for entertaining. Also on the first floor, you'll find a laundry room and a guest bedroom with a full bath, perfect for hosting overnight guests. Upstairs, three additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a generous loft provide ample space for family living. Structural options include: 5th bedroom and 4th bath in lieu of study and half bath.

20287 W Catalina Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$569,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,510 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783358
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! Jade floor plan sitting on a LARGE LOT with over 10,250 SQ. FT and a 10' GATE in addition to the 4' gate. Brick pavers at drive, walk and entry. Multi slide door off the great room that leads out to the covered patio. Kitchen features include stainless steel gas appliance package with a 36'' cooktop, wall oven, Microwave, dishwasher and canopy hood. Barnett Latte stain cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers, pull out trash drawer. AZT White Sands quartz countertops in and at enhanced countertop. White undermount single bowl sink. Dual sinks at bathroom 3. Upgrade flooring includes wood laminate in all areas of the home except for bedrooms and baths and so much more.

20131 W San Juan Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$569,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,561 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767689
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! Cinnabar with an 8' gate. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, study with double doors and formal dining. Front court yard. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Multi slide door that leads out to your covered patio. Stainless steel gas appliance package with double oven, 36'' cooktop, microwave and glass canopy hood perfect for the cook in the family. Maple (Slate-gray) cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers, pull out trash drawer and 3 drawers ILO of cabinets in kitchen. AZT Delta terra quartz linen countertops in kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Flooring includes EWS Riverside Firenza 20x20 tile with 5'' baseboards and 3 1/4'' door casings. Dual sinks in bath 2, gas stub for future BBQ and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!

20095 W San Juan Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$569,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,561 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775719
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 Cinnabar with 4 bedrooms + study, dining room, 3 full baths and 3 car garage. 8' gate for easy access to the backyard. Multi slide door that leads out the covered patio. Stainless steel gas appliances with 36'' cooktop, wall oven and canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Slate (Gray) cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers, pull out trash drawer. Himalaya white granite countertops in the kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Stainless steel single bowl undermount sink. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Baccarate 12x24 Astra tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. Dual sinks at bath 2. Soft water loop, garage service door, 8' tall garage door with two controls. Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!

720 E Aurora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$569,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,094 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755660
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ready for a Quick MOVE-IN!! - This Santa Rosa plan offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a versatile FLEX room, perfect for a home office or peaceful retreat. Part of our signature Classics ''Looks'' interior collection, the kitchen boasts a spacious island with breakfast bar, White Cabinets, and Quartz Counters. The open great room and dining area flow seamlessly to an oversized covered patio, ideal for indoor/outdoor living. Enjoy the convenience of our unique HovHub with a built-in desk as a drop zone near the garage entry. The Primary suite features a luxurious resort-style bath and spacious walk-in closet. 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.

274 S 164th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$569,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,510 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6744181
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! Very spacious Jade floor plan with 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3 car garage. Multi slide door off the great room. Bedroom #4 has it's own private full bath and walk in closet perfect for a guest suite. All secondary bedrooms have walk-in closets. Plenty of storage space. Large walk in shower at owner's bath. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop, wall oven and canopy hood. Additional kitchen cabinets in Barnett Maple Boulder (Gray) with 42'' uppers and pull out trash bins. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops in kitchen and the enhanced kitchen countertop. Upgrade flooring includes DT Broxburn Gray 6x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!

4523 E Camino De Cafe -- Hereford, AZ 85615

$569,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,988 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782421
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Custom New Construction by Sun Canyon Homes. This home is located in the beautiful subdivision Ranchos San Pedro all home sites are up to one acre and have mountain views in several directions. This home has wood-look ceramic tile throughout, granite countertops, stainless appliances including refrigerator. Concert driveway to the street with plenty of parking in addition the 3car garage finished with epoxy floor finish. steal insulated garage doors withJackshaft Wifi openers. Large walk-in shower with double faucets. Built with high-quality construction materials. This home includes 2x6 exterior framing, Polyglass premium roof underlayment, R-21 open-cell foam insulation in exterior walls, and a Tyvek wrap vapor barrier for energy efficiency & durability plus a 2-10 Home Warranty.

17871 W Southgate Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$569,900
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,232 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6734110
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
30 DAY QUICK MOVE IN!! ASK ABOUT OUR LOWER THAN MARKET FINANCING! BEAUTIFUL 2-STORY HOME* EN SUITE ON 1ST FLOOR* FLEX ROOM & LOFT* WHITE SHAKER CABINETS* WOOD-PLANK LVP FLOORING* QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS* END LOT* N/S FACING!!!

5912 W Bushwood Way Florence, AZ 85132

$569,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,039 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755790
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
ENJOY THE STUNNING VIEWS OF THE 8TH FAIRWAY of Poston Butte Golf Course with this gorgeous ''Pursuit'' model in Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch. This meticulously maintained home offers an abundance of upgrades that includes an outdoor living space that offers a paver entry w/sitting area, extended paver patio w/putting green, where all putts are good, and surrounded by beautiful landscape. Your new home is just as stunning inside with details that include upgraded LVP flooring throughout , reclaimed WY fence wood accent walls, French doors and Murphy bed for optional 3rd bedroom, simulated wood beam accents in great room and surround sound. Take advantage of the tremendous SOLAR SAVINGS w/23 panels producing 8.5kw of OWNED SOLAR and mini-split A/C in the garage. The Chefs kitchen... features true staggered upgraded cabinetry w/pull out shelves, pots/pans drawers, gas cooktop French door refrigerator, tiled backsplash, under cabinet and pendent lights over the spacious island. Additional features include a Roman walk-in shower with floor to ceiling tile in the primary en-suite, 4' extended garage and cabinets, epoxy garage floor, insulated garage, water softener, tankless water heater and a service door that leads to the exterior garbage corral. Some furniture available on a separate bill of sale...A MUST SEE HOME!! Merrill Ranch also offers the Anthem Grille, The Poston Butte Golf Club, a learning center and all the festivities, activities and amenities a Sun City community has to offer. Remember you are buying a lifestyle that goes beyond the homes property lines.

20314 N Wagner Wash Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$569,900
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,342 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733834
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**PREMIUM DESERT VIEW HOMESITE** This extended popular Refuge model includes the 4' garage extension and a 2' rear extension. Wonderfully appointed with a chef's kitchen, large pantry and two dens, each with glass French doors. Also, this home has 2 bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bath, plus a powder room for guests. Other add-ons include plantation shutters throughout, pre-wired surround sound, built in storage in garage, fully enclosed backyard, custom designed lighting and so much more!. Do not let this opportunity pass you by. Elegant French doors enhance the home's aesthetic appeal, adding a touch of sophistication to your living spaces. Step outside to your large covered patio, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation. The electric sun screen provides shade and comfort, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor space year-round. Experience the best of active adult living in this exceptional home. Don't miss out on this opportunity!