What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 11, 2016

Whats Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week April 27 2015Last week’s economic news included minutes from the most recent meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) along with several reports on private and public sector employment and the national unemployment rate. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

FOMC Minutes: Committee Closely Monitoring Economic Developments

The minutes of June’s FOMC meeting indicate that Fed policymakers continue to be cautious based on low inflation and close review of domestic and global economic developments. Committee members acknowledged improvements in the housing market, but also noted that annual inflation remains below the Fed’s two percent goal. Low inflation and wage growth presented obstacles to would-be home buyers who continued to face rapidly rising home prices and low inventories of available homes. FOMC members voted not to increase the current target federal funds rate of 0.25 to 0.50 percent.

FOMC’s June meeting occurred before Great Britain’s decision to leave the EU, which created volatility in financial markets and caused mortgage rates to drop.

Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Fall

Freddie Mac reported an across-the-board drop in average mortgage rates last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell by seven basis points to 3.41 percent and the rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 2.74 percent. Rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate averaged 2.68 percent. Discount points were unchanged at 0.50, 0.40 and 0.50 percent respectively.

New jobless claims were decreased to a three-month low of 254,000 as compared to expectations of 265,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 270,000 new claims. New jobless claims were higher after the end of the school year, when some school workers became eligible for benefits when schools closed for summer break.

Job Creation Jumps After May Lull

Non-farm payrolls expanded significantly in June after May’s sharp drop. 287,000 jobs were created in June as compared to expectations of 173,000 new jobs and May’s dismal reading of 11,000 new jobs. The non-farm payrolls report includes readings for public and private sector jobs. June’s ADP payrolls report measures private-sector jobs; June’s reading surpassed May’s reading of 168,000 jobs with 172,000 new jobs.

In related news, the Commerce Department reported that national unemployment increased from May’s reading of 4.80 to 4.90 percent. Analysts said that this uptick may not be bad news, but instead indicated an expanding workforce. Unemployment readings are based on the number of workers seeking work and don’t include workers who have left the workforce.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic releases include the Consumer Price Index, Core CPI, retail sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released.

1539 W Mulberry Drive Phoenix, AZ 85015

$630,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Truman Terrace, Phoenix
New
$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,848 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785229
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Alert! - Historic Home Lovers - Own in a sought after North Encanto neighborhood. This 1940's brick stunner in Truman Terrace has all the right updates while maintaining its unique characteristics and quaint, subtle charm. Split primary bedroom has plenty of natural light. Large and lush backyard with a covered patio designed for parties. Need parking? Got you covered with a two car garage and a carport. Additional hideaway-like patio off secondary bedroom. Living room AND family room for that extra needed space. The kitchen has plenty of prep area, gas cooking, pantry, and still holds it's original charm while lacking the cramped feels of some older homes. Secondary bedrooms are both roomy, Charmingly updated hall bathroom. Additional garden storage space and walk in tool shed out back.

5966 W Aurora Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$630,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,676 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6679878
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Freshly Painted!! Amazing 4-bed, 3-bath home in the highly sought-after Arrowhead Ranch New Legends Community! Come inside to a graceful entryway, a dramatic spiral staircase, & elegant chandeliers. Hardwood floors, high ceilings & plantation shutters. accentuate the formal dining/living room. Gas fireplaces in the family room & loft for make those cozy memories with the family magical. Kitchen has built-in appliances, a center island, and a breakfast bar with granite counters . The spacious master bedroom boasts high vaulted ceilings, & the master bath w/dual sinks, seperate tub and shower & walk-in closet. Bedroom & bathroom downstairs convienience for the guests! Peaceful backyard offers a covered patio, and shade trees.

6565 E Thomas Road Unit 1119 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,569 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6720107
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Modernly remodeled, newer built townhome IN the HEART of it all AND has it all! 3 beds, 2 baths, an open, split floorplan, elegant white marble-tile throughout, it has an entertainers delight kind-of-feel w/ a grand kitchen, extra wide island & sink, stunning white/gray/black granite countertops, classic gray tiled backsplash & flat white wood cabinetry. Light & bright with updated lighting, crystal chandeliers & ceiling fans in every room. Chill outside on your 2 private balconies, keep 2 cars cool in your garage. Diamante is a gated community with a huge sparkling pool- heated in the wintertime & always hot jacuzzi. Close to Old Town Scottsdale restaurants, bars & shopping, airport, 3 major freeways, golf, hiking mountains, Spring Training, Phx Open, Barrett Jackson & other AZ events.

2677 E Ficus Way Gilbert, AZ 85298

$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,249 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742444
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
. Welcome to your new oasis in Gilbert! This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is perfectly situated near the serene Gilbert Regional Park, offering both tranquility and convenience. As you step inside, you're greeted by light-filled, spacious rooms featuring plantation shutters.The perfect floor plan includes a formal living room, dining room, and a separate den. You'll love entertaining in the open-concept island kitchen, a gas stove, and an inviting family room that overlooks a serene patio. The patio, with pavers and mature professional landscaping, includes a built-in gas BBQ, making it ideal for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings.The spacious master suite is a peaceful retreat. some photos are virtually staged!

6565 E Thomas Road Unit 1041 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,548 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754945
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Discover your dream condo with both luxury and convenience in the sought-after gated Diamante Community in Scottsdale! This spacious 3-bed, 2-bath home offers 1,548 square feet of open living space with a desirable split floor plan. The living room provides stunning, unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain, perfect for enjoying Arizona's beautiful sunsets. The updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite countertops while the primary suite includes a walk-in closet for ample storage. This unit includes a 2-car attached garage and access to community amenities, including a pool and BBQ areas. Ideally located in between Old Town Scottsdale (2 mi), Camelback Mountain (3 mi), Arcadia (1 mi), the Arizona Biltmore (6 mi), ASU (4 mi), & Sky Harbor International Airport (5 mi)

10489 E Topaz Circle Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$630,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,041 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6754335
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fantastic location for 55+ adult community patio home in Scottsdale Ranch. Great corner lot, all 1 level, great bones, wonderful opportunity to customize to your preferences for this spacious 2 bedroom plus den home. Community amenities include heated pools, tennis courts and close proximity to Scottsdale Senior Center.

2583 S Quaintance Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$630,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,862 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774352
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous home in the sought-after Cooley Ranch community! This light & bright home with soaring ceilings offers an open concept floor plan, neutral pallet, wood-look tile flooring, recessed lighting, & sleek modern finishes throughout. The gourmet kitchen boasts granite counters, a gas stovetop, top-notch stainless steel appliances, RO System, & a walk-in pantry. Unwind in your primary retreat boasting an impressive bath with dual vanities & a walk-in shower. Enjoy AZ living in your updated backyard with a covered patio, pavers & synthetic grass. 2-car garage & tankless water heater. You'll love this private community with amenities like biking paths, pool, rec center, sports courts, & more. Prime Gilbert location with quick access to highways, schools, shopping & dining!

26207 N 47th Place Phoenix, AZ 85050

$630,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,359 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773215
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!! Seller has drastically reduced the price for an exceptional deal!!! Welcome home to gorgeous Tatum Highlands, located about 4 miles north of Desert Ridge Marketplace! Paradise Valley School District! This home has been maintained and cared for impeccably. Enjoy the views from the walk out balcony off the extra large primary bedroom. Beautiful bamboo wood and tile floors throughout! Laundry room is conveniently located upstairs on same level as the bedrooms! Beautiful double French Doors lead out to the backyard. No home behind you! This cul-de-sac home is ready to be YOUR HOME! A must see!

1458 E Black Diamond Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$629,999
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,185 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780772
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller Concessions Available! Welcome to 1458 E Black Diamond! This spacious 3 Bed, 3 Bath home includes a 2-car GARAGE and a high VAULTED ceiling in the main living area. Tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, new carpet upstairs, granite countertops, ceiling fans, NEWER appliances, Washer/Dryer Hookups, and more! Huge master bedroom, bonus room, and FRESH PAINT. Outside - a larger than usual CORNER LOT with a HUGE backyard, fruit trees, and desert landscaping. PAID-OFF SOLAR at close! Nearby - you're within walking distance to multiple parks, Fry's, and Home Depot (3 mins); Gilbert Riparian Reserve, Cosmo Dog Park, Costco (7 mins); Downtown Chandler and San Tan Village (12 mins); golf courses; and have easy access to Loop 202.

17375 N 10th Street Phoenix, AZ 85022

$629,999
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,610 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6766700
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Take pride in residing in this highly upgraded home in Villas at Trellis! Appealing interior boasts clean lines that promote a modern feel! Abundant natural light graces the open floor plan paired w/hardwood flooring, crown moulding, surround sound, & wide sliding glass doors to the back patio. Lovely kitchen provides recessed & pendant lighting, SS appliances, ample cabinetry, subway tile backsplash, a pantry, & a butcher block prep island w/a breakfast bar. Make the flexible den & loft a study or TV area. HUGE main retreat offers plush carpet & an ensuite comprised of two vanities, make-up desk, large shower w/a drying area, & a walk-in closet. Fabulous backyard comes w/a covered patio perfect for relaxing or throwing a barbecue and enough space for fun get-togethers. Don't miss it!

7833 E Obispo Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$629,998
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,532 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6775630
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEWLY RENOVATED ON A MASSIVE CORNER LOT! Home features 4 beds + a dedicated office space perfect for working from home and 2 full baths. A newly renovated kitchen with modern finishes! Oversized primary bedroom with completely remodeled bathroom! 12,000+ square foot lot with beautiful surrounding views and a sparkling pool! New interior and exterior paint! So many recent upgrades, come see it today because it won't last long!

21711 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$629,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,510 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702803
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Light Sky Ranch and the Dominic plan. This single level, 2510 square foot home boasts an open, inviting layout for entertaining. At the heart of the home is a spacious great room that flows into a sunny kitchen with a center island, dual walk-in pantries and an inviting breakfast nook, opening to the covered patio. A luxurious primary suite features an immense walk-in closet and attached bath with double sinks, and a luxurious separate tub and shower. With two additional bedrooms and a teen room, two and a half baths, and a dedicated study, the home offer plenty of space for privacy as well. Outside, a single-car garage and a 2-car garage offer ample storage for vehicles, outdoor gear, and more. With amenities such as a tankless water heater for efficiency and a charming paver driveway, this home seamlessly blends convenience with sophistication.