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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1103 W Pebble Beach Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$550,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,731 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737458
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Location, Location very good center location close to Arizona state university only 2-3 miles , easy access to major freeways and sky Harber airport. 4- bedroom high ceiling new flooring in all bedrooms. Freshly painted, perfect rental or family home large cozy back yard remodeled with brand new artificial Graas, low maintenance. short drive to mill Ave, Tempe town lake and Papago hiking and golfing. Night life restaurants shops Ets.

41333 N Belfair Way Anthem, AZ 85086

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,616 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746580
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
If you are looking for a remodeled home for under the average list price in Anthem Country Club, stop right here, you have found it! With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home is perfect for a small family or a couple who needs room for visitors. The remodeled kitchen and bathroom, and the updated flooring ensure that the home is move-in ready. You will love the storage space in the kitchen, which includes a large pantry. The updated stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops and natural light from both large and small windows give the kitchen and family room a fresh, bright, and cheery feel and look. This home is a private oasis within the spectacular community of Anthem Country Club which offers anything you could ask for in a Country Club setting. Two Club Houses with restaurants, two fitness centers, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, two private heated pools and so much more. Come see for yourself, we are certain you will love it!

5020 E Morning Star Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,878 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760957
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
ENJOY LIVING IN AHWATUKEE'S ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY IN THIS COMPLETELY RENOVATED HOME. INVITING OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH ABUNDANT UPDATES. EAT-IN KITCHEN FEATURES QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, TILED BACKSPLASH, UPGRADED CABINETRY, GRANITE SINK, PANTRY & STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES. GAS FIREPLACE IN FAMILY ROOM. MASTER SUITE BATHROOM INCLUDES GRANITE COUNTERTOP & WALK-IN SHOWER WITH GRAB BARS. WALK-IN CLOSETS IN SECONDARY BEDROOMS PLUS HALL BATH CONNECTS TO BEDROOM TWO. LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT WITH TILE IN THE BATHS. ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS OF REMODEL INCLUDE RECESSED LIGHTING, RAISED-PANEL 3-HINGE DOORS, CUSTOM BASEBOARDS/MOLDING, DUAL-PANE WINDOWS TANKLESS WATER HEATER, SOFT WATER SYSTEM WITH ENTIRE HOME WATER FILTRATION, FRONT & BACK ARTIFICIAL GRASS & COVERED PATIO WITH MISTING SYSTEM.

3600 W Cobalt Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$550,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,614 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752633
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence in The Preserve at San Tan! Discover an inviting great room with high ceilings, recessed lighting, a soothing palette, blinds, and stylish wood-look flooring. The delightful kitchen boasts quartz counters, ample white shaker cabinets, chic pendant lighting, a subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a versatile den, ideal for an office or study. Upstairs, the cozy loft offers additional living space. The serene main bedroom includes plush carpeting, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture outside to the backyard, featuring a covered patio for al fresco dining and ample space to create your dream oasis. The community also offers a dog park, pickleball court, community grills, outdoor theater/amphitheater, fire pits, walking/biking trails and SO MUCH MORE! Come see it today!

44049 W Palo Nuez Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,820 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751432
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Elegance, luxury, and practicality combine in this one-of-a-kind home. BEAUTIFUL HOME IN MARICOPA WITH A POOL AND RV GARAGE. The curb appeal is off the charts with a paved driveway, cozy courtyard, and LARGE 45' RV GARAGE. Spacious floor plan with open kitchen concept boasting beautiful granite countertops, oversized pantry, and huge island, all overlooking a great room and backyard. Large primary bedroom with roomy bathroom featuring dual vanities and walk-in shower, but it's the backyard that will capture your attention; mature backyard complete with lots of artificial grass for the little ones, oversized pergola, and REFRESHING SWIMMING POOL for those hot AZ afternoons or weekends with friends. Never pay for RV storage again; come by and look and make this beautiful home yours.

1171 E Crestridge Drive Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$550,000
7 Beds
4 Baths
3,443 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766760
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This impressive 7-bedroom, 4-bath, 2-story home boasts 3,443 sqft of elegant living space, offering both beauty and functionality. The exterior is aesthetically appealing, while the interior feels cozy and bright, with dark wood cabinets and lighter wood-look tile contrasting beautifully with the cream-colored walls. The spacious primary bedroom, located downstairs, features a split layout and a walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms have walk-in closets, providing ample storage. The great room is perfect for gatherings, and the kitchen features a pantry, granite countertops, a kitchen island, and a breakfast bar. Step outside to the covered back patio and envision creating your own oasis in the low-maintenance yard, currently awaiting your personal touch. A 3-car garage completes this home!

3730 W Memorial Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$550,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,168 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754352
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
With understated elegance & the perfect 5 bdrm family home, this property is located in a very friendly neighborhood of the highly sought after Anthem community. This lovely abode is located within walking dist.to a very well maintained park & close to numerous shopping centers, boutiques, delicious dining along with all the wonderful amenities Anthem has to offer: workout facilities, tennis, pickleball, swimming, waterpark, walking paths and community parks. It boasts a very popular and attractive floor plan with open vaulted ceilings with 2 bdrms downstairs and 3 bdrms upstairs. The back yard is extremely private, relaxing, has a large patio area, a privacy wall and a very cozy fire pit with bench seating. Easy to maintain landscaping. Come & build your cherished family memories here!

24098 N Wheat Road Florence, AZ 85132

$550,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,407 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755862
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning residence features a rare, massive RV garage and RV gate! Step into the backyard oasis where a sparkling pebble-tec pool awaits, framed by a beautiful travertine deck and a spacious covered patio—ideal for relaxing and entertaining. Inside, the modern home boasts sleek stainless steel appliances, island with elegant granite countertops, and a convenient walk-in pantry. Enjoy the vibrant community amenities including a playground, basketball court, and green spaces—perfect for fun weekends! Hurry before this opportunity is gone!

4443 E Camino De Cafe -- Hereford, AZ 85615

$550,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,912 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756980
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on .88 acres, surrounded by mountain and valley views. Home amenities include granite throughout, tile flooring throughout living spaces and in office, carpet in bedrooms. Spacious master bedroom, master bath includes soaking tub and spacious walk-in shower with rain glass. Large walk-in closet through bathroom. Kitchen includes all appliances. Each room installed with cable/internet, fiber throughout. Water softener attachment installed, gas grill attachment installed for future outdoor kitchen, and electrical outlet for jacuzzi spa. Ground mounted solar and garden shed included. Walled back yard with covered porch.

2236 W Aston Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85144

$550,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,560 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758921
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this beautiful well appointed home. This spacious 4 bedroom + den and 2.5 baths sit on a huge lot for outdoor entertaining. The huge kitchen has a massive island and a huge stainless built-in freezer fridge. The quartz countertops and white cabinets gives a sense of elegance which overlooks the huge great room. Plantation shutters are throughout the entire house with ceiling fans in every room. The garage is an over height 3 car tandem arrangement for that extra workshop area. There is an RV gate that leads to the backyard with sails covering the raised vegetable and flower beds. The backyard also has been pre-wired for a spa. Rainwater capture system located on the northeast corner of house and plastic storage box on west side of house does not convey with sale.

300 N Gila Springs Boulevard Unit 181 Chandler, AZ 85226

$550,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,937 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761447
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Enjoy Luxury living in this gated community. Beautiful contemporary condo that has never been lived in full time and it shows! Main level consists of a tandem garage, laundry, kitchen, dining room, family room, half bath and large patio. Second level has three nice sized bedrooms, full bath and loft area. Top floor is for the entire primary suite. Enjoy a large kitchen with stainless appliances, pantry and bar seating. The formal dining room and family room are right off the patio making it great for entertaining guests. The guest rooms on the second level are split with a bathroom in between and a loft area can be used for fitness equipment, office or quiet reading space. The primary level is a dream for condo living. The bedroom has a patio large enough for chairs and a table so you can enjoy sunrises and sunsets. Lots of storage for linens and towels that leads you to the ensuite with dual sinks, private toilet room and a massive walk in closet! This gated community has a pool, spa, basketball hoop, fenced in grass area with picnic table and ample open parking. This particular unit is on the end making you only share one wall with no one below or above you. The owners spared no expense with this unit when it came to upgrades! They literally upgraded every single option you could do! Sit on the all turf patio with cute market lights and enjoy a glass of wine while you marvel in the architecture of this community. Furniture available of separate bill of sale.

27280 S State Route 89 Highway Congress, AZ 85332

$550,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,735 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763756
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a versatile property with two parcels, totaling 1.13 acres. This unique offering features a vintage 2,735 sq ft home, once a charming restaurant. Inside, you'll find new flooring, beautiful wood-beamed ceilings, vintage posts, corbels, and period-style light fixtures, adding character to every corner. The property boasts two separate living quarters, and a guest studio making it perfect for multi-family living or rental opportunities. In addition, there's a spacious 2,100 sq ft detached metal building, ideal for vehicles, equipment, or storage. With a 30x70 ft garage door for easy access, this building offers endless possibilities. The property benefits from prime frontage on Hwy 89 and offers ample parking, making it perfect for a business venture or investment. While the main building has vintage charm and may need some TLC, it's brimming with potential. Whether you're looking for a rental income opportunity or a unique home, this property is full of possibilities!