What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 25, 2016

Housing Starts, Building Permits Issued Rise

Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued were released Tuesday. Housing starts rose to 1.189 million in June against expectations of 1.165 million starts and May’s downwardly revised reading of 1.135 million starts, Housing starts rose by 4.80 percent on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. This is good news for housing markets, but analysts said that demand for homes continued to exceed available supplies.

Building permits issued also rose in June to 1.53 million as compared to May’s reading of 1.136 million permits issued.

Existing Home Sales Increase: National Association of Realtors®

Sales of previously-owned homes rose three percent year-over-year and reached their highest level since February 2007 in June. Existing home sales rose by 1.10 percent in June to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million sales. Analysts forecasted a reading of 5.48 million sales of pre-owned homes based on May’s reading of 5.51 million sales.

Analysts said that first-time home buyers are returning to housing markets and helped boost June sales and cited changing buyer demographics that suggest a return to owner-occupant home sales. First-time buyers accounted for 33 percent of pre-owned home sales in July, which was their highest reading since 2012. First-time buyers are important to housing markets as their purchases of existing homes enable current homeowners to sell their homes to buy larger homes or to relocate.

Mortgage Rates Rise, New Jobless Claims Fall

Mortgage rates rose across the board last week according to Freddie Mac’s weekly report. Rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 3.45 percent, which was three basis points higher. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage also rose three basis points to 2.75 percent; rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage averaged 2.78 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed-rate mortgage and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

New jobless claims sustained their streak and fell last week to 253,000 against predictions of 260,000 new claims filed and the prior week’s reading of 254,000 new claims filed. Analysts hailed declining jobless claims as a strong indicator that the economy and labor markets continue to improve. New jobless claims have remained below the key reading of 300,000 for 73 weeks. The four-week rolling average of new jobless claims fell by 1250 claims to 257,750. This reading is considered less volatile than week-to-week readings and offers evidence of steady improvements in labor markets.

What’s Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic news includes the S&P Case-Shiller Housing Market Index, readings on new and pending home sales and the FOMC committee’s post-meeting statement on Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions. Analysts widely expect the Fed to hold firm on its current federal funds rate of 0.25 to 0.50 percent.

Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released along with a reading on consumer confidence.

22427 E Oriole Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$643,645
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,951 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767276
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BEAUTIFUL GREAT ROOM HOME THAT IS READY TO MOVE IN! FULLY LANDSCAPED FRONT AND BACK, WITH ARTIFICIAL TURF AND PERGOLA IN THE BACKYARD. 3 BEDROOM , 2.5 BATH, 3 CAR GARAGE. BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT FINISHES, PLANK TILE FLOORING EVERYWHERE EXCEPT BEDROOMS, GRANITE TOPS, TILE BACKSPLASH, SPA SHOWER IN MAIN BATH, INCLUDES WINDOW COVERINGS , CEILING FANS,, GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER ENERGY STAR RATED,, ETC.! . ALL THIS IN THE NEW PREMIER MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY, LOCATED IN QUEEN CREEK. FEATURING A 22 ACRE LAKE, THAT IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE COMMUNITY. KAYAKING, CANOEING, AQUATIC CENTER WITH LAP AND SPORT POOL, SPLASH PAD, BOCCE BALL, PICKLE BALL. BOARDWALKS AND RAMADAS AROUND THE LAKE AND MUCH MORE...KATHERINE MECHAM BARNEY SCHOOL IN THE COMMUNITY.

24393 N 169th Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$643,500
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,862 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759147
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**NEXT GEN HOME BY LENNAR GIVES YOU 2 HOMES IN 1!** Immaculate home we know you are going to love. The first thing you'll notice is the fantastic curb appeal & great landscaping. This gem has 3 bedrooms & 2 baths in the main home & a casita with its own entrance, living room, kitchen, bedroom, laundry, & bath. The main house has an open floor plan with a huge living room. The kitchen offers island with breakfast bar, granite countertops, pantry, contemporary cabinets, & stainless steel appliances. Spacious bedrooms, neutral color paint, and wood-like tile flooring through the main living areas. Water softener & custom fans have been added. The backyard features a covered patio & is ready for your dream vision of landscape. Located on a Huge Lot in the stunning community of Asante!

19725 N Leisure Lane Prescott, AZ 86305

$643,205
2 Beds
1 Bath
1,162 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787320
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover a serene 18-acre property in Crossroads Ranch, featuring a grandfathered cozy 1,161 sq. ft. two-bedroom, one-bath home with an open layout and abundant natural light. Highlights include a large laundry room, a charming covered front porch with breathtaking views, and a 256 sq. ft. horse shelter, ideal for equestrian enthusiasts. Bordering K-4 Ranch and with easy access to State Trust Land, the property offers endless riding and outdoor opportunities. Perfect for self-sufficient living or future expansion, this peaceful retreat provides privacy and convenience, capturing the essence of countryside living.

8026 E Quartet Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$642,999
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,166 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6636868
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6636868 Ready Now! The Windsor at Hawes Crossing. This residence comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 3-car tandem garage, and a versatile study. An inviting porch welcomes you into the entry, where a study on one side and secondary bedrooms with a full bath on the other provide a balanced layout. Progressing beyond the study, you enter the expansive kitchen, dining, and great room area. The open-concept living ensures seamless integration of cooking, dining, and relaxation, allowing you to enjoy family time or catch up on your favorite shows. The kitchen is a culinary haven with a gas cooktop, double oven, 42 upper kitchen cabinets adorned with maple cabinets, and quartz counters. A hallway off the kitchen leads to the primary suite, showcasing an upgraded super shower and ample closet space. Your dream home awaits! Structural options added include: Gourmet kitchen, garage service door, paver front porch, super shower at owner's bath, soft water loop, and gas line for future outdoor kitchen.

23680 N 168th Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$642,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,860 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781921
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MULTI-GEN LIVING SPACE!! 3-CAR GARAGE! Welcome to the epitome of modern elegance and spacious living in this Aurora floor plan, located in the desirable community of Asante in Surprise, AZ. This immaculate home features 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and an ADDITIONAL DEN area perfect for a teen wing or guest quarters. As you approach the home, you'll be struck by its stunning curb appeal and METICULOUS LANDSCAPING on a desirable corner lot. The PRIVATE COURTYARD entrance sets the tone for this beautiful home. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by an abundance of natural light pouring in from the TWO LARGE SLIDING DOORS in the Great Room and Dining Area, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Every window in the hoam showcases gorgeous PLANTATION SHUTTERS! ... The open concept layout seamlessly connects the living area, dining area, and kitchen, making it ideal for entertaining or a busy household. Holiday cooking will be easy in this sleek kitchen that boasts GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, stylish cabinetry, a large island, and modern stainless steel appliances. The home features THREE FULL BATHROOMS, each with their own unique design and luxurious finishes. The primary suite is a peaceful retreat, complete with a SPA-LIKE WALK IN SHOWER, dual sinks, and spacious dual closets. Nestled between two bedrooms split from the primary suite, the den area offers a versatile space for a teen wing or entertainment zone for guests. Practical features such as EPOXY GARAGE FLOORING and ATTACHED GARAGE STORAGE make organizing and storage a breeze. Step outside into the BEAUTIFULLY MANICURED YARD, with mature trees and low maintenance turf, providing a serene outdoor space for relaxation and gatherings. This home has been meticulously maintained and is move-in ready, offering a high-quality living experience in the vibrant Asante community. Don't miss the opportunity to make this your dream home.

3609 W Summit Walk Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$642,500
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,663 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768388
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
REDUCED FOR FAST SALE Best in class Majesty Model, outstanding features abound... Shows like a model. New paint and new wood look tile floor throughout. Great Kitchen with Granite Counters and Huge Island, new gas range, upgraded pullout cabinets and large pantry. From the private gated courtyard entry this home shows like a model! Main bedroom features great walk-in closet, and an upgraded bath with Separate tub and shower and his and hers vanities. This open floorplan features a huge kitchen over-looking the family room. The family room has surround sound in place. A great home office looks out on to the private gated courtyard and make this one of Anthem's best! Did I mention completely paid off solar system...

17134 W Hackamore Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$642,456
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,660 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776830
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6776830 February Completion! Experience true multigenerational living with the Zion plan at Asante! Step through the welcoming porch into the foyer. To one side, discover a private multi gen suite featuring a bedroom, a dedicated living area, bathroom, a one-car garage, and a separate entry from the outside as well as into the main home. In the main home, you'll find a formal dining area, a powder room, a laundry room, and entry to your two-car garage. At the heart of the home, a spacious great room seamlessly connects to a kitchen with an island, casual dining space, and covered outdoor living area. Tucked away in the back, the primary suite offers a spa-inspired bathroom and a large walk-in closet—your perfect retreat. Structural options include: paver front porch, garage service door, exterior door at primary suite, interior door at mulit-gen living, super shower in primary and pre plumb for laundry sink.

21048 E Arroyo Verde Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$642,031
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,198 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766872
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't Miss Out on this CLOSE OUT & FINAL OPPORTUNITY for this beautiful inventory home located in desirable Hastings Farms. Plus Builder/Lender Financing Incentive Available when financing with builder's preferred lender(s) of up to $25K towards closing costs or interest rate buydown. Located close to Queen Creek Marketplace Shopping, Dining & Entertainment, this Community has Parks, Soccer Field, Basketball Courts, & 8-Mile Walking Trail. This Beautiful Cul-De-Sac home backs to 8-Mile Walking Trail with no homes behind! Beautiful upgrades include Smoke cabinets, Gourmet Stainless Gas Cooktop, Double Wall Ovens w/Microwave, Quartz Kitchen Countertop, Tiled Kitchen Backsplash, Plank Tile Flooring, & Window Blinds. Final Chance to Own Backing to the Trail! Don't Wait, See This Home Today.

35612 N Lodestone Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$642,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,433 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779171
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this beautiful Toll Brothers home! This brand new 2024-built residence has been thoughtfully upgraded throughout. Offering 4 beds, 2.5 baths, 3-car garage, & a low-care landscape. Home exudes elegance with stylish light fixtures, tall ceilings, wood-look tile flooring in common areas, Berber carpet in bedrooms, a neutral palette, and tons of natural light. You'll love the open layout paired with sliding doors to the back! The gourmet kitchen features quartz counters, tile backsplash, and a large island w/breakfast bar. The walk-in pantry & gray shaker cabinetry ensure ample storage. The owner's suite has an ensuite with dual quartz sinks & a walk-in closet. Outback, you have artificial turf and a covered patio to relax or enjoy BBQ. Just WOW

549 W Sweet Shrub Avenue Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$642,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,317 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741014
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This large, beautiful 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom Fulton home located in Ironwood Crossing features an extended 306 square foot balcony with private master access and mountain views, view fencing to the greenbelt, no neighbors behind, a SUPER-SIZED 4.5 car garage, SOLAR PANELS that will be PAID IN FULL by sellers at closing, artificial turf, LIME & RUBY GRAPEFRUIT trees. Interior has new carpet and paint, wood tile flooring, Havana tile stairs with iron scroll railing, 2'' faux wood blinds, dual pane low-e windows, paneled doors and closets, ceilings fans and lots of storage space throughout! Surround sound speakers installed in family room.Spacious gourmet kitchen has a large island, granite counter tops, extended maple cabinets with 3 crown molding, recessed lighting, under mount stainless steel sink, and stainless steel appliances, and new convection stove top. There is a GAS STUB at the cook top! Master bedroom has views of the lush greenbelt overlooking the backyard, private sliding door to the balcony, a HUGE closet AND bathroom with an extra long counter, double sinks, and a Graniterra garden tub/separate shower. The spacious loft is central to the upper level living area and is a flex space for office, entertainment, whatever suits you! The 5th bedroom is located downstairs and has access to the all bathroom just one door down. Brand new water heater! Solar is owned and will be paid in full at closing. Soft water loop already installed. 210 breaker box professionally installed for an above ground pool! Gas available at cooktop, dryer, and BBQ! Home is turnkey ready with all appliances conveying, including washer/dryer/fridge! Platinum Plan warranty will be provided by sellers through Select Home Warranty. Sellers can paint accent walls and kitchen to match rest of house if buyers desire. They will work with you! The aquatics center with a heated community pool and splash pad is nearby, as is Legacy Traditional Charter School. One of many playgrounds is just a few houses down the street. There are walking paths, parks with ramada covered picnic areas and gas grill throughout the community, basketball courts, and a soccer field!

1449 W Saddle Run Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$641,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,344 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750835
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. The Casoria floor plan presents a sophisticated two-story layout featuring four bedrooms, an upstairs loft, and a versatile flex space perfect for an office, TV room, or study. Enhanced by professionally landscaped front yard, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Ideally situated near community parks, grocery stores, and a variety of restaurants.

234 E Avenida Sierra Madre -- Gilbert, AZ 85296

$641,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,915 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6706250
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this charming Downtown Gilbert abode, a spacious sanctuary boasting 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. RV gate and NO HOA! Step inside to discover a modern haven where every detail exudes elegance. The heart of the home is the updated kitchen, featuring sleek countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an oversized island perfect for culinary creations and casual dining. Natural light pours in through large windows, illuminating the open-concept living and dining areas, creating an inviting atmosphere for gatherings. Retreat to the tranquil master suite, complete with a luxurious ensuite bath and ample closet space. Outside, paradise awaits in the expansive backyard oasis. Dive into the sparkling pool on hot summer days or unwind on the large patio, ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining under the Arizona sky. Located in the vibrant Downtown Gilbert area, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, with trendy shops, eateries, and entertainment options just moments away. Embrace the epitome of suburban luxury in this impeccable residence.