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.

3836 W Antelope Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$620,995
6 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,164 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779216
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Check out this beautifully crafted home with well-appointed interior finishes. The pronounced front entry opens to a two-story foyer with a grand staircase. Premium finishes in the kitchen include name-brand appliances, upgraded cabinets, and tile floors. The open-concept great room is the perfect atmosphere for entertaining, with connectivity to the dining area and expansive views of the outdoor living space. A large loft space on the second floor creates an abundance of living options that are perfect for the way you live. Come experience your dream home today!

15531 W Piccadilly Road Goodyear, AZ 85395

$620,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,154 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778730
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
South facing beautiful golf course home with front courtyard entry. Enchating outdoor living area with outdoor pergola, outdoor kitchen, outdoor bar, Misting system, Personal size Shasta Pool and heater if you want. Great landscaping for your privacy. Owner Solar with new solar converter, and if you have a green thumb a potting station, new heating and air, water softener system located in garage that as extra space for golf cart plus a hand wash sink in garage, front and back yard water system in him RO water system under sink. Sunburst shutters in Bedrooms and custom home office with built in custom cabinetry, Bedrooms both have walk-in closets. Both bathrooms updated. This home impresses with its high ceilings custom designed ET wall with lighting and built-in surround sound system with amplifier with builtin speakers. Great room with gas fireplace, 60in TV and windows have Hunter Douglas custom window treatments. bump out windows in kitchen nook second bedroom, ceiling fans, Stunning granite counters and klithen is upgrades and has under cabinet lighting, Spacious Utility Room. Also garage has storage cabinets. carpet free home, fence backyard. Seller is providing a home warranty.

Glendale AZ 85305

$620,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,700 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6725528
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to 3% of total purchase price towards closing costs incentive offer. Brand New Move In Ready Home on prem. lot in highly sought-after Stonehaven Community* This Adelaide floorplan is stunning 4 bed/3 bath/3 car garage single-story gem!! Home has open floor plan. Gourmet Chef's kitchen featuring upgraded 42'' cabinets, large kitchen island, quartz countertops, WI pantry, SS appliances. Owner's retreat is spacious w/dual sinks, walk in shower & large walk-in closet. Other bedrooms are spacious. Tile in all the high traffic areas. Private CASITA w/ ensuite bathroom & sitting room. Low maintenance ft & bkyard. Community features community pool, walking/biking paths, parks, playgrounds, etc. Great Location: minutes to Westgate Entertainment Center, Cardinals Stadium, & restaurants, etc.

4380 E Prairie Lane Cottonwood, AZ 86326

$620,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,855 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6740171
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning, newly built property is perched atop a scenic hill, offering breathtaking mountain views from every angle. The modern design of the home seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, featuring a split floor plan. Inside, the open-concept layout is highlighted by high ceilings, sleek finishes, and an abundance of natural light. The expansive outdoor patios provides the perfect spot for enjoying the serene surroundings and picturesque sunsets.

2774 Airpark Drive Overgaard, AZ 85933

$620,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,664 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751278
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Pilots and aviation enthusiasts, a beautiful 3BR/2.5 BA Mogollon Airpark home. A 5 min walk to aircraft tie downs, lodge, BBQ, ramadas, pickleball, tennis, & basketball courts! Well cared for immaculate move in ready home, with most furniture included! Spectacular knotty pine vaulted ceilings, soaring stone gas fireplace, open concept living room with an impressive wall of windows. Massive wrap around deck with plenty of room for outdoor entertaining or relaxing. Large screened-in all season room adds more living space. Enjoy the heavily treed, private 0.83 acre partially fenced lot and the wild life that abound. Attached 2 car garage. We are an active social, EAA Chapter 1044 and aviation community, come join the fun!

3039 E Nance Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$620,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,331 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763881
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Four bedrooms, with the 4th utilized as an office with built-in shelves, but no closet. Original owner of this well-maintained and upgraded home, which sits upon an interior north facing lot. Plantation shutters, skylights, fireplace, wood, tile and carpet flooring, kitchen island, granite kitchen countertops, vaulted ceilings, 2 X 6 construction, double glazed windows, large 3 car garage with workspace and cabinets. Elementary and Junior High School nearby. Front and backyard low maintenance. Tour this home. You'll not be disappointed. Oh, and no HOA in this beautiful community.

16116 W Alameda Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$620,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,290 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768724
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This Lovely Home features 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2 Bonus Rooms, Gourmet Kitchen with Sparkling Blue POOL nestled against an Open Area. This Nearly New Home boasts Artistic Custom Wall Features, Soft Eyebrow Arches, Gentle Color Palette, Wood Plank Vinyl Flooring, Full Wall Double Glass Sliding Doors, Upgraded Fans and Lighting, Travertine Decking and Artificial Turf. A Generous Entry leads to the Open Concept Living area complete with a multi use Bonus Room with Quartz Ledges. Gourmet Kitchen boasts 5 Burner Gas Cooktop, Stainless Steel Appliances, Wall Ovens, Tile Backsplash, Large Walk In Pantry, Island, Quartz Counters, Granite Sink, RO system, Pale Grey Cabinetry and under Cabinet Lighting. Primary Ensuite includes a Spa Shower, Double Sinks and Walk In Closet. Near Shopping and the 303

18788 E Blue Sky Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$620,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,380 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769353
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Great Lock & Leave - move in ready, with access to the luxury amenities of the prestigious Tonto Verde Community! As you step into the home, you are greeted by an abundance of natural light that floods through the open floor plan. The strategically designed layout accentuates the seamless flow between living spaces, providing an ideal setting for both relaxation & entertaining. The modern kitchen features quartz countertops that perfectly complement the cabinetry. Beautiful tile flooring graces the entire home, adding a touch of elegance & easy maintenance. The master suite boasts a spacious layout & an enormous shower. Yard is fully fenced w/privacy wall. Mountain Views! Easy access to walking path which lead to Tonto Verde Community.

27448 W Yukon Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$620,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,580 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771924
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SOLAR-POWERED JOURNEY MODEL WITH OPEN SPACE BEHIND AND DRESSED TO THE NINES. This 2 Bed/2.5 Bath home is almost 2600 square feet with wood-look tile throughout. Guest bedroom is ensuite plus a Den offering privacy for visitors. Windows are covered with Plantation Shutters yet there's lots of light due to the 5 Solar Tubes. There's 2 in the Great Room, and 1 each in the Laundry, Primary closet and Primary Bath. Speaking of Solar, this home has a huge, owned, 35-panel system which has eliminated APS bills. The garage has storage galore with added cabinetry. Also in the garage the newer, updated and larger Tankless Water Heater. Behind the fenced rear yard is a wash offering privacy from the neighbors. See the pictures, 3D tour and documents tab for more on the many upgrades.

18737 N Celosia Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$620,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,312 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773515
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wonderful Stonecrest with golf course views from the large patio, breathtaking fairway and distant mountain views. A patio fountain is a plus on the back patio. ***NEW ROOF SEPT 2024*** HVAC system recently updated. 2.5 extended garage, with room for golf cart and 2 cars. Gourmet kitchen, with wall oven and cooktop, surrounded by beautiful granite counters and cherry cabinets. Don't pass by this beautiful Cimarron home.

4808 N 24th Street Unit 1125 Phoenix, AZ 85016

$620,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,361 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773318
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS! Floor to ceiling dual pane windows boast expansive city light and mountain views. Come see this charming 11th floor condo w a spacious 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 1361sq/ft floor plan. All this in the luxurious Optima Biltmore. Condo has been tastefully remodeled with engineered hardwood floors, designer modern pantry w slider glass floor to ceiling doors, new paint, ceiling fans & lighting. . Optima's known for it's amenities including Gym, sauna, community room, concierge, rooftop zero edge pool,spa, BBQ, . Why drive when you can live in the heart of Biltmore & walk to dining galore, shopping, movies, spas & more!

5839 W Charter Oak Road Glendale, AZ 85304

$620,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,054 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778827
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning home located in the desirable Mission Groves Subdivision. Nestled on a spacious lot, offering an inviting oasis completed with sparkling salt water POOL. Boasting 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this residence is designed for comfort and style. You'll have a nicely renovated interior with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, laminate flooring, and fresh paint throughout to create a modern and inviting atmosphere providing the perfect space for entertaining family and friends. The spacious back yard allows for additional outdoor possibilities, whether it's gardening, outdoor gatherings, or simply enjoying the open space. The 3-car garage provides ample parking and storage.