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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20034 N 273rd Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$550,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,478 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765303
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
ENDEAVOR MODEL WITH A SPOOL ON A LARGE CORNER LOT! 2,478 sq. ft. of living space. 3 Bedroom, Flex Room, & 2.5 bath. Main living areas feature wood floors! Great Room fireplace, floor outlet, & SS speakers. Kitchen w\ Quartz counters, soft close drawers & cabinets, glide-out shelves, center island, large walk-in pantry, & R.O. system. Owners' Suite w\door to patio, power blinds, low threshold tiled shower w\glass door & seat, dual sinks, toilet room & large walk-in closet. 2 Guest bedrooms are adjoined by a Jack & Jill bathroom, w/a tiled shower & seat, perfect for guests! Hallway bath w/pedestal sink. Laundry room with sink. 4 ft Extended Garage with water softener & overhead storage. Private walled backyard w\ext Kool Deck & paver patio, spool w\water feature, roller shades & SS speaker

2130 Remington Drive Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

$550,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,247 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764103
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning 4-bed, 2-bath home! This spacious home features a semi-open floor plan, perfect for entertaining. The home includes large energy efficient windows allowing plenty of natural light throughout. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances and a center island, perfect for gatherings. The master suite offers a tranquil retreat including an en-suite bathroom featuring a soaking tub, dual vanities, and a walk-in closet. Step outside to your private oasis! Enjoy your own sparkling in-ground pool and spa, perfect for year-round fun. Relax under the covered patio which features two automated shades. The backyard includes low maintenance lush landscaping and lawn all completely irrigated.

16222 N 161st Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

$550,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,166 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766768
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Cul de sac home, updated from top to bottom, including the heated pool. On top of that, an outdoor kitchen with pizza oven! Backyard paradise with fruit trees, grape vines, hydroponic system and huge covered patio. Sunny kitchen eat-in kitchen is open to family/great room and has beautiful granite counters, island, an added coffee bar, lots of cabinets, counter space and pantry. Large living/dining room with flex space, a guest bedroom, full bath and laundry room round out the lower level. Upstairs, a large primary suite with walk-in closet, dual sinks, separate tub and shower. Two ample bedrooms with Jack and Jill bath. Solar system with low monthly loan payment means low energy costs overall. Close to great shopping, dining, spring training and Loop 303. This home has everything!

560 S 197th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$550,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,369 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767143
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence combines rustic charm with modern luxury. With captivating beamed ceilings and breathtaking mountain views, you'll experience tranquility just minutes from major retail areas. The four well-appointed bedrooms provide ample space for family and guests, each with large windows that let in plenty of light The spacious gourmet kitchen features a high-end gas range and elegant tile floors. Cozy evenings await in the living room, where large windows flood the space with natural light. This home offers a paid off solar system and great savings. Step outside to a covered patio perfect for entertaining, complete with a gas fire pit for cozy nights. Golf enthusiasts will love the three mini putting greens.

47435 N Meander Road New River, AZ 85087

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767323
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HORSE PROPERTY: This unique New River property offers 98% usable flat land and is one of the best horse properties in the area. Offering a 96x48 ft lasered sand TURNOUT with a 16 ft swing gate, a second TURNOUT 48x48, a 48x-16 shed row stall covered with water and fans, a 12x10 tack room with exterior power, water, and plenty of room for additional stalls. Bridle paths/recreational trails are just steps away. The property is a quarter mile from Asphalt with easy in and out access roads. Welcome to Country Living, just outside of the city limits. Fall in love with the interior Country-Western motif, with wood-like tile and high-end laminate flooring throughout. There is a spacious great room with vaulted ceilings, a cozy kitchen with ample cabinets, counter space, a gas stove a beautiful copper farmhouse sink. 3 Large bedrooms w/walk-in closets, updated bathrooms and indoor laundry room offering tons of storage and a large sink. Covered back patio and a 32x15 cement patio, covered dog run that is snake and critter proof. 2 car garage with AC, Property is a quarter mile off of Asphalt with easy in and out access roads. NOT IN A FLOOD ZONE!!!

11352 E Starkey Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,234 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769404
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous 3 bedroom home presents wonderful curb appeal with paver walkway and meticulous landscaping and 2 car garage. Front room offers a formal living room and a seating area for relaxing. Great room layout encompasses the family room with gas fireplace, kitchen and dining area. Open chef's kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, pantry, tons of cabinet/counter space and a breakfast bar. Escape to the master suite featuring large window seat and walk-in close. Spa like master bathroom boasts dual vanities, large garden tub, tiled walk-in shower with a seat and a second walk-in closet. Step out back onto the extended covered, paver patio to enjoy the beautiful, tropical-like backyard featuring artificial grass and lush landscaping providing extra shade. A true oasis!

11083 W Burnett Road Sun City, AZ 85373

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,034 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769241
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**HUGE PRIVATE RESORT STYLE BACKYARD** WITH STUNNING **SALTWATER POOL** GAZEBO** THIS ONE HAS IT ALL** BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED** WOOD LOOK TILE FLOORING** UPGRADES EVERYWHERE** NEW APPLIANCES** GAS STOVE** NEW WINDOWS** NEW AC-2 years** PLANTATION SHUTTERS** WATER SOFTENER** MURPHY BED IN GUEST ROOM** NEWER WATER HEATER **GIGANTIC SUN ROOM WITH AC NOT INCLUDED IN SQ FOOTAGE **OWNED SOLAR MEANS NEXT TO NOTHING UTILITY BILLS**HIGHLY ACCLAIMED 55+ COMMUNITY **WITH 30 ACRES OF WINDING FULLY STOCKED LAKES** NON-MOTORIZED BOAT RECREATION **FOUR CLUBHOUSES **COMMUNITY POOLS **PLETHORA OF CLUBS AND GROUPS** SPORT COURTS **MOVE RIGHT IN AND LIVE THE LIFE YOU HAVE DREAMED!**

18429 W Robin Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$550,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,989 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774539
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 4 bed + den, 2.5 bath RV GARAGE home in Surprise's North Copper Canyon. The original owners upgraded just about everything, including extending the attached RV garage to 48 FEET! The designer kitchen includes upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an apron sink, a giant island with loads of storage, and a walk-in pantry! Wood-look tile floors flow throughout the open floor plan, with plush carpet in the bedrooms. The primary bathroom includes double sinks, a walk-in shower, and a large walk-in closet. RV garage is 48 feet long, 14' Tall Front door and includes a 10' garage door leading to the backyard. There is also an RV gate for additional toy parking! The backyard has a gorgeous fully covered pergola with cafe lights perfect for entertaining!

2978 Glenview Drive Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$550,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,373 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774663
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is a beautifully remodeled home in Winterhaven that is totally handicap accessible to include zero entry, pocket doors, special shower with seat and high toilet, and tile floors throughout the home. The completely remodeled kitchen includes a counter with sink that raises and lowers by motor and makes the perfect prep station. You'll find all new tile floors, new windows, remodeled kitchen custom cherry cabinets and granite counters, along with high end appliances, automated window coverings, new HVAC, water treatment system, new tile roof and owned solar system. There's a water feature out back along with a covered patio, built in grill, astroturf for the puppies to play, established landscaping and an awesome view of both the golf course and Huachuca Mtns. This is a Beauty!

2303 S 337th Avenue Tonopah, AZ 85354

$550,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,200 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776063
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Coming Soon! A stunning, to-be-built home awaits! This brand-new 4 bed, 3 bath residence features not one but two master bedrooms and comes complete with an RV garage . Set on over an acre of horse property, this split-floor plan gem offers a perfect blend of modern upgrades and convenience, all just 7 minutes from the freeway. NO HOA.

11002 W Holly Street Avondale, AZ 85392

$550,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,569 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777931
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BEAUTIFUL TRI-LEVEL HOME IN CRYSTAL GARDENS! THIS HOMES MAIN LEVEL FEATURES LIVING/DINING ROOM * LARGE EAT IN KITCHEN WITH ISLAND, PANTRY,UPGRADED CABINETS, GRANITE COUNTER TOPS AND BACK SPLASH, INSET LIGHTING. THE KITCHEN OVERLOOKS THE FAMILY ROOM. LOWER LEVEL HAS POWDER ROOM, LAUNDRY ROOM WITH CABINETS AND EXIT TO 3 CAR GARAGE PLUS A WATER SOFTENER. UPPER LEVEL HAS LAMINATE FLOORS THROUGHOUT. THE PRIMARY SUITE HAS A SEPARATE SHOWER AND TUB, DOUBLE SINKS, PRIVATE TOILET ROOM, WALK IN CLOSET WITH BUILT IN CLOSET ORGANIZER. THE HUGE BACKYARD IS PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING WITH MATURE LANDSCAPING GAZEBO, SPARKLING POOL, SPORT COURT, RV GATE AND MUCH MUCH MORE! YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS HOME TO APPRECIATE ! MOVE IN READY! TOO MANY UPGRADES TO MENTION.

41581 W Somerset Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$550,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,521 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775776
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2-car garage home is located in the sought-after Glennwilde community in Maricopa. The home has two floors and covers 2521 SqFt of space. **It features a solar system, a large pool, a heated spa, and a low-maintenance backyard with artificial turf and citrus trees. *The kitchen has granite countertops and the flooring is laminate plank throughout. The windows in the home was replaced with low energy has Solar The Glennwilde community also offers two heated pools for your enjoyment the home is close to Pacana Park with its amenities. Dog Park, Playground, Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, Fishing Pond, etc.