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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149 N Charlotte Street Queen Valley, AZ 85118

$574,999 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Queen Valley Estates Unit One Amd, Queen Valley
Open House
$574,999
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,600 SqFt
Status Active
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.

4809 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$574,995
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6696690
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Boasting an open layout ready-made for entertaining, the Pinecrest plan centers around an expansive great room, a dining nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen boasting a convenient island and a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, Shaker cabinets. The elegant primary suite is adjacent, showcasing an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with separate drop-in tub and large shower. Two additional bedrooms, a study, a laundry and a covered patio round out the plan.

10508 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$574,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6720353
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Boasting an open layout ready-made for entertaining, the Pinecrest plan centers around an expansive great room with multi slide doors that open to a covered patio, a dining nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen boasting a convenient island, white shaker cabinets, quartz counters, black matte fixtures throughout, and a walk-in pantry. The elegant primary suite is adjacent, showcasing an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with deluxe walk-in shower. This home has 10' ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring, tiled baths, and carpeted bedrooms. Two additional bedrooms, a study, and convenient laundry room round out the plan.

20248 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$574,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6717303
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
8760 sqft lot- Gourmet kitchen, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, white cabinets, pendant lights at island, stainless steel appliances w/pyramid hood & gas cooktop - Corner-meet door at great room - Full tile shower at primary bath & oversized closet - Pre-plumb locations at laundry room, soft water loop, gas to patio - 9 x 35 tile floors throughout except for carpet in bedrooms - Matte black fixtures throughout - Ceiling fan pre-wires at bedrooms, patio and great room - 10-foot ceilings - Two-tone paint - Garage service door.

17580 W Running Deer Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$574,995
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,840 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6699992
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this impressive Darius home, ready for an August move-in. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a spacious great room; a quiet study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a center island and a pantry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a large living room; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

17668 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$574,995
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,840 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742948
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this impressive Darius home, ready for quick move-in. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a spacious great room; a quiet study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a center island and a pantry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a large living room; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

23964 N 171st Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$574,995
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,630 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6720282
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ease and elegant design blend beautifully in the ranch-style Pomona plan. An inviting great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a dining nook and a kitchen showcasing a pantry and a center island. Aspiring top chef? This home has gourmet kitchen features! The impressive owner's suite offers a walk-in closet and a private bath with a deluxe, large walk-in shower. Three additional bedrooms, a central study and a laundry round out the floor plan, which includes a covered patio, a 2-car garage and a 1-car side-turn garage. This home features 10 ft ceilings, paver driveway, Wood look tile flooring, Quartz countertops, Super shower with an additional rainfall shower head & many more upgrades.

16408 W Creedance Boulevard Surprise, AZ 85387

$574,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,500 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6647548
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This gorgeous ranch-style Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room, a breakfast nook and a large kitchen with multi-slide doors for fabulous natural light. Home includes a Master bedroom with generous closet, Deluxe bath with shower and tub. 2 more bedrooms, and a spacious den complete this home. Boasting Quartz kitchen countertops, 42'' cabinets and 6x35 Tile throughout, carpet only in bedrooms. A MUST SEE!

24030 N 171st Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$574,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685257
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Are you ready for your new home at Asante? Come tour this beautiful Pinecrest plan. Boasting an open layout ready-made for entertaining. This plan centers around an airy great room, a dining nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with a convenient island. The elegant owner's suite is adjacent, showcasing dual walk-in closets and a private bath featuring walk in shower and drop in tub . Two additional bedrooms, a study , great room featuring amazing corner multi slide doors off great room and covered patio . Bring your backyard oasis vision that will make this home the one always dreaming of. Includes a 2-car garage and separate side turn garage.

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.

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.

20245 W Catalina Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$574,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,510 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686329
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
STOP THE CAR... It's the beautiful Jade floor plan in the Arroyo Seco community. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 2 car garage plus a large storage area. Pavers at the drive, walk and entry, Stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop, wall oven and canopy hood. Tahoe maple slate - (gray) cabinets throughout. AZT Della Terra Quartz Linen countertops in kitchen and restrooms. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Riverside Firenza 20x20 tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. 5'' baseboards with 3 1/4'' door casings throughout. Dual sinks at bath 3. Interior two tone paint in ''Whiskers''. 8' tall garage door with two remotes, Garage service door for easy access into the back yard and so much more.