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.

15550 N Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard Unit 1009 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$625,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,656 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6726509
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
One of the kind with tons of upgrades done just recently. Brand new flooring with water proof laminate, brand new kitchen with quartz countertops, LG appliances, newer AC unit only 3 years old, brand new windows in entire house just installed, one year old water heater, newer water softener and water osmosis, equipment. Not to mention prime Scottsdale location just east of Loop 101 on Frank Lloyd Blvd . Phoenix Open, Barret Jackson and TONS of shopping/dining at Kierland Commons/Scottsdale Quarter just down the street. Don't miss this opportunity this place offer to you.

7467 E Pleasant Run -- Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$625,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,590 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766453
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your beautifully upgraded 2 bedroom master suite in the highly sought after community off Pleasant Run.The kitchen features new cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances with ample pantry space. The expansive greenroom boasts vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace. Relax on your private patio wile overlooking lush gardens.

4120 E Donato Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$625,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,114 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774491
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the charm of this exceptional home situated on a desirable corner lot in a wonderful, gated community. Offering a split floor plan that ensures privacy and functionality, this home is perfect for modern living. The inviting great room, complete with a cozy gas fireplace, is bathed in natural light, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. The large kitchen is a chef's delight featuring an expansive island and a gas cooktop, ideal for both everyday meals as well as entertaining. The home also includes a versatile den, perfect for a home office or reading nook. Retreat to the spacious primary suite, boasting a luxurious bathroom for your personal sanctuary. Step outside to the patio courtyard with a firepit, an idyllic setting for relaxing evenings in a quiet neighborhood. Enjoy the added benefit of numerous amenities while taking advantage of the golf course, pool and spa, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center, and clubhouse. This home is a rare find, offering a blend of comfort, style, and community to help you live your best life!

755 E Orchid Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$625,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,800 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752734
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PAID OFF SOLAR! Enjoy $50 summer electric bill with this energy efficient home. Ideal location minutes from DT Gilbert, top-rated schools, shopping in San Tan Vistas, and tons of local dining. Major upgrades include OWNED Solar, a newer roof(2022), and new quartz countertops(2024). The home offers a wonderful floorplan which is highlighted by 3 large bedrooms, multiple living spaces, den, and an enclosed AZ room. Find beautiful travertine tile in the main living spaces and plantation shutters through out the home. The large, chefs kitchen features new quartz countertops, gas range, central island, and ample storage The primary suite is spacious and is complimented by an ensuite featuring his and her vanaties, seperate shower & soaking tub, & a large walk-in closet. Both the front and backyard are on a automatic irrigation system for easy upkeep, leaving you more time to enjoy your green spaces. Don't miss an opportunity to make this yours.

9165 W Stageline Road Payson, AZ 85541

$625,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Round Valley/oxbow, Payson
Open House
$625,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,272 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768169
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your slice of country heaven, where wide-open spaces and peaceful living come together on 2.35 acres of pure bliss! This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spans 1,272 square feet, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Enter a cozy living area warmed by a classic Earth Stove fireplace, perfect for chilly nights after a day spent outdoors. The kitchen, filled with natural light, offers plenty of cabinetry and counter space for your culinary creations, all while overlooking the beautiful landscape. Generously-sized bedrooms provide a retreat for relaxation, with the primary suite featuring its own private bath for added convenience. Every inch of this home is designed for comfort, practicality, and a timeless country feel—Large Barn is a MUST see!! ideal for those who love the equestrian lifestyle and the serenity of country living!

43317 N Whisper Court Anthem, AZ 85086

$624,999 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Anthem Unit 57, Anthem
Open House
$624,999
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,168 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781323
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully renovated 4-bedroom plus office, 2.5-bathroom home, located in a quiet cul-de-sac effortlessly blends luxury and everyday convenience. The heart of the home is the fully remodeled kitchen, featuring elegant quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures, and an RO system. Each bathroom has been thoughtfully updated with custom sinks, toilets, fixtures, and stylish flooring. Designed for comfort, the home includes a newer AC, furnace, water heater, and water softener. Step outside to a sparkling pool with a built-in BBQ—perfect for entertaining. Inside, the updated stairwell adds to the home's appeal, while the exterior remains meticulously maintained. With scenic hiking trails nearby, this home offers more than just a place to live—it offers a lifestyle.

20218 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$624,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,630 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6698296
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ease and Elegant design blend beautifully in this ranch-style Pomona plan at our Estates at Arroyo Seco in Buckeye. An inviting great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a dining nook and a gourmet kitchen showcasing 42'' white shaker cabinets with brushed nickel pulls, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, GE Plus stainless-steel appliances w/pyramid hood and 36'' gas cooktop, center island with an undermount stainless-steel sink. The impressive primary suite offers a walk-in closet and a private bath that includes dual vanities and a tiled deluxe walk-in shower with rain shower. Three additional bedrooms and two additional bathrooms, a central study and a laundry round out the floor plan, which includes a multi-slide door leading out to a covered patio, a 2-car garage, a 1-car side turn garage, paver driveway and walkway and front yard landscaping. This home also includes 10' ceilings, Two-Tone paint package, Pendant lighting at the kitchen island, 9 x 35 tile flooring throughout with carpet only in the bedrooms, ceiling fan pre-wires at all bedrooms, study, great room and patio, exterior coach lights, pre-plumb sink at the laundry room, garage service door at 2-car garage, gas stub at the patio and soft water loop pre-plumbed in the garage. Located on an 8760 square foot corner lot.

4828 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$624,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686946
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two car tandem garage! Inside, a well-appointed Gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, Quartz counters Shaker cabinets and stainless-steel appliances is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access and center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom featuring Deluxe walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan. Select homes will include deluxe options in the primary bathroom and gourmet features in the kitchen.

4738 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$624,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693066
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom, deluxe bathroom with separate shower and garden tub as well as ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

10429 S 47th Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$624,995
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700668
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access with center meet back doors. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom deluxe walk in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a fourth bedroom will complete the plan.

4735 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$624,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,630 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6707290
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy breakfast nook and an impressive kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home will be built with either a study and interior guest quarters. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included as well as a 3 car garage.

10519 S 47th Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$624,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6720455
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, black matte fixtures, and a walk-in pantry. The kitchen is flanked by a great room and a dining room with center meet doors opening to the covered patio. This home is finished with stone tile and carpeted bedrooms. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with large walk-in shower, dual sinks, and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room complete the plan.