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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2663 W Kilarea Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$565,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Saratoga Lakes, Mesa
Open House
$565,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,638 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764485
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to PRIME Dobson Ranch living! Nestled in one of Mesa's most desirable master-planned communities, this charming home offers the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Step inside to be greeted by an open, sun-drenched layout, where natural light pours through every corner. The updated kitchen is a chef's oasis, featuring sleek white quartz countertops, stylish herringbone subway tile backsplash, modern cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Newer wood floors flow throughout the home, providing a warm and inviting touch to go along with the newly painted to perfection interior walls and split master bedroom design. Relax in your private courtyard or take advantage of the oversized driveway and 2-car garage. The backyard is an entertainer's paradise with a sparkling diving pool, freshly refinished pool deck and a shaded pergola ideal for Arizona evenings. Dobson Ranch amenities include community pools, parks, pickleball courts, and so much more. With easy access to Hwy 101, Hwy 60, and just minutes from ASU, Tempe Town Lake, South Scottsdale, and the thriving Chandler tech corridor, you're never far from the best of the East Valley. This home is a rare find! Don't miss this opportunity - Come see your new home today!

2235 W Aston Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$565,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Morning Sun Farms Unit 4b 2015022077, San Tan Valley
Open House
$565,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,553 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6711865
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this beautiful property with a natural color palette that creates a serene atmosphere throughout the home. The kitchen features a center island for extra counter space, while the primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet for ample storage. The primary bathroom offers a separate tub and shower, double sinks, and good under sink storage. Step outside to the fenced backyard, complete with a private in-ground pool and covered sitting area. Fresh interior paint and partial flooring replacement in some areas make this home move-in ready. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

7524 S Lone Pine Place Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$564,999
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,913 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6750439
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The sellers are relocating out of state, so this move-in-ready home is available for a quick closing! Featuring a unique and sought-after split-floorplan, this property offers ample privacy and personal space. The backyard is a standout, showcasing stunning desert and mountain views that stretch as far as the eye can see. This is one of the few homes in Peralta Canyon with a pool, spa, and waterfall feature, all on a tranquil west-facing mountain view lot. Designed for entertaining, the spacious layout includes an open great room that seamlessly extends through wide glass patio doors to a large, pergola-covered extended patio. Built just 5 years ago, the home boasts numerous modern upgrades, including abundant canned lighting, stylish pendant lights above the oversized kitchen island, neutral ceramic and wood tile flooring, granite countertops, a generous pantry, and stainless-steel appliances. The pool and spa are less than a year old, and the home features a super-efficient tankless water heater and an owned water softener. With ample storage throughout, the property is also conveniently located within walking distance to the local elementary school and less than 10 miles from highly-rated public charter schools.Peralta Canyon is known for its proximity to hiking trails, world-class golf courses, and lakes for kayaking and boating. Nearby amenities include dining options, medical and urgent care facilities, grocery stores, and more. This home offers the perfect blend of serene, picturesque living with easy access to city conveniences.

11934 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$564,995
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,370 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741556
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this dynamic Raleigh home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an impressive guest suite; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a double oven, a walk-in pantry and a center island; an open dining area; an expansive great room with center-meet doors leading onto a charming covered patio; a beautiful primary suite showcasing an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a mudroom and a 3-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

16400 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$564,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686225
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
4 bed 3 bath Elev B 2570 SQ FT 2 Car Garage. Has Gourmet Kitchen, Deluxe Master bath with walk in shower. Garage service door, 10ft ceilings at entry. Gas cooktop/range, Gas stub at Patio, 42'' White upper cabinets with 2-1/2'' molding. Wood looing tile through out and carpet in bedrooms.

16380 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$564,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,500 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6701706
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The gorgeous Cassandra floor plan offers 10-foot ceilings with a tray at entry, gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops and 42 inch cabinets, a huge walk-in pantry, a multi-slide door at great room and a slider at Nook, walk-in Shower with rain shower, and pavers at driveway/walkway, the lot is nearly 8000 square feet and it is North/South exposure.

16355 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$564,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6718951
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home features a lovely Guest Suite as well as dramatic 10' ceilings throughout and a tray ceiling at entry; a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a spacious open great room with a multi-slide door; a beautiful primary suite with a generous walk-in closet. The master bath features a drop-in tub and a shower. This home offers stylish pavers at driveway/walkway.

16348 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$564,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6727605
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home features a lovely Guest Suite as well as dramatic 10' ceilings throughout and a tray ceiling at entry; a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a spacious open great room with a multi-slide door; a beautiful primary suite with a generous walk-in closet. The walk-in shower features a rain shower head. This home offers stylish pavers at driveway/walkway.

11937 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$564,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,400 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760074
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this eye-catching Celeste home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a double oven, a walk-in pantry and a center island; an open dining area; a large great room boasting center-meet doors leading onto a tranquil covered patio; an elegant primary suite showcasing an expansive walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a mudroom and a 3-car tandem garage. This home also offers additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

20724 W Kaibab Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

$564,995
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,132 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774935
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this expansive 1-acre horse property on a coveted corner lot! You're greeted by a side-entry 2-car garage, a natural desert landscape, & a circular driveway. Discover an inviting great room with high ceilings, an earth-tone palette, recessed lighting, blinds, & wood-look flooring. The gourmet kitchen comes with granite counters, ample wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, & a peninsula with a breakfast bar. The main bedroom offers plush carpeting, an ensuite with double sinks, & a walk-in closet. Outdoors, you'll find a lovely backyard featuring a covered patio, a warm fire pit, an outdoor fireplace for evenings under the stars, & a refreshing pool. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, you can create your dream oasis or establish equestrian facilities. Make it yours!

17585 W Superior Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$564,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,647 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774463
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Special Financing Available!!!!!!!!!! This single-level home showcases Lennar's signature Next Gen® suite ideal for multigenerational living. The suite includes a one-car garage, separate entrance, living space, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom. In the main home, an open floorplan allows for effortless transition between the Great Room, kitchen and dining room, with access to the covered patio through sliding glass doors. The luxe owner's suite is situated at the back of the home, while two secondary bedrooms are comfortable and private retreats. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home.

20240 W Catalina Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$564,990
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,456 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6655730
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Amethyst floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3 car garage. This home is stunning and has has plenty of storage space including all bedrooms have walk in closets. Multi slide door at the extended covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Gas appliance package in stainless steel, 30'' cooktop, microwave and canopy hood. Tahoe Maple Painted Boulder ''Gray'' cabinets throughout. Bianco Typhoon Polished granite tops in kitchen and owner's bath. Stainless steel under mount single bowl kitchen sink. Flooring includes EMS Riverside Yaris 20x24 in all areas of the home except bedrooms/closets. 5'' base boards/door casings. Dual sinks at bath 2. Gas stub for future BBQ. Garage service door, 8' tall garage doors with with two remotes. Estimated completion April.