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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7 E La Vieve Lane Tempe, AZ 85284

$562,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,794 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768838
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Two bedrooms and Den - Completely re-done and in excellent condition. Small yard to take care of. Dual pane windows - Almost new A/C unit top of the line* Kitchen and baths have been upgraded - Roll in Shower in Master Bathroom* Kitchen is to die for* Refrigerator, washer & dryer included. Ready to move in. Bright, cheery and vaulted ceilings Community Pool in Warner Ranch for your enjoyment and closed to all freeways, restaurants and shopping. Come look....

4207 E Ford Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$562,500
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,370 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6753341
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
INCREDIBLE ORIGINAL OWNER UNIQUE 5 BDR home in the HEART OF GILBERT. This Fulton Home features a vaulted ceiling great room with LARGE KITCHEN and tons of NATURAL LIGHT. Upstairs features primary suite + 2 additional bedrooms and full bath. Short steps down from great room features full FLEX SPACE, 2 additional bedrooms and a 3rd full bath! REAL WOOD FLOORS and tile throughout. BRAND NEW ANDERSEN WINDOWS, + AC & ROOF REPLACEMENT COMPLETED. Backyard features gardeners paradise: Pears and Pomegranates nearly ripe; Tangerines, Lemons and HUGE Ruby Red Grapefruit Tree, Katy Apricots and Figs in the Spring/Summer. Incredible fruit bearing grape vines on the west side and shade tree + paver patio provide the PERFECT BACKYARD CANVAS. Neighborhood park just down the street. Stop by today!

2827 N 212th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$562,073
4 Beds
4 Baths
2,514 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741507
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your TO BE BUILT: 4-Bed, 4-Bath Mountain-View dream home nestled against the stunning White Tank Mountains, offering unparalleled privacy and breathtaking views. This East/West oriented gem boasts grand 10' ceilings and elegant 8' doors throughout, creating a sense of luxury and space. The chef-inspired kitchen is a culinary delight, featuring a gas cooktop, wall oven micro combo, large pantry, premium countertops, and 42-inch upper cabinets. Perfect for entertaining, the home seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living with multiple sliding glass doors leading to a spacious patio. The expansive owner's suite is a retreat of its own, complete with a big closet and a huge walk-in super shower with a rainhead. Located just minutes from the Sienna Hills Swim park/gym/clubhouse!

3131 N Central Avenue Unit 5021 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$561,668
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,125 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6608702
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
*Construction Completed* 5% BUYER INCENTIVE! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

25224 N 159th Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$560,990 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Mason Ranch - Tierra Verde West, Surprise
Open House
$560,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,434 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6733494
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FORMER MODEL HOME - Congratulations on finding this wonderful quick close home with such awesome upgrades, the quartz countertops and upgraded backsplash will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen but also provide durability, the oversized glass door in the great room will bring in natural light! Gas connections for your range, BBQ, and dryer provides more efficient dryer, and cooking and grilling, so with a combination of modern electrical features and carefully chosen window coverings, you can enjoy a sophisticated and energy-efficient living space right from the moment you move in. A tankless water heater is a great choice for your home as it provides hot water on demand eliminating the need for a storage tank the home is Energy Star Certified to save you money and Smart home modern!

17313 W Wandering Creek Road Goodyear, AZ 85338

$560,990
5 Beds
4 Baths
2,801 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6734346
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful home is nestled in the heart of the Estrella Mountains with a spacious primary bedroom with full bath downstairs, beautifully enhanced gourmet kitchen, Bianco antico granite, dark expresso cabinets, natural wood look tile, kitchen backsplash, 8 ft doors. Host your next dinner party in the open dining and great room then transition to the covered back patio for dessert and a nightcap. This home can close in 30 days! Located within the Estrella masterplan with 2 state-of-the-art Residents Clubs including fitness centers and pools, Starsplash Water Park, and a community lake with activities including boat rentals.

4330 Sawbuck Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$560,131
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,507 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770319
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the beautiful Thrive floor plan, featuring 2 beds, 2 baths, a versatile office space, nestled in the tranquil Homestead neighborhood. With 1,507 sq ft of open living, this Shea Designer Home boasts stunning features curated by an expert interior design team. Highlights include a stainless steel gas cooktop, quartz countertops, custom mosaic tile in the kitchen & primary bath, soft-close drawers, 42'' cabinets, & a 15-ft sliding glass wall in the living room. Enjoy extended outdoor living with an upgraded patio, custom landscaping, tile flooring, & 2-tone paint. Additional features include prewired ceiling fans, audio/video sleeves, under-cabinet lighting, & a 250-gallon underground propane tank. Discover current incentives at Shea sales office.

15775 E Us 60 Highway Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$560,000
2 Beds
1 Bath
1,150 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6559727
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Looking for horse property that is fenced with covered stalls and an arena already to go? This property has just that. There are 3 parcels being sold as one that equals just over 4 acres, includes access road. The home was built in 1954, it has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. The back entrance has a covered patio area. There are several out-buildings on the property including a tack room, tool shop, outdoor bbq area, and trailer home. The property backs up to State Trust Land, saddle up your horses and ride for miles. There is a well on the property currently serving the property to the north, but the line has a separate shut off. Pinal County shows the address in Apache Junction - but the property is east of Gold Canyon on US 60. Buyer to verify all facts and information important to them.

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!!!

6090 N Stratford Court Rimrock, AZ 86335

$560,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,090 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767709
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Beaver Creek Preserves! A gated community nestled in Northern Arizona, 30 minutes south of Sedona. Complete with community walking trails, clubhouse, community pool, and work-out facility. Brand new, never lived in home built in 2023, with 3 bedrooms plus a den, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage and an RV garage. Enjoy the serenity of Beaver Creek Preserves. Inside, expansive windows frame panoramic views, while the open-concept layout boasts premium finishes and modern amenities. Outside, a spacious patio invites outdoor living and stunning vistas. The modern rustic charm of the finishes and mountain views, one you do not want to miss!

26733 N 235th Lane Wittmann, AZ 85361

$560,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,450 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6705856
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Investor Opportunity to finish out this beautiful custom spec home situated on a full acre lot [no HOA] featured in Wittmann, AZ. This home incorporates a subtle balance of contemporary finishes with a modern design while featuring 3bedrooms, +Den/4th bedroom, 3 full bath(s), 2,450 sq ft open concept floor plan, upon entry from the gorgeous 9 by 6 ft iron/glass pivot front entry door your greeted w/ 14 ft soaring ceilings, a gourmet kitchen equipped w/ quartz countertops, large [eat-in] island, shaker panel cabinetry, ss appliances, 36'' cooktop, and pantry. Also, this home features tile wood-plank flooring, modern plumbing/lighting fixtures [fans], dual pane [low-e] windows, two brand new 14 seer Trane HVAC units, dedicated dining space.. split floor plan, and a master retreat featuring a spacious sleeping quarters, separate tub & shower, dual sinks, water closet, and a large walk-in Closet. Lastly, the home features a massive 30 ft deep, 40 ft wide 1,200 sqft 5-car garage [easily fits lifted vehicles & trailers w/ 10ft ceilings], soft water loop, and the entire home features 5/8 drywall and insulated interior walls. This home affords new buyers the opportunity to choose countertops, outdoor pavers for driveway, and accent wall work for the interior space.

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!