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

10909 E Silvertree Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$565,444
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,833 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6777341
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Looking for a private, gated, community with access to 2 golf courses, 2 club houses, 3 community pools/spas, 2 restaurants, many pickle ball courts, and more? Well, look no further. This home has many updated features including, but not limited to, HVAC in 2024, updated kitchen with all new appliances, cabinets updated with paint, euro soft close hinges & hardware in 2023, Whole home salt free filter system in 2024, and updated plumbing fixtures in 2024. There's also a private front courtyard for relaxing as well as a covered patio in the private backyard. There are ceiling fans in the great room, both bedrooms and the breakfast nook off the kitchen. This home also has a two car garage and a golf cart garage. Stop by and see if this is just the home you've been looking for. Thank you.

30133 N 172nd Street Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$565,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,637 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6771208
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning views of Four Peaks, Weaver's Needle, and the Superstitions are the backdrop of this 1.059 acre property. The 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom split floor plan is move-in ready, lightly lived-in, and only 2 years old. The home is centered around a spacious great room, offers 9+ ft ceilings, and energy-efficient dual-pane low-e windows. The kitchen is beautifully designed with quartz countertops, upgraded cabinetry, and tile backsplash. Upgrades include 12ft sliding doors, spray foam insulation, upgraded doors throughout, enhanced desert landscaping, custom paver patio, retaining wall, and gutters. Step outside to a covered patio and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Ask about the guaranteed water through EPCOR's Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe project.

23074 E Desert Spoon Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$565,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,381 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769675
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this exceptional single-level residence featuring 3 bedrooms plus a versatile den, ideally situated just a block away from the community pool, splash pad, and parks perfect for leisure and entertainment. Upon entering, you are welcomed by an inviting open floor plan that harmoniously connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, providing an ideal space for both entertaining and everyday living. The bright living area is enhanced by large windows and a sliding glass door that floods the space with natural light. The modern kitchen is designed for both functionality and style, showcasing sleek countertops, ample cabinetry, and a central island that serves as a perfect gathering spot for casual meals or socializing with guests. Step outside to a blank canvas backyard, offering endless possibilities for creating your personal outdoor retreat. This space is perfect for entertaining, gardening, or simply enjoying the tranquility of your surroundings. Seize this opportunity to reside in the highly sought-after Meridian community, where convenience meets elegance. Don't miss the potential this beautiful home has to offer!

4517 W Bluefield Avenue Glendale, AZ 85308

$565,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,080 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6704844
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous home with a pool & golf course views! Boasting real wood flooring throughout & vaulted ceilings. Bright, open kitchen with white cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, island, & RO System. Enjoy privacy with a split floor plan. 2 newly remodeled with updated vanities & modern showers/tubs. Backyard oasis offers a sparkling pool with new pump, covered patio, green space, & pavers. Also featured, a 2-car garage, new water heater, & a new washer & dryer. Seated on a lot backing the golf course with view fencing, you'll love living in this ulta-private community with amenities like a pool, spa, clubhouse, and convenient access to Tanger Outlets, Westgate Entertainment District, State Farm Stadium, shopping, dining, and more - the options are endless!

2814 S Fossil Creek Lane Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$565,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,710 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739279
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home! This bright and cheery 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is fully furnished, boasting a thoughtful and cozi layout. The sunny living room welcomes you as you enter the home, with a comfortably sized powder room conveniently tucked away beneath the staircase. The dining room seamlessly combines with the kitchen, which features stainless steel appliances and a convenient breakfast bar for casual dining... The ample primary suite offers a peaceful escape with its well-appointed design-including plenty of room for a work station, treadmill or reading nook. A great feature of this home is the 2-car tandem garage, providing substantial space for your vehicles and additional storage needs. The backyard is surrounded by privacy fencing, complete with a paved patio area - perfect for ent

5497 S Joshua Tree Lane Gilbert, AZ 85298

$565,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,840 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746360
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this impeccably maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with an inviting open concept floor plan, nestled in the prestigious Bridge community. The updated kitchen features a natural gas oven/stove, a new microwave, a dishwasher, and a triple filtration system. This well-designed space seamlessly transitions into the dining and living areas, perfect for modern living. The extended garage offers ample space for large vehicles or additional storage. Professionally installed pavers adorn the side of the home, leading to a beautifully landscaped backyard. Enjoy a versatile outdoor area with a 16' x 2.5' planting bed, a 5' x 11' paved storage area, a covered patio, and a built-in gas hookup for your grill. Additional highlights include an owned water softener, stylish floating flooring in the master bedroom, a custom-designed screen door at the front entry, and a security system ready for reactivation. Experience the exceptional features of this home firsthand.

3211 E Kerry Lane Phoenix, AZ 85050

$565,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,880 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758934
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this stunning 4-bed, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort and style. Enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency with Newly Leased solar panels. Relax in a Refreshing Pool at the end of your day or all weekend long! There are no neighbors behind to peer down at you. The sleek remodeled kitchen offers modern appliances, quartz countertops, and ample cabinetry, perfect for any home chef. Just minutes from Desert Ridge Shopping, Loop 101, and the Musical Instrument Museum. Fantastic location to get you anywhere in the Greater Metro area quickly.

2133 N Atwood -- Mesa, AZ 85207

$565,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,379 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759727
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Escape to your own Desert Oasis! This radiant 2 bed, 2 bath retreat in the coveted Mountain Bridge Community is ready to welcome you home. Built in 2017, this light-filled haven features a split floorplan, modern upgrades & abundant storage, including built-in garage cabinets. The kitchen is a chef's dream w/stainless steel appliances, generous pantry & ample counter space. The oversized laundry room & private grassy backyard backing to a scenic desert wash offer extra comfort. HOA covers roof & exterior paint making it a perfect lock-and-leave option. Mountain Bridge is an award-winning master-planned community w/extensive amenities- pools, fitness centers, tennis, pickleball & basketball courts, plus playground putting green. Bella Via adds its own private pool, spa, clubhouse & more!

3819 N Springfield Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$565,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,036 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764983
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOCATED IN HIGHLY DESIRABLE VERRADO, PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP, PARKING FOR 6 CARS! This Pulte Magnolia model features a cozy front porch, high-end turf in both front and backyard, expansive great room that opens to the gourmet kitchen w/island, breakfast bar, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, staggered cabinets, Corian countertops, granite stone sink, wall oven, cooktop, black appliances, and a large pantry, the split master floor plan includes an oversized master suite, his/her closets, raised vanities w/double sinks, separate tub/shower, 2 large additional bedrooms, and full bath. The backyard boast of a covered patio, extended custom pavers designed for a park-like setting, built-in pergola makes this the perfect place for entertaining. The 2car garage includes high-end epoxy flooring, storage cabinets, an extended driveway with room to park 4 additional vehicles.

272 N 167th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$565,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,735 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767667
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in Canyon Trails! Nestled in a peaceful cul-de-sac, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence is loaded with premium upgrades. Step outside to your own slice of paradise, featuring a splash pad for endless summer fun and an outdoor kitchen perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining family and friends. The area directly behind your back fence boasts lush greenery, ensuring added privacy for your backyard. Enjoy the convenience of a full bedroom and bathroom on the main level, ideal for guests or multi-generational living. The extended garage provides ample space for your vehicles, while the built-in shelving offers extra storage and a dedicated workspace. Upstairs, the primary bedroom features a luxurious walk-in shower and two separate walk-in closets.

10521 E Hawk Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$565,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,104 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767313
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful residence in the esteemed Eastmark Community is the one! Lovely curb appeal with a well-maintained front yard and a 3-car garage. Be welcomed by an inviting foyer leading to the spacious living room enhanced with tall ceilings, pre-wired surround sound, and sleek wood-look tile flooring. The chef's kitchen is fully equipped with an electric cooktop, a wall oven, granite counters, a walk-in pantry, ample white cabinetry with crown molding, and an island with a breakfast bar. The primary retreat has plush carpeting, an immaculate ensuite, and a walk-in closet. Secondary bedrooms enjoy a Jack & Jill bathroom! The home's elegance extends outdoors to the tranquil backyard with a covered patio and pavers, great for relaxation. Make this gem yours today!

17814 N 137th Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$565,000
2 Beds
3 Baths
2,532 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776829
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This exquisite San Simeon model was originally designed by Del Webb as a 3-bedroom home or 2 bed with study. This particular one is unique because it actually has a 3rd bathroom. As you approach this stunning property, you're greeted by a private front courtyard that promises tranquil mornings and an intimate space for reflection or casual conversation. Inside, you'll find a home that with a spacious layout that is perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. The living spaces flow seamlessly to the extended back patio, where the home's true gem lies: breathtaking views of the golf course, lake, and distant mountains that has delighted the owners for a quarter of a century enjoying these sunsets from the extended patio. Garage can accommodate a golf-cart. Roof replaced 2019. Situated on a tranquil street void of through traffic, it's peaceful, yet convenience is just around the corner, with easy access to all the shopping, dining, and amenities that Sun City West has to offer. Live your adventure now.