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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913 S Del Rio Court Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$569,900
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,193 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6699419
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You've just discovered the most beautiful ready-to-move-in 5-bedroom home in the east valley. This is one, of the rather hard-to-find, Daylight VIP Finished Basement homes with super Solid 2X6 construction providing years of strength & durability. This rare and wonderful home is nestled in Sonoran Wells, a quiet, well established smaller community, super close to the Superstition Mountains offering views, trails, and hiking galore. There are a great many amenities providing convenience & comfort that come with this home in particular. Here are just a few of the convenient benefits & features: 1) A Fully updated remodeled gourmet GAS kitchen with all easy to maintain stainless steel appliances, Dual cooking Ovens, a professional 5-burner GE Profile cooktop, a Super quiet KitchenAid ... dishwasher, a GE Profile Side-by-Side 36-inch Refrigerator Freezer, a GE Profile Microwave & with built-in Hood Fan, a magnificent wrap-around granite island & breakfast bar, a cozy eat in kitchen breakfast nook, rich mahogany 42-inch custom staggard cabinets with ultra handy pull-out cabinet drawers, gorgeous granite counters, a large food storage pantry, a commercial style flex faucet and oodles of extra storage. 2) Another very special aspect of this home is of course the spacious fully finished Day-Light basement with windows! There are 2 additional bedrooms, a large rumpus room for just about anything you can conceive (Office, game room, theater, business, yoga/workout), a full bath & shower, safety escape ladders in the window wells, and the essential basement sump-pump to keep things dry & protect the home. 3) One of the more obvious reasons to consider this home in particular is that it has 5 wonderful bedrooms. 2 bedrooms downstairs, 2 more main floor bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bathroom, and finally, the exceptionally large owner's quarters with a soaring vaulted ceiling, a private en suite bathroom featuring a large luxurious day-lite soaking tub, a spectacular gleaming glass block snail type walk in shower, two sinks, a separate facial station with lower counter, a large walk-in clothing closet, and a separate storage closet as a bonus. With rooms to spare, this home could be the answer to a multitude of ordinary or special circumstances: multi-generational, live-work, shared living, family, and/or just enjoying and having the space to spread out and relax. Other worth mentioning amenities include: An HVAC Cooled spacious 3-car garage with insulated garage doors and ceiling storage racks, there is an Ultra Quiet 55+ community behind the home so there is plenty of peace and quiet to enjoy, plantation blinds and ceiling fans throughout the home, sunscreens, washer/dryer, soft water system . . . and more! if you have read this far, you may want to have a close look at the current comps - this home is priced below market value. Please stop by today and see how wonderful life can be.

1698 N San Gabriel Avenue Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

$569,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,079 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748521
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is it! HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT! NICELY REMODELED HOME WITH A POOL AND SPA and HEATED AND COOLED 1300 SQ FT WORKHOP in desirable Ranchos Carmela. This split floorplan home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bath, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, Formal Dining Room, Breakfast Nook, NEW HVAC and a beautifully updated kitchen. Featuring NEW Stainless Steel kitchen appliances, elegant Quartz countertops and Kitchen Island. Spacious outdoor entertainment area includes a solar heated pool and spa, complete with an automated pool cover and new water filter. This home also features a 10x16 storage shed, an access to a half bath from the pool and a 36x36 workshop, insulated from top to bottom and heated and cooled! Formal dining room can be easily converted into a 4th BR. FEATURES LIST ON PHOTOS

29449 N Sorrento Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$569,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,835 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761271
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the Adult Community of Trilogy of Vistancia. This Shea built home is the Vibrant Model and features charming stone accents and entry paver details. As you walk inside, you'll see the pride of ownership is throughout. It features an open-concept layout with living, dining and kitchen flowing easily together. The kitchen features designer cabinetry, tile backsplash, granite countertops, pendant lighting, pantry and a full stainless steel appliance package. The master bedroom offers plenty of room for large furniture and includes a walk-in closet, along with a master bathroom featuring dual sinks and a walk-in shower. The secondary bedroom is separate from the master and conveniently located near the additional bath. The den / office features multiple areas of built in cabinets. It could also be converted to a third bedroom or formal dining. The laundry room is complete with washer, dryer, lower and upper cabinets, and additional hobby / craft area. The backyard is an absolute delight and perfect for entertaining with a full covered patio. Additional features include plantation shutters throughout and a central vacuum system which has additional connections for the garage. Trilogy at Vistancia combines luxurious amenities with a vibrant social atmosphere.

11514 E Kiowa Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$569,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,812 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758282
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home offers the ultimate in comfort! Upgraded with attention given to every detail. The home offers a North/South exposure. The 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers you a split bedroom design for the ultimate privacy for your guests. The 3rd bedroom is currently being used as a den and is adjacent to the Arizona/hobby room/studio which opens to the back yard. The remodeled kitchen offers alder cabinets, granite counter tops custom lighting and pull out drawers in both the kitchen & the pantry. Large laundry room offers a sink and the washer and dryer. The master bath has been upgraded with a custom walk-in shower with dual shower heads, double grab safety bars, double sinks, two large closets & separate commode room. Three car garage w/mini-split a/c!! This is a very nice home!!! There is a water softener, water distiller, plus a three car garage with epoxied flooring, mini split a/c system and abundant storage and shelving. Outside there is a concrete pad, storage shed, citrus, artificial grass, which is north facing for the best year round exposure. Sunland Springs Village is the east valley's PREMIER Adult Community!! This is an incredible home!!

34214 W Sahuaro Street Tonopah, AZ 85354

$569,900 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Horseshoe Trls Amd, Tonopah
Open House
$569,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,336 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672281
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning property is eligible for a 0% down payment with a USDA loan! Sitting on a 2-acre lot, offering endless possibilities for expansion or additional structures such as a second home or workshop. This home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Beautiful kitchen with granite counter tops and open spaces to the living and dining rooms. The master bedroom offers a walk-in shower, private toilet room and a walk-in closet. A beautiful, covered patio and irrigation system was installed on all the plants in the backyard. The house is equipped with ready fast satellite internet. Completely move-in ready. With no HOA restrictions, BRING YOUR HORSES, TOYS, RV'S, ETC!! This home features upgraded foam insulation, Nest smart home thermostat, Trane A/C unit, the 220-volt setup is perfect for a wo

16013 W Alameda Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$569,850
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,159 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742996
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Owned Solar !!! Enjoy the savings with Solar Panels. Welcome to this charming home in Escalante! This Fulton floorplan has 3 spacious bedrooms, a study, 3 bathrooms, and a 3-car tandem garage! Gourmet kitchen with stunning cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless-steel built-in appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a kitchen island with a breakfast bar and beautiful pendant lights. There is a gas stub in kitchen for easy conversion to a gas cook top. The great room has surround sound and a center-open extended-length sliding glass door. The primary suite is spotless with a lavish ensuite bathroom featuring an oversized tiled shower, a dual sink vanity, and a walk-in closet. Bedrooms 2 and 3 are move-in ready with ceiling fans and blinds! The backyard is pristine with easy care landscape and a covered patio. Do not miss out on this spotless home! Escalante is a vibrant home community offering an array of top-tier amenities designed for active and leisurely lifestyles. Enjoy a massive resort-style pool with shaded areas to keep you cool, multiple lighted sport courts for evening games, and a challenging disc golf course. Enjoy the expansive playground, while residents can also indulge in table tennis, bocce ball, and a dedicated volleyball court for endless entertainment and relaxation.

4380 W Ruby Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$569,500
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,198 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754518
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You'll love this upgraded, solar-owned Pavona model, built in 2022 with more than $175,000 in upgrades! This stunning home features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, an extra-large flex room with a built-in wet bar, and a spacious 2.5-car garage. The kitchen boasts granite counters, a subway tile backsplash, 41'' cabinets, water softener & whole house filtration system, built-in garbage bins, a gas range, a GE Advantium microwave, along with a pot filler & under-cabinet lighting for added convenience. The master suite includes a curbless tiled shower & granite vanities. Other upgrades include luxury wood flooring, 8-foot doors, surround sound, advanced tech, & whole-house water filtration. Enjoy the landscaped backyard with a raised garden bed & extended patio. BBQ stub. This home is a must see!

20014 N Portico Way Surprise, AZ 85387

$569,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,334 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6768964
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spacious and popular Hacienda model has it all beginning w/ 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. You will see the living area & formal dining, as you enter the front door. Large kitchen w/ plenty of cabinets, hard surface countertops, a pantry, a large breakfast bar and a space for more casual dining. The family room is great for relaxing, but room for gatherings. The built-in AV wall offers decorative shelving and TV space. Windows and patio door have plantation shutters for added style. The split primary suite has a bay window, perfect for seating or reading, plenty of room & the bathroom has a shower, large soaking tub, double sinks, private toilet room, linen cabinet and a large walk-in closet w/ drawers for added storage. Family room living space, primary and one guest room are carpeted. Aside from the carpeted areas and the laminate wood in 3rd guest bedroom (or den), the flooring consists of 18 ceramic tile. The guest bedrooms, also spacious have large closets and ample window for plenty of daylight. The guest bathroom, with combination tub/shower, is conveniently located off of the family room and between the guest bedrooms. The laundry is inside, off the kitchen with washer, dryer, utility tub, small counter space and storage cabinets. Off of the formal dining room and kitchen is a space w/a lower cabinet w/countertop, as well as upper cabinets for storage or butler's pantry. The service door opens into the large, full 3 car garage, with plenty of storage cabinets. The extended covered patio offers lots of space for entertaining, dining or just relaxing and enjoying our great Arizona sunsets. The patio flooring is deco ______, built in BBQ is stucco and tile, with a bar/seating area. The view from the living room window showcases the large, 3-column water feature. Water falls out of the columns into a large pool below. Planter bowls are atop the columns for beautiful seasonal or year round plants. Next to the water feature is another seating area w/ built-in gas fire-pit where you can enjoy a chilly evening, under the stars. This home has is a MUST SEE!

2232 E Blanche Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

$569,500
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,826 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736754
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning move-in ready 4-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Home in beautiful North Phoenix with NO HOA! Welcome to this tastefully updated, turn-key residence in a quiet North Phoenix neighborhood. This home boasts four spacious bedrooms and two modern bathrooms, mountain views, offering comfort and convenience. Enjoy a fresh, contemporary interior with stylish finishes throughout. Perfectly situated close to hiking at Lookout Mountain, shopping, dining, and close freeway access, this home combines practicality with a taste of luxury. Close to Costco, Sprouts, Aldi and more! Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity!

481 S Soho Lane Unit 34 Chandler, AZ 85225

$569,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,093 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763718
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the epitome of luxury patio home living at Parkside Villas in Chandler, Arizona! Step into a world of elegance and comfort with our spacious floor plans boasting generous living areas and luxurious kitchens. With 9 foot ceilings on the main floor, natural light floods in, creating a bright and inviting ambiance perfect for any occasion. Choose from our 3 or 4 bedroom layouts, each featuring 3 ½ baths for optimal convenience. Our gourmet kitchens are the heart of the home, seamlessly opening to the family room, making entertaining a breeze. Indulge in upgraded cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances throughout, elevating your culinary experience. Relax and unwind in your own private outdoor patio area, where cozy evenings await.

2130 E Voltaire Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$569,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in The Agave, Phoenix
Open House
$569,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,751 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772433
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
The Agave - A rare combination of Space, Style, Quality, and Value where Design Matters. Be inspired by the warm tones and natural textures of the desert where the Sagebrush and Adobe interior color schemes boldly echo the beauty of The Agave. Modern, Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinetry in Matte color-ways, Solid-surface, Spa-Inspired Flat-Panel vanity cabinets in natural-wood tone finishes in Bathrooms. Standard LVT flooring installed in the entire home, Quartz Countertops and Tile shower surrounds. Standard Accent painted interior doors and jambs for a bold, effortless design touch. Ceiling fans included as well as EV prewire. The Wren showcases a generous backyard and second floor deck to bring the outside in.

2117 E Voltaire Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032

$569,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in The Agave, Phoenix
Open House
$569,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,590 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772466
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
The Agave - A rare combination of Space, Style, Quality, and Value where Design Matters. Be inspired by the warm tones and natural textures of the desert where the Sagebrush and Adobe interior color schemes boldly echo the beauty of The Agave. Modern, Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinetry in Matte color-ways, Solid-surface, Spa-Inspired Flat-Panel vanity cabinets in natural-wood tone finishes in Bathrooms. Standard LVT flooring installed in the entire home, Quartz Countertops, and Tile shower surrounds. Standard Accent painted interior doors and jambs for a bold, effortless design touch. Ceiling fans included as well as EV prewire. This premium end location Quail Plan showcases an enclosed front patio, oversized 2 car garage, bonus loft space and second floor deck.