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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3487 W Red Bird Court Tucson, AZ 85745

$550,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,017 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6714720
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience unparalleled desert luxury in this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom oasis, nestled in the serene foothills of Tucson's coveted Quail Ridge at Starr Pass. Surrounded by the opulent JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, this home combines Southwestern charm with modern elegance, offering the ultimate desert retreat. The open-concept design boasts a spacious living room with soaring ceilings and a cozy fireplace, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The chef's kitchen features granite countertops, a ceiling-height backsplash, GE Café stainless steel appliances, and a top-of-the-line Viking range. The master suite is a sanctuary with a walk-in closet and a lavish ensuite bathroom, complete with dual sinks, a soaking tub, and a separate shower. Enjoy year-round comfort with a whole-house soft water system and reverse osmosis water filtration. The family room, with its stunning Pinon Stone fireplace, adds a touch of warmth and elegance. Step outside to your private backyard paradise, featuring a covered patio, built-in BBQ, and an electric extending patio shade to keep you cool while joying the patio. Revel in breathtaking views of the Tucson Mountains and mesmerizing desert sunsets. Exterior roll-down shutters provide added security and energy efficiency. This home also includes a two-car garage, a dedicated laundry room, and energy-efficient features throughout. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and recreational areas, with easy access to I-10. Embrace the Tucson lifestyle in this stunning desert haven schedule your viewing today and make this dream home yours!

1431 E Wood Street Phoenix, AZ 85040

$550,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
2,136 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6738358
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PRICED REDUCED TO SELL. Beautifully remodeled property with R-4 multi family residential zoning on HUGE 19,996 sq ft LOT - Endless Potential! Offering immense flexibility, this property is perfect for investors or developers looking to maximize their return, with the potential to build multiple units or houses. Modern upgrades and high- quality finishes throughout the main house. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a versatile property with significant development potential here in Phoenix.

2102 S Nancy Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,804 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736775
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Reduced to accelerate sale! Great opportunity in Cooley Station! Beautiful single level home loaded with upgrades and priced to sell! Built by Fulton Homes in 2016 and now for sale from the original owner. Home features 3 bedrooms + den space and 2 baths with 2 car garage, loads of builder upgrades like gourmet kitchen package, granite countertops and staggard tile. Stunning iron and glass entry door completes the cute front patio and the home backs to a community road so no houses behind! Cooley station is one of Gilbert's favorite destinations with Verde and Epicenter close by and easy access to San Tan Village, the 202 freeway and Mesa Gateway Airport. Large community pool and central park with pickle ball court, bocci ball and playground. Check this home out before it's gone!

2008 E Stacey Road Gilbert, AZ 85298

$550,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,959 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728969
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your beautiful home in this exclusive community! This stunning 3-bedroom plus den residence features breathtaking mountain views, three upgraded bathrooms, and a spacious three-car tandem garage. Inside, enjoy an open-concept living area, a connected kitchen with newer appliances and butlers walk-in pantry, and a versatile den perfect for an office, playroom, or can be made into a 4th bedroom. Primary suite at back of the home for privacy has expanded walk in shower and closet. Step outside to a beautifully landscaped yard and expansive paver patio, ideal for entertaining. Community amenities include parks and walking trails, fostering a vibrant atmosphere.... Special Incentive for the right buyer!!

1010 W Olson Trail Huachuca City, AZ 85616

$550,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
4,323 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6671963
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Custom Site Built Home with gorgeous mountain views all around. Complete with 9 acres. 4,300 sq/feet, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms,Spacious Kitchen, Game/Media Room,Workshop,Full RV hookups,she- shed and a separate yard shed for all your lawn tools. Easy drive to Tucson, Close to the Sonoita Wineries, Tombstone, Bisbee, and Sierra Vista, this could be the place for you!

27036 W Sequoia Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$550,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,998 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6774218
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEWLY REMODELED PRESERVE with OWNED SOLAR and WALLED LOT and FURNISHED! You'll fall in love the moment you walk through the door. This home features new wood-grain tile & carpet throughout, fresh interior paint & baseboards. Enjoy a custom-built media wall, new light fixtures, custom drapery & plantation shutters. The living room has a center slider door that enhances the space. The master bath boasts a floor-to-ceiling tile shower. In the kitchen, you'll find S/S appliances, a new microwave, quartz countertops, backsplash & under-counter lighting. The newly remodeled backyard offers beautiful landscaping and turf, an extended travertine patio with a BBQ & Blackstone. Epoxy, storage, sink & workbench in the garage. THIS HOME IS A GEM!

2417 W Gambit Trail Phoenix, AZ 85085

$550,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,045 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758138
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
AMAZING REMODELED HOME! MOVE IN TODAY! 4BD/2.5BA Brand New flooring throughout the entire home! Brand new, stainless steel appliances! New AC, New, fresh interior paint. Priced to Sell! This one won't last!

10923 W Escuda Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,246 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733296
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow, Look Honey, they just dropped the price on this Beautiful Lakefront Home in Ventana Lakes 55+ Community. It has everything you want, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an Office, 3 car garage, 2 living spaces and an open concept home. Assumable Solar loan of Purchased system with Seller contributing $20,000 toward the loan balance at close of escrow. You will enjoy the morning sunrises as well as the evening sunsets from your lakefront backyard. Ventana Lakes is one of Peoria's premier 55+ communities. The community features 9 lakes, some with waterfalls, and great catch and release fishing. 4 community pools and spas, recreation and fitness rooms, billiards, fine arts, crafts and quilting rooms, handball, pickleball and tennis courts. Bingo games and more.

2301 E Binner Drive Chandler, AZ 85225

$550,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,049 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774320
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Absolutely gorgeous 4 bedroom home with a 3-car garage in Dobson Place! Highly upgraded carpet in the living room, and LVP floors everywhere else! 4th bedroom has a closet and double French doors--makes the perfect home office! Lovely island kitchen with oversized cabinets, pendant lighting, stainless appliances! EXTENDED 3-car garage with 220! Private, grassy backyard. Terrific neighborhood with large grass park nearby--great schools (BASIS is right down the street), shopping close by, near the 202! Hurry to this one!

20063 N 98th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$550,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,858 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747446
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BLACK FRIDAY BLOW OUT PROMOTION!! Submit the Black Friday Coupon in the documents tab with your offer to receive $15,000 off the listed price!! All written offers must be submitted with the coupon by 11:59 pm on Sunday, December 1st to receive this promotion. NO EXCEPTIONS! UPDATED PRICE!!! RARE REMODELED HOME IN WESTBROOK VILLAGE! Beautifully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home with 1,858 sq. ft. of living space. Owners spent over $165,000+ on the remodel (see documents tab for breakdown of costs). Step inside to a bright and open great-room living area featuring vaulted ceilings, gorgeous electric fireplace and luxury vinyl plank flooring. The elegant kitchen boasts a mixture of quartz slab counters on the perimeter & slate gray granite countertops on the island. These perfectly compliment the upgraded cabinets & SS Kitchen Aid appliance package purchased recently in 2023. There is also a huge breakfast room area just off the kitchen perfect for everyday meals. The primary bedroom is carpeted, providing a warm and comfortable retreat, and features its own bathroom with double sinks, a full bath, private toilet room, and a separate shower & tub, offering a touch of luxury and convenience. The secondary bathroom has been updated to a stylish 3/4 bath with a walk-in shower, remodeled in 2023. The laundry room may be one of the nicest rooms in the house as this was expanded and remodeled to provide plenty of countertop space, a sink, and cabinets to make laundry fun again! Step outside to the backyard, where you'll find a covered patio, desert landscaping, mature landscaping, synthetic grass, and a new irrigation system installed in 2023perfect for outdoor entertaining and convenience. This is a true LOCK & LEAVE HOUSE that also includes 2 garage spaces and is part of a vibrant community with countless amenities such as a biking/walking path, clubhouse/rec room, tennis courts, community media room, heated pool and spa, golf course, and workout facility. Don't miss your chance to own this move-in ready gem in a fantastic community!

9345 W Pasadena Avenue Glendale, AZ 85305

$550,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,136 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6690752
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PRICE REDUCTION ....This stunning two-story property exudes charm and elegance from the moment you arrive! You'll be greeted by a meticulously manicured front yard and pull into the spacious two-car garage with extension for a 3rd car.Upstairs you will fine the large master suite featuring a bonus room can be a living room or baby room. Also has a large family room.Spacious gourmet kitchen with island, granite countertops and a large pantry. The property is in a fantastic location near restaurants, shopping, and easy access to the freeway. This is a formal model home with lots of upgrades.SELLER IS MOTIVATED.

3920 E Tonto Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,152 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763663
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**Your Dream Home Awaits in Ahwatukee!** Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the heart of Ahwatukee. With an abundance of natural light, the spacious floor plan creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of space for culinary adventures. ALL new Andersen Windows. Step outside to a **spacious yard** complete with a **generous swimming pool**, perfect for entertaining or enjoying Arizona's beautiful weather. The yard offers plenty of space for relaxation and outdoor activities, making it an ideal retreat. Enjoy the perfect blend of style and comfort in every corner of this home. Spacious bedrooms and modern bathrooms complete the package. Don't hesitate, this one will go fas