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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22663 E Rosa Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$565,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,165 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722640
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Charming home nestled in the lovely Spur Cross Community located on a corner lot next to a small green belt area. Don't miss this opportunity to have a home within a home! Gen Suite with separate exterior entrance, living area, kitchenette, bedroom and full bath. Home has additional 3 bedrooms, Great room, Kitchen Island, 42in upper Cabinets, Shutters throughout. Back yard includes covered patio, pavers and turf! Clean and move in ready!

1723 E Windsong Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048

$565,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,080 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736870
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This two story 4-bed, 2.5-bath home is located in the Ahwatukee Foothills. The prime location offers an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and leisure. The fresh interior, high ceilings, ample windows create an airy and bright feel. Enjoy the comfort of the backyard with the built-in pool. Noteworthy enhancements done in 2024 include new roof, water heater, stove, showers and vanities in both bathrooms, pool resurfacing, carpet, quartz countertops, interior paint, blinds, fixtures, and landscaping. Situated within the esteemed Kyrene School District, renowned for its exceptional educational opportunities, and in close proximity to The Foothills Golf Club, this property offers access to top-tier amenities and recreation, catering to a lifestyle of sophistication and convenience.

1631 N Lynch -- Mesa, AZ 85207

$565,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,753 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6740039
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Tucked away in the serene community of Montecita at Mountain Bridge, this residence is charming throughout. With three spacious bedrooms and two well-appointed baths, the split floorplan gives everyone the space they need - all located on a premium lot with no neighbors behind. The private pool with water feature calls to you from the backyard oasis for the perfect cool-off - any day, any time. Community amenities galore, and less than 20 minutes' drive to Valley airports, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake & the Salt River as well as hiking trails and mountains everywhere you look. You'll find so many amazing opportunities for enjoying life in the Valley of the Sun here.

11 E Irene Street Pearce, AZ 85625

$565,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,384 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743046
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Approaching this beautiful, well maintained, Santa Fe style home sitting on 2.4 acres with fabulous views of the Dragoon Mountains, the first thing you will see are 18 pistachio tree. Entering the home you see a large great room from which you can walk out onto the covered patio with views of the Chiricahua Mountains. The large kitchen comes with granite countertops and an abundance of cabinet space. Step down into the main dining room featuring gorgeous Texas mesquite hardwood floors. The large main bedroom has an attached bath with walk in shower. This horse property includes a 48'x36' barn with 4 stalls, bathroom w/ shower and an additional 48'x12' of covered hay storage. The horse pasture is surrounded by electric fencing. Add to this a greenhouse with irrigation of sprinklers.

16806 W Halifax Street Surprise, AZ 85374

$565,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,825 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745049
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Easily could be called a Next Gen-Home because it has 2 Very Lg Split ensuite Bedrooms. 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bathroom Single Level 2825 sq ft Home. Gourmet 21'X13' Chef's Kitchen w-built in Double Ovens & Microwave, Corian Counters, Lg Kitchen Island, Additional Cabinets+Pantry. Spacious Great Room with Lg Windows Inviting the out doors inside. Formal Dining Rm & Eat-In-Kitchen Nook. Home has a Solar System+with loan assumtion. Duct Work Reworked. Newer Sun Screens provide for Hi-Efficiency Ratings. The Entertaining Lg Back Yd has an Extra Lg Patio. Oversized Lot with RV gates. Home is on a Corner Lot in a Cul-de-Sac. Beautiful Grassy Basket Ball Park at the end of the Cul-de-s

7710 E Gainey Ranch Road Unit 206 Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$565,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
954 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755867
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
* Highly Desired unit in The Courts at Gainey Ranch; Exclusive Guard-gated Community in Heart of Scottsdale * Sunset & Mountain Views from Great Room Picture Window & Balconies; Open Layout is Light & Bright Featuring Updated Kitchen, Baths, Lighting/Fans, Custom Shades, Security/Screen Doors, Trex-style Deck off Great Room, Fireplace, Large Laundry Room with Full Sized Washer/Dryer, Private Garage with Storage, Private Balconies * Amenities include Tennis, Pickleball, Renovated Estate Club w/ State of the art Fitness Center, Rec/Entertainment, Indoor/Outdoor Bar, Olympic-sized Heated Pool & Spa; Tree-lined Paths & Park, Additional Private Courts Community Heated Pool & Spa steps away * 24/7 Security, Perfect for your Lock & Leave Lifestyle * HOA covers almost everything * Don't miss it!

310 W Pacifico Circle Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$565,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,874 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752715
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in the heart of Old Town Litchfield Park just a short walk from The Wigwam Resort and the new Litchfield Square which is estimated to be completed in December 2024. This charming block home is in a quiet cul-de-sac with all the desirable features such as, No HOA, RV gate, private diving pool refinished in 2023, built in BBQ and a huge covered patio on a large lot. Hardwood flooring in the living areas is original to the home and it has a brand new A/C. Pitched roof redone July 2024 and flat roof redone July 2023. Patio completely redone also 2024.

35314 N 31st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85086

$565,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,258 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760137
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow, beautiful 4 bedroom Tramonto home, Updated with granite counters, sinks and faucets. Large private rear yard. 2+ car garage with storage. Newer carpet and paint. Wait to you see the newly completed master bathroom remodeled. Total renovation with massive shower. Tramonto offers community pools, tennis parks and miles of walking trails. Easy walk to highly rated grade and middle school. Near shopping and restaurants . True sense of community. Area becoming a technology center with Taiwan Chip factory near by. Vacant and easy to show

2446 W Myopia Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$565,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,686 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768948
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Walking distance to Persimmon clubhouse. 3 bedroon 3 bath includes an oversized casita for guests. Meticulously kept & highly upgraded. Spacious great room floorplan w/ Plantation Shutters. Custom neutral paint, ceiling fans, tile & carpet flooring throughout. Kitchen has granite counters & built in microwave with breakfast bar, pantry, lots of storage, & Water Softener. Master Bedroom with Large Walk-In Closet, remodeled shower, dual vanities. Interior laundry has plenty of room for extra storage. The resort style backyard has a heated pool with jets. Pavers in all the right places. The rear yard offers tranquil surroundings and is perfect for enjoying the serene natural beauty of the desert. Wash lot offers breathtaking views of Daisy Mountain

3731 E Mitchell Drive Phoenix, AZ 85018

$565,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,635 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768183
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THIS 3BD 2.5BA COMPLETELY REMODELED TOWN HOME IN THE HEART OF ARCADIA LITE! Private, gated community. All tile throughout on the main floor; great room, dining room & large kitchen w/pantry Stainless steel appliances & powder bathroom downstairs. Wood-like, laminate flooring up the stairs & throughout the 2ndfloor. Large primary suite w/private balcony, full primary bath w/separate tub. shower & walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms upstairs each w/walk-in closets & Jack-n-Jill bathroom set up. Ceiling fans in great room & all bedrooms. Laundry room conveniently located on the 2nd floor-washer and dryer included! Two-car attached garage, large rear private patio. Located at the end of the Culdesac street. YOU HAVE TO SEE TO THIS ONE TO BELIEVE IT! & PRICED TO SELL!

9829 E Talon Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$565,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,968 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772594
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to 9829 E Talon Ave, a wonderfully designed 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, PLUS a den, nestled within the beautiful community of Cadence. This inviting residence features an open-concept layout, perfect for entertaining. New carpets were installed in March! Enjoy the modern kitchen with sleek appliances and ample counter space, while the spacious living area leads to a private backyard oasis, ideal for relaxing or hosting gatherings. The primary suite offers a tranquil retreat with an en-suite bathroom. Conveniently located near parks, shopping, and top-rated schools, this home is a must-see. Don't miss your chance to own this gem in Mesa!

8374 W Palo Verde Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

$565,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
3,704 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776559
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Enormous opportunity for this BIG home in a gated neighborhood. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms with the master conveniently located on the main floor. Beautifully updated master bathroom with separate tub and shower, private toilet room and large master closet. First floor has newer luxury vinyl flooring. Breakfast island in the kitchen plus dining area. Adjacent family room allows for maximum entertainment options with an exit to the large covered patio. Upstairs, you'll find a large loft area, 4 bedrooms ( some with walk in closets), 2 full baths and storage closets. Updates include: windows, tankless heater, appliances. Over sized triple garage can accommodate a full size SUV.