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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22420 N 20th Place Phoenix, AZ 85024

$559,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,557 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6778503
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning, remodeled 3-bedroom + loft, 2.5-bathroom home in the highly sought-after area of North Phoenix, within walking distance to award-winning PV schools! This move-in-ready home showcases pride of ownership with recent upgrades and thoughtful design throughout. The chef's kitchen features white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an undermount sink, perfect for cooking and entertaining. Inside, enjoy a spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, new waterproof vinyl flooring, fresh interior paint, and upgraded baseboards. The loft has been enhanced with custom built-ins, providing a versatile space for an office, playroom, or relaxation area. Other recent updates include new ceiling fans, blinds, and an updated primary shower for a modern touch. Storage is plentiful with added space in the garage. The resort-style backyard is perfect for entertaining, featuring a sparkling pool, pavered areas, synthetic grass, and an irrigation system, offering low maintenance and year-round enjoyment. With easy access to freeways, shopping, and local amenities, this home combines comfort, convenience, and style in an unbeatable location. Don't miss out on this incredible North Phoenix gem!

11967 W Vernon Avenue Avondale, AZ 85392

$559,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,979 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781455
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS 5 bedroom, 2.75 bath with a separate den/office nestled in a quiet neighborhood conveniently located close to I-10, shopping, and the 101! A soaring ceiling, open floor plan, and an inviting color palette greet you as you step inside to the combination dining/living room. The spacious kitchen is perfect for entertaining and features granite countertops, an island, new stainless-steel appliances, farmhouse sink, and plenty of counter space. The space opens to a family room for easy conversation and gatherings. You will also find a bedroom, a full bathroom, and a separate den/office on the main level. The kid friendly, low maintenance backyard is a sanctuary for bird lovers. With its view of the Estrella Mountains, this yard provides a great venue for those gatherings. The home borders an open green space allowing for peaceful evenings on the back patio. With its sparkling pebble tech pool, turf, landscape, storage shed, pergola and concrete side yards, this beauty won't last long! Updates/new in 2023 - paint interior and exterior, carpet, plantation shutters, French doors leading to outside patio, additional insulation in attic, mini split heat pump in garage, garage door opener, ducts cleaned, and pool pump!!

10260 E White Feather Lane Unit 2039 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$559,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,381 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786921
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Resort Style Living! Stunning, Pristine & Move in Ready! Highly upgraded condo featuring Bosch appliances, quartz countertops, white shaker cabinets & plank tile wood flooring! Beautiful floor to ceiling custom stack stone fireplace w/ distressed wood mantle! Designer shower surrounds! Custom Shiplap wall in dining area! Gourmet Kitchen w/ gas cooking and new tile herringbone backsplash & under cabinet lighting! Like new & lightly lived in! Enjoy covered Patio w/ Mountain, City & Natural Desert Views. Prestigious Ridge at Troon North Community features a Heated Pool & SPA & Fitness Center! Minutes to more world class golf, shopping & entertainment! Conveniently located close to hiking & biking trails. Walking distance to Troon North Golf Club. Welcome Home!

20629 N Danielle Avenue Maricopa, AZ 85138

$559,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,595 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6787610
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home! This beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath residence in Homestead North is the one for you! Charming curb appeal, a no-fuss front yard, a 2 car garage w/built-in cabinets, and an electric RV gate are just the beginning. Discover a spacious great room w/high ceilings, elegant wood-look flooring, and warm palette throughout. Hone your cooking skills in this gorgeous kitchen, comprised of wood cabinetry w/crown molding, a pantry, granite counters, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. The primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and a private ensuite w/dual sinks & designer touches. Double doors open up to a cozy den, ideal for an office! New 16 seer heat pump perfectly sized for your energy efficient warmth and cooling. Upgrades galore!! Lastly, the resort-like backyard includes a covered patio, extended seating area, a lovely gazebo w/a built-in BBQ, artificial turf, and a separate guest house w/an additional garage space! Fully paved RV parking with electric gate. What are you waiting for? Act NOW!

6560 N Loma Court Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$559,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,032 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785782
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this beautiful brand new 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Chaparral Estates! 2,032 sq. ft. on approximately half an acre, this property includes a spacious 3-car garage and is set in a quiet cul-de-sac with stunning mountain views. Kitchen: Quartz countertops, large entertainment island, white cabinetry with nickel hardware, and stainless steel appliances. Tile plank flooring runs thru high traffic areas & carpeted bedrooms. Primary Suite: Features a ceiling fan, double vanity, and a relaxing garden tub. Hall Bath: Includes double sinks for added convenience. Exterior painted with stylish gray tones with an all-tile roof for durability. A low HOA allows flexibility for storing boats, RVs & Toys, ready for immediate occupancy.

8884 E Arizona Park Place Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$559,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,446 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785528
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Charming and Well-Kept 2-Bedroom + Den in a Prime Location! Welcome to 8884 E Arizona Park Pl, a delightful home full of potential! This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence, complete with a versatile den, offers 1,446 sq ft of comfortable living space. Thoughtfully designed, the home features a welcoming layout that is both functional and inviting. The well-kept kitchen and living areas are ideal for entertaining or everyday living, while the primary suite provides a peaceful retreat with a private bath. The backyard is low-maintenance and ready for your personal touch—perfect for enjoying Arizona evenings. Located in a desirable neighborhood close to Scottsdale Quarter, TPC etc... this charming property is ready to welcome its next owner.

2801 N 10th Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$559,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,100 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6670011
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! Absolutely a Historic Value!!! This fabulous Bungalow is nestled within the sought-after Historic Community of Country Club Park, this immaculate home awaits you! Step into a space where brand new LV flooring graces every corner, complemented by fresh interior and exterior paint. Enjoy the elegance of Onyx countertops, stainless steel appliances, and bespoke cabinets. With three generous bedrooms, two baths, and a sprawling yard complete with patio and a two-car garage, this residence offers ample space for comfort and relaxation. Conveniently located near top-notch restaurants, recreational activities, major highways, and the airport, it promises a lifestyle of ease and convenience.

9969 W Via Del Sol -- Peoria, AZ 85383

$559,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,898 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736412
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --

25413 W Pueblo Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$559,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,747 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6697259
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover comfort and opportunity with this charming 3 bed, 2 bath home in Northwood Park. On a spacious 1-acre lot, this property offers endless possibilities for building a pool, keeping horses, and storing all your toys and RVs. The cozy dining and living area features wood-look tile flooring, high ceilings, and a neutral palette. The practical kitchen provides ample cabinet and counter space, a pantry, and stainless steel appliances. Unwind in the comfortable primary bedroom with soft carpet, a bay window, a walk-in closet, and a private ensuite with dual sinks. The expansive backyard has irrigation rights, to ensure a reliable source of water for landscaping, gardening, and any agricultural activities, even in dry seasons.

10223 W Raymond Street Tolleson, AZ 85353

$559,000
9 Beds
3 Baths
3,420 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784133
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HOUSE WAS COMPLETELY REMODELED IN NOVEMBER 2023 AND SHOULD BE LARGELY MAINTENANCE FREE FOR THE NEAR FUTURE. IT IS CURRENTLY CONFIGURED AS A 9 BED 3 BATH SO ITS PERFECT. IT COULD EASILY BE MODIFIED BACK TO 7 BEDROOMS IF THAT IS THE INTEREST OF THE BUYER, WHICH WOULD RESTORE THE DINING ROOM. GREAT DEAL FOR LARGE GROUPS.

1408 W 7th Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$559,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,755 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6717564
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your beautiful Tempe Oasis! This stunning home minutes from ASU offers modern ambiance with lots of natural light. The functional layout boasts 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms perfect for a growing family or investment property! Currently a profitable Airbnb. Luxury wood floors throughout. Can use the 5th room as an office or separate living area if desired (there is a locking door that leads to the exterior). The true highlight is the resort-style backyard which is perfect for entertaining or enjoying the Arizona sunshine! New artificial turf, mini-split A/C units and NEST thermostats installed in 2022. Conveniently located near Mill Avenue, Sky Harbor Airport (3 miles) & a short drive to South Mountain Preserve, this home offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility!

9818 W Pontiac Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$559,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,045 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730793
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful home in stunning northern Peoria checks ALL the boxes! Completely REMODELED and offering an incredible open and bright floorplan with vaulted ceilings featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and 2045 square feet to enjoy. Stunning open-concept chef's island kitchen with shaker-style soft close designer cabinets with gorgeous quartz counters, upgraded high-end stainless-steel appliances including a NEW smooth-gas cook top, double wall oven, refrigerator and dishwasher. Custom interior paint, new flooring, newer water heater & A/C. Incredible private pool newly treated and with new sand filter pump 2024.This remarkable neighborhood location provides convenient access to Parkridge dog and children's parks, mountain preserves, outstanding schools, and easy freeway access!