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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27709 N 23rd Drive Phoenix, AZ 85085

$550,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,045 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776809
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom residence situated in Dynamite Mountain Ranch! Tastefully renewed interior features tile flooring, fresh neutral palette, and soaring ceilings in the harmonious living & dining room. HUGE great room bathes in abundant natural light & seamlessly connects to the back patio through sliding glass doors. The kitchen comes complete with recessed lighting, built-in appliances, a center island with a breakfast bar, granite counters, recessed lighting, and plenty of cabinetry topped with crown moulding. Spacious main retreat boasts plush carpet, vaulted ceilings, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Easy-care backyard has a covered patio where you can enjoy peaceful mornings or relaxing evenings. This urn-key gem is ready to be called home!

2423 E Pony Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,906 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779360
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move in ready, clean, bright 3BR, 2BA with designer touches and extended 2 car garage. Large lot size with private bacyard. All new windows, security door, newer A/C and all appliances included. Newly updated bathrooms. Great location and close to shopping, highways, schools etc.

1505 W Lynwood Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,420 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777036
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in central Phoenix combines classic appeal with modern amenities. The spacious living area features natural light and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings. The well-equipped kitchen offers updated appliances and ample storage. Each bedroom provides a comfortable retreat, while the bathrooms are tastefully designed for convenience. The backyard is a delightful outdoor space, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. With its prime location, this home is just minutes from local shops, parks, and dining, making it a perfect choice for both families and professionals.

2349 W Del Campo Circle Mesa, AZ 85202

$550,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,586 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779561
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Very nice home, Includes 3 bedrooms plus a small room and 2 bathrooms, current owner has kept this home in a very good shape, Master bedrooms has an addition. Lots of kitchen cabinets, tile flooring through out, a big grassed back yard perfect for entertaining, 2 car garage, RV gate, with a RV parking place. Close to City of Tempe, I-101, I-202 & I-60 freeways, ASU and restaurants.

4533 N 93rd Glen Phoenix, AZ 85037

$550,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,590 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778859
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Elegant 4 bed 3 bath home- enter a grand tower the hallway accentuated with high ceilings and doors. The Great room has a gorgeous 4 panel sliding door, eat-in dining, entertainment and kitchen. Huge granite island with breakfast bar. Shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances w/ gas range. Split bedroom layout, the master features a nice sliding barn door, walk in sized ensuite, his/her sinks, and a walk in closet. The back is landscaped with pavers and artificial turf. Gated community-minutes from loop 101, Westgate district and AZ Cardinals Stadium.

619 W Winchester Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$550,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,565 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782619
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Look no further! This wonderful home has it all in the new Haven Community of Chandler. Be welcomed by the bright living room w/recessed lighting, wood tile plank floor in all the right places, & a side patio. Fantastic family room filled w/natural light w/ balcony access where you can enjoy your morning coffee. Magazine cover kitchen showcases a plethora of white cabinets w/crown molding, upgraded counters, SS appliances, pantry, & pendant lights over the center island. The den is ideal flex space for an office or a teen room. Owner's retreat enjoys a luxurious ensuite w/dual sinks, & a walk-in closet. Relax in the perfectly sized backyard w/paver patio, and grass turf.

21019 N Totem Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$550,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,322 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782057
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is the perfect retirement haven you've been looking for! Situated on a HUGE lot in a cul-de-sac, this beautiful home offers 3 beds, 3 baths, a 2-car garage, & a desert landscape. Home exudes refined style with tons of natural light, recessed lighting, neutral paint, and wood-look TILE flooring t/out. You'll surely love the perfectly flowing living & dining room! The kitchen boasts black SS appliances, tile counters, ample cabinetry, a breakfast bar, & a cozy nook. But the true highlight is the two identical split main bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet, full bathroom, and sliding doors to separate patios. Want MORE? The attached CASITA provides so much possibilities! It includes the 3rd bedroom, a bathroom, and a spacious living/dining/den space - or transform it into a hobby room. Laundry room with storage closets for added convenience. Discover the expansive backyard with fruit trees and an open patio to relax while enjoying BBQ! Located in the 55+ Sun City West, providing a resort-style lifestyle with four recreation centers featuring pools, fitness facilities, and craft studios, plus seven golf courses, including private & public options. Residents also enjoy a variety of clubs, tennis & pickleball courts, and a year-round social calendar of events & performances, all set amid scenic walking & biking trails. What a RARE find! Make this gem yours! New roof 2019, New primary A/C 2022 2nd A/C 2016, New Redwood Gate 2022, New exterior paint 2023, New back patio cover 2023, New pavers 2023, New landscape trees 2022, New Sun screen throughout 2021, New valves & Timer at irrigation 2022, New garage door opener and key pad 2022, New landscape granite 2024, New exterior light fixtures 2022, New Gutters front and Back 2024, New fans and switch 2021, New 5 inch recessed lights 2021, Removed popcorn ceiling 2021, Fresh paint throughout 2024, New porcelain tile and base throughout, Epoxy paint in garage 2021, New storage cabinet in Laundry rm 2023, 3 NEW Kholer toilets 2021, New sinks 2021, New water valves 2021, New Hunter Douglas window coverings 2021, New bathroom vanity 2&3, Fan in garage, Dimmer switches, Tile wains coat at kitchen & bath

20823 S 185th Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$550,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,051 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782864
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
What a gorgeous home with no neighbors behind! The layout was thoughtfully designed with a formal living and dining room, a sizable den, two ample bedrooms, and an open family room adjacent to the kitchen. Durable tile flooring in the main areas, neutral paint, and abundant natural light. Open-concept kitchen showcases a pantry, a center island with a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and maple cabinetry. Discover a bright primary bedroom offering enough space for all your furniture, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a jetted tub, step-in shower, and dual sink vanity. Both bedrooms are carpeted for extra comfort! The garage has a window A/C unit, ceiling fans, and multiple outlets. In the backyard, relax under the covered patio, green grass, or sparkling pool. Move-in ready!!

15818 W Mercer Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$550,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,846 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783386
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this beautiful split single level home in Greer Ranch. Four bedrooms plus a den! The home boasts a neutral color paint scheme and fresh interior paint. The kitchen is a cook's dream with all stainless steel appliances, a kitchen island. The primary bedroom features a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with double sinks, as well as a separate tub and shower for ultimate relaxation. The covered patio overlooks a fenced-in backyard with a private in-ground pool, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet evening. New carpet installed. This property is a must-see for those seeking a blend of comfort and style.

855 S Henry Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$550,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,467 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784845
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Custom kitchen white cabinetry w/door hardware, backsplash, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, breakfast bar & RO system*Office w/cabinets & drawers with glass w/whiteboard backsplash to take notes as well as a black tiled accent wall*French doors to main suite offering diagonal wood floors, stone tile accent wall, W-I closet w/custom shelves, highly upgraded bathroom featuring basket weave tile pattern backsplash, high end cabinetry, glass sinks under sink lighting, jet tub, tiled glass shower*Flush mounted speakers*Large laundry room w/ample amount of cabinetry*Molding around doors/windows*Iron railing staircase*Elegant lighting throughout*Shutters throughout*Freshly painted interior*Elegant glass front door*Formal dining w/custom tray ceiling* 200 SF climate controlled bonus room w/surround sound(3rd car garage has been converted into bonus room*) Easy access to San Tan Village, the 202 freeway & Mesa Gateway Airport ASU Polytechnic campus, Hospital, Topgolf, shopping, desert sky regional Park, golf*MaryLou Fulton Aquatic Center, free of charge to Cooley Station residents! Enjoy barbecuing, basketball, swimming and a state-of-the-art play park!

9021 W Wild Turkey Lane Strawberry, AZ 85544

$550,000
3 Beds
1.5 Baths
1,100 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6724129
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Bring your horses! Bring your toys! Bring your RV & camper! Bring your pets! Bring your family & friends! Plenty of room for everything on this .47 acre property. Enjoy as much outside living space as inside space. This 3 bedroom home exudes charm, character and the sense of being in a mountain cabin. Nestle among the tall pines, the 1100 sq ft deck is the perfect place to gather family & friends. The deck includes 220W electrical for the addition of a hot tub. To top it off, there is a fenced area for your furry friends. This cabin has been lovingly maintained and upgraded with the following: Underground utilities with a new electrical panel, newer HVAC with upgraded and insulated ductwork, entire house is insulated underneath, tankless water heater, deck flooring is designed to be fireproof and maintenance free. The carport has ample space for toys, storage or could be converted to a workshop. This cabin is turnkey and waiting for you.

10881 W Carlota Lane Sun City, AZ 85373

$550,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,602 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6749966
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home to Deer Valley Ranch! Not Age Restricted & No HOA! This spacious 4-bed, 3-bath gem sits on a corner lot with perfect North/South exposure, providing abundant natural light throughout the 2602 square feet. Complete with 2 RV gates & RV parking, RV plug, water hook up, & sewer cleanout. This home is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The leased solar system ensures energy efficiency, cozy fireplace in the family room & newer AC units add to your year-round comfort. Notable features include tastefully updated bathrooms, wood-look tile flooring, & an oversized patio off the primary bedroom. The convenient guest suite downstairs adds versatility to your living space. Just 30 minutes from Lake Pleasant, this location is a paradise for water lovers. Original Owners & Pride of Ownership.