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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17470 E Hiding Horse Lane Dewey, AZ 86327

$560,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,311 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6624342
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Privacy Parcel and a Very Well Built Brand New sitebuilt House on Over 2 Pristine Acres! Awesome Granite Kitchen! House is Stucco with the Color throughout. Acres of Room for Your Big Shop or RV Garage! Primary Bedroom Fits King Bed! Primary Bathroom has Dual Sink/luxury Vanity, Dual Medicine Cabinets, and Primary bathroom connects to the Walk in Closet. Primary Shower is Walk-In and Tiled Floor to Ceiling (Desirable Pebble Shower Floor) w/ Glass Shower Doors Shampoo Shelf and Window all wrapped in tile! House and Even the Entire Over Sized 2 Car Garage is Spray Foam(a high Insulation Factor/Superb R-Value) . Big Slider to the Massive Exterior Covered Concrete Porch Features a Designer Pine Ceiling. Area for BBQ and Outdoor Living with Great Temps here! State Land Near By! This is It!!!

42930 N Voyage Trail Phoenix, AZ 85086

$560,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,577 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770874
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled on a scenic hillside lot in Northern Anthem with over 80K in upgrades! Completely remodeled and absolutely beautiful.*NEW luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. *Remodeled kitchen features new black leathered granite slab countertop with buffet extension, brand new SS appliances, deep pot and pan drawers, soft-close cabinets, and barn door pantry * NEW remodeled primary bathroom with gorgeous glass shower, rain showerhead, built-in linen cabinet, fogless lighted mirror, and custom vanity with quartz countertops *Original third bedroom has been converted into a personal gym with new rubber mat flooring and cardio room. ALL brand new gym equipment conveys with the property. Gym could easily be converted back into a third bedroom. (SEE MORE...) *New turf with iron and wood ramada lit with built-in string lighting. *NEW Interior paint throughout entire home. *Leased solar system for low electric bills. New washer and dryer included! This home is clean, well kept, and ready to move right in! This Melody floorplan is only 0.2 mi. from the Daisy Mountain Trailhead with gorgeous mountain views of Gavilan Peak. The property is near the Anthem Community Center and Pool, paved and desert walking trails, the Anthem dog park, and A+ schools. Home ownership in Anthem Parkside includes an abundance of resident amenities including access to indoor and outdoor basketball courts, heated lap pool, community waterpark, splash pad, sand volleyball courts, pickleball and tennis courts, indoor and outdoor workout centers, rock climbing wall, and fitness classes!

4833 W Dublin Court Chandler, AZ 85226

$560,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,860 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763069
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fantastic location for this cozy 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in the heart of Chandler! The spacious formal living and dining greet you upon entry and the kitchen is conveniently open to the family room with the breakfast nook overlooking the sparking pool in the back yard. A cute powder room and the laundry room complete the downstairs living. Upstairs you will find a nicely appointed primary suite at the back of the home complete with a luxurious primary bath, including separate vanities, potty closet and generously sized walk in closet. Three more bedrooms and a wonderful secondary bathroom with a tub/shower combo round out this thoughtfully designed abode ! Come see your next home today!

7832 E Osage Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$560,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,313 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782211
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This spacious family home features four large bedrooms and two bathrooms within 2,313 square feet, including a front living room and a separate family room that opens to the kitchen. The eat-in kitchen boasts ample oak cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a tile backsplash, a center island, and a sizable walk-in pantry. Sliding doors open to the covered patio and expansive backyard, which includes a private pool and the privacy of no neighbors behind. The generous primary bedroom offers a double door entry, a private backyard exit, and an en-suite bathroom with a dual sink vanity and a shower. Additional highlights include tile and laminate floors, vaulted ceilings, water softening and reverse osmosis systems, and a two-car garage with cabinets.

3240 W Black Oak Loop Show Low, AZ 85901

$560,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,550 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6677802
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Move in ready, lock and leave golf villa in Torreon now on the market. This villa provides 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, detached 1 car garage and views of the tremendous tall pines that surround the villa for privacy. Upon walking in you'll love the simplicity of the décor and the cozy feel in the atmosphere. Open/split floor plan offers a spacious and private space for friends and family to enjoy. The covered deck and patio add the perfect areas for relaxing and taking in the fresh mountain air. This one of a kind villa needs to be on your list as it won't last long.

6782 S Black Hills Way Chandler, AZ 85249

$560,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Sun Groves, Chandler
New
$560,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,127 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787853
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss your chance to own this beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath single-level home in the sought-after Sun Groves community. From the moment you step into the welcoming foyer, you'll feel right at home. This thoughtfully designed layout features a spacious great room concept, seamlessly connecting the kitchen, breakfast nook, formal dining area, and family room—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The split primary suite offers added privacy and includes a full ensuite bathroom with dual vanities, a separate shower and tub, a private toilet room, and walk-in closet. Recent updates include fresh exterior paint, a new roof (2023), a newer water heater (2022), epoxy-coated garage flooring, ceiling fans throughout, sunscreens, and more. Step outside to enjoy mature landscaping and a backyard oasis with citrus and fruit trees, including navel and Valencia oranges, lemons, and figs. This yard is ideal for outdoor relaxation or hosting gatherings. This popular South Chandler community provides a life of convenience and outdoor enjoyment. Situated on nearly 600 acres, Sun Groves features a beautiful lake, nearly 93 acres devoted to parkland and common areas, miles of walking trails, basketball courts, sand volleyball, playgrounds, and so much more. Navarette Elementary is located within the community and Basha HS is right across the road. Residents can also enjoy hiking, golfing, and Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center nearby!

15035 S 178th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$560,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,124 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6731532
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your stunning new 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the sought-after Estrella Mountain at Vidrio by Landsea. This High Performance Home offers breathtaking mountain views and a chef's kitchen with endless counter space, walk-in pantry, 42'' Dusk shaker cabinets, hexagon backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and white quartz countertops. With 9ft ceilings and plenty of windows, the home is filled with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Modern design touches and the latest in-home technology ensure a stylish and efficient living experience. Don't miss out - this gem won't be on the market for long!

33376 N Jamie Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$560,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,251 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766205
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2-story home in a vibrant community offering breathtaking mountain views! With 3,251 sq. ft. of expansive living space, this home features a den, loft, and plenty of room for everyone. The airy and bright interior boasts tall ceilings, neutral paint, and huge low-e dual-pane windows that flood the space with natural light. The upstairs primary suite includes a full bathroom. The kitchen features granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, a kitchen island, formal dining space, and a breakfast bar. Step outside to the covered patio, is perfect for unwinding as you overlook the sparkling saltwater heated pool, grassy backyard and stunning mountain scenery. The community offers fantastic amenities, including a playground, clubhouse, pool, and more

22459 E Calle De Flores -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$560,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,942 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761841
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Perfectly situated in the highly sought after family friendly community of Meridian in Queen Creek, you'll find this stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bath home which boasts luxurious upgrades and amenities. This home features an open layout, perfect for entertaining, with high ceilings and plenty of natural light streaming in from the three sliding glass doors leading in the beautiful backyard with your own pool, citrus trees, & view fence, with no neighbors directly behind! Inside, enjoy the gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, walk in pantry and convenient island/breakfast bar. The primary suite features upgraded bathroom with a walk in shower and a comfortable soaking tub. The remaining bedrooms are spacious and inviting with a shared bathroom

1516 E Dublin Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$560,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,152 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766388
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Enjoy Arizona's heavenly weather and fun entertainment in this gorgeous move-in ready home! After being welcomed in by the lovely paved & turfed yard, this immaculate home has a spacious feel with light color tones. This newer 2020 build consists of all 3 bedrooms with their own ensuite restrooms and walk-in closets!!! Tons of storage space throughout, a convenient half bath downstairs and upstairs laundry. Just minutes away from the freeway, downtown Gilbert, and San Tan Village...This gorgeous and peaceful community comes with a heated pool for your enjoyment. What a dream! Even all the furnishings available on a separate bill of sale!

11016 W Harrison Street Avondale, AZ 85323

$560,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,720 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774304
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Coming soon! Discover this stunning Tourmaline home with an expansive, inviting backyard featuring pavers, artificial turf, and ample space for outdoor living. This beautifully designed home offers a convenient downstairs bedroom and full bath, perfect for a guest suite. An entertainer's dream, it boasts a spacious open-concept great room ideal for hosting gatherings. The modern kitchen shines with quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, and a sleek, stylish design perfect for cooking and entertaining. Walking distance to the Avondale Aquatic Center! Don't miss this opportunity to own a beautifully crafted home with impressive features inside and out!

4037 E Marshall Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$560,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,980 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774788
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss this single level 4 bedroom home in the desirable Power Ranch neighborhood in Gilbert. This home has been lovingly taken care of and upgraded throughout. Enjoy summer days in the sparkling pool and beautifully landscaped backyard. Power Ranch neighborhood offers gorgeous parks, community pools, and walking/biking trails. Located in Higley Unified School district with highly rated schools. You will love everything about this home and neighborhood.