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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4008 E Cholla Canyon Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$558,500
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,098 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6732455
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! RIGHT OFF THE I10 AND LOOP 202, .THIS GORGEOUS HOUSE IS FULLY UPGRADED INCLUDING NEW PAINT, NEW CARPET AND TILE, NEW BLINDS, NEW CEILING FANS, NEW MIRRORS IN THE BATHROOM AND LIGHT FIXTURES, NEW BATH AND KITCHEN FAUCETS, NEW HARDWARE, NEW TOILETS, NEW APPLIANCES EXCEPT THE REFRIGERATOR WHICH IS ONE YEAR OLD, NEW A/C, NEW ROOF, ALL NEW LANDSCAPING WITH NEW IRRIGATION, NEW GARAGE DOOR AND THE LIST GOES ON!

1401 E Osborn Road Phoenix, AZ 85014

$558,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,921 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6667358
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful 1947 home in Ashby place neighborhood is in the heart of Phoenix just north of Cheery Lynn Historic District. Nicely updated with brand new dual pane energy efficient windows throughout entire house, fresh interior and exterior paint, new shower tile, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in kitchen, new roof in 2022. Detached carport, shop/storage. Solar lease. Close to Phoenix Country Club, Phoenix Children's Hospital, quaint eateries, freeways 51 and 10 freeways. You don't want to miss out on this lovely home.

2527 W Brookhart Way Phoenix, AZ 85085

$558,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,446 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6736947
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wake up to beautiful mountain views from the primary suite of your new home, where convenience meets natural beauty! There are 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs and an office conveniently located downstairs—perfect for work-from-home days or a hobby space. Don't forget the fantastic pool out back complete with a calming water feature. There's easy access to the AZ Canal Trail System, Deem Hills Rec Area, and the Sonoran Nature Preserve. On the filp-side you're close to shopping and entertainment with the Norterra Entertainment District just two miles away. Dive in, relax, and enjoy the sunny side of life in this wonderful home!

18583 W Swayback Pass Pass Surprise, AZ 85387

$557,995
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,088 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770088
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this exciting fully furnished Emerald model home with a mulitgen suite ready for November move-in, on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front/back yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a study in lieu of a bedroom; a spacious great room; an open dining area; a well-appointed kitchen offering quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, 42'' cabinets, a roomy pantry and a center island; a beautiful primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; double laundry appliances; a covered patio, and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fans, and full appliances and stone tile flooring in select rooms.

16371 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$557,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,262 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702055
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the essence of luxury in this home featuring an upgraded gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, 42-inch cabinets, & walk-in pantry. The spacious design includes 10-foot ceilings, upgraded modern floor tile, and multi-slide patio doors that enhance the open, airy feel. The Primary suite bathroom features an upgraded shower with an added secondary rain shower head. Practicality meets style with a primary, 2-car garage, secondary side turn single car garage, 8-foot garage doors & paver driveway, offering ample space for storage and vehicles.

12004 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$557,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741423
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this stunning Celeste home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry with a tray ceiling; a quiet study; 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 spacious great room boasting center-meet doors leading onto a relaxing covered patio; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous 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.

16412 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$557,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,260 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686256
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
3 Bed 2.5 bath Elevation C Approximately 2,260 SQ FT. Gourmet kitchen with 42'' white upper Cabinets with 2-1/2'' molding and Quartz counter tops Gas cook top Range. Master bath Walk-in Shower, 3 Car Garage and garage Service door, 10Ft Tray Ceiling at extended entry. Has Tile Wood Laminate through out and Carpet in Bedrooms.

17684 W Pierson Street Goodyear, AZ 85395

$557,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,530 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784018
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BRAND NEW, energy-efficient home available in GATED COMMUNITY! The showstopper single-level Bailey floorplan boasts a charming front porch, 5 bedrooms each with a spacious walk-in closet and a 3-car garage! This home has white cabinets featuring a white backsplash, quartz countertops in kitchen, wood look tile flooring and beige carpet. ALREADY INCLUDED - washer, dryer, window blinds (except slider), refrigerator, soft water loop and MORE!!!! Enjoy EXCLUSIVE amenities right at your doorstep including parks, pickleball, soccer, play area, walking trails, basketball court, ramada with outdoor kitchen, gas grill and fireplace, and more!!! Each home is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you ENJOY more SAVINGS!

20994 S 231st Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$557,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,232 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784390
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new phase!. Our Clark plan is conveniently located to all that Queen Creek has to offer. Minutes from the brand new Costco, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Market Place and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

1521 W Saddle Run Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$557,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,432 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750824
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. The Avelino floor plan offers a refined single-story design with four bedrooms, including an AllGen suite, and a spacious flex area ideal for an office, TV room, or study. Featuring front yard landscaping, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Conveniently situated near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.

5839 E Jensen Street Mesa, AZ 85205

$557,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,031 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766663
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This Charming three-bedroom home with a three-car garage and bonus room that can be used as a media room, exercise or playroom. This home is nestled in the golf course community of Alta Mesa. Upon entering the home, you will be greeted , by light bright walls and vaulted ceilings. Coupled with a two-way fireplace that leads to a spacious and cozy family room. The heart of the home is the kitchen. A haven for a culinary enthusiast. Large granite island counters for eating and entertaining. The backyard epitomizes comfort relaxation. Three mature fruit trees synthetic grass, gravel a privacy wall and so much more . Brand new AC unit just installed in September 2024

3131 N Central Avenue Unit 6013 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$557,768
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,125 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6606900
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.