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.

16002 W Jenan Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$589,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,484 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780813
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Easy to Show this Beautiful move in ready home located in Greer Ranch subdivision. This 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath split floor plan with great room is perfect for entertaining guests. Granite counter-tops and beautiful staggered cabinets with large walk in pantry and separate coffee bar area make this kitchen a cook's dream. Gorgeous Master Bedroom and bath. Large laundry room/ pantry with door to the side yard. Raised flower bed along the entire backyard block wall and large grass area along with extended covered patio make for a gorgeous outdoor haven and play area. RV gate with 10' side yard is ready for your creative touch. 3 car garage includes a deep sink. New Paint Inside and Out, Stainless Appliances 1 year old, Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors throughout , New Upgraded Carpet in Bedroom

21539 S 215th Place Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$589,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,245 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6668740
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEW Exterior Paint!!! Welcome to this stunning 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath model home nestled in the heart of Queen Creek. Showcasing the builder's finest work, this 3,245 sqft house offers spacious, luxurious living, combined with refined style. Unique to this home is a versatile finished basement - a rare find in the community, perfect for any lifestyle needs. Watch Video Link!

8744 E Via De La Luna -- Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$589,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,675 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6673641
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare 3/3 in desirable McCormick Ranch on a quiet dead-end street. Easy access to schools, shopping, Talking Stick Entertainment District, Dbacks spring training, etc. New dual-speed AC unit with 10-year warranty assures you stay cool affordably! Lovely community pool lets you cool down and not deal with the headaches of maintenance. Please email all offers for quickest response. Supra shackle is now up for easy access! Agents show at your leisure - lockbox installed, no need to schedule.

9122 W Circle Drive Strawberry, AZ 85544

$589,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,027 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6703166
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Feel the peacefulness of Country Living and bring your horses - 2 horse coved corral is included. Nestled on a secluded 0.40 acre lot, this private home boasts a spacious 2027 sq ft of living space. As you step inside, you are welcomed with a generous great room adorned with cathedral ceilings and a warming gas fireplace, offering a cozy ambiance for gathering or quiet evenings in. The allure of outdoor living is evident with covered back deck overlooking a sprawling yard, providing a perfect setting for outdoor dining, sitting around the fire pit or simply soaking up nature's beauty. Upstairs is a sizable primary bedroom which provides a tranquil sanctuary, vehicle an open loft area offers versatility for various lifestyle needs. This is horse property with two stalls. The 2-car garage has a full attic making for ample storage. NEW HVAC SYSTEM heat and A/C

35737 N Loemann Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$589,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,219 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6714599
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to 35737 N Loemann Dr., a stunning home nestled in the highly desirable area of San Tan Valley. This gorgeous property boasts 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and an expansive 3,219 sqft of living space on an 8,265 sqft lot that backs onto the serene Empire Park. As you step inside, you are greeted by a spacious open floorplan that perfectly balances luxury and functionality. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring a large island/breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, reverse osmosis system, and a water softener. The main floor houses a large primary suite complete with a spacious ensuite and a walk-in closet, providing a perfect retreat. Upstairs, you'll find a second suite and all bedrooms come with their own walk-in closets, ensuring ample storage space for everyone. A huge loft and a media room add to the home's versatility, making it ideal for both relaxation and entertainment. The great room opens to an expansive backyard with a view fence overlooking Empire Park, a covered patio, and plenty of space for a custom pool, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Additional features include a 3-car tandem garage and an RV gate for extra storage. Pride of ownership is evident throughout this meticulously maintained home. Don't miss the opportunity to make 35737 N Loemann Dr. your new address in San Tan Valley, AZ.

2947 E Rose Lane Phoenix, AZ 85016

$589,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,185 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722709
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Views, views, views!! Come see this remodeled Biltmore condo overlooking the magnificent Biltmore golf course. This home features an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, completely remodeled bathrooms, new flooring throughout, a good-sized living room and dining room with fireplace, a Split Master, and incredible views of the golf course and mountain from every window and patio. The AC unit was replaced in 2021. One car garage, lush landscaping, Amazing gated community with multiple pools and tennis courts. Within walking distance to all of the Biltmore amenities, world-class hotels and golf courses, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, theaters, library, access to major freeways, 15 minutes to Sky Harbor, and more.

4624 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119

$589,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,484 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6727460
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to 20K in interest rate buy down and closing costs in Seller concessions on a full price offer. This horse property offers luxury and country living with no HOA. Key features include full slab Quartzite countertops, book-matched backsplash, soft-closing white shaker cabinets, GE slate appliance package, slate range hood, gas cooktop, Walt Disney collection lights, antique copper sinks and hardware, vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, open floor plan, all-new flooring, new windows, storage shed, private water, and septic system. Enjoy mesmerizing views of the Superstition Mountains. Some tour this amazing home.

5254 Starlight Drive Happy Jack, AZ 86024

$589,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,098 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747257
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Escape to your own serene retreat with this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cabin nestled in the heart of the forest. Situated on almost an acre of lush, wooded land, this home offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Perfect for family or guests, each room offers warmth and comfort with beautiful wooden accents. Enjoy updated amenities while maintaining the cabin's rustic appeal. Open floor plan with large windows that bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a full-time residence, this cabin offers the perfect setting to unwind and connect with nature. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise!

2320 E La Jolla Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$589,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,590 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747506
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Recently remodeled home in Tempe conveniently located near AZ-101, AZ-202, and US 60 and just minutes away from Tempe Marketplace, ASU, and Sloan Park. This home is beautiful inside and out and features so many modern touches and attention to detail. The kitchen boasts shiny Carrera quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets, subway tile backsplash and a large kitchen peninsula perfect for seating multiple people. The decor in both bathrooms blends well with the rest of the home and the guest bathroom also features a Carrera quartz countertop. Additional updates include luxury vinyl plank flooring, new carpet in all bedrooms, fresh paint inside and outside, epoxy in the garage, new custom tall shower door, new tub, and new dual flush toilets. You can also find new light fixtures throughout the home and post lights in the front yard that are dusk to dawn aluminum solar lamps. The backyard has plenty of space to gather around the sparkly blue pool and underneath the large, covered patio. There is also an RV gate and RV parking area located on the west side of the home that is closed off from the rest of the backyard, a perfect spot to park your RV or any other type of vehicle or ATV.

32508 N 133rd Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$589,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,249 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6749403
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**WINNER of the Peoria/Vistancia BEST Home on TOUR!!!*** Experience the allure of this beautiful home in Vistancia Village! Offering 4 beds + den, 3 baths, desert landscape, and a 2-car garage w/paver driveway. Home exudes refined style with layered crown molding, neutral paint, tons of natural light, & wood-look tile floors w/carpet in bedrooms. Enjoy the seamless design of an open layout paired with surround sound, making entertaining a bliss! The gourmet kitchen boasts SS appliances, a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, white shaker cabinetry, mosaic tile backsplash, and an island w/breakfast bar. The den provides versatility! Main bedroom has a barn door that opens to the ensuite with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. Outback, you have artificial turf and a travertine-covered patio w/ceiling fan! You'll surely love the mountain views! Just WOW!!

1250 W Sand Dune Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$589,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,036 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755373
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this fully updated, cul-de-sac home surrounded by 3 lakes in the highly coveted Islands community in Gilbert AZ. Located alongside the green belt with views of the lakes, this 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home has been completely updated with custom wood shutters, bamboo wood flooring & new HVAC units. Discover the chef's kitchen equipped with double ovens, custom cabinetry, granite countertops & travertine flooring. The great room features custom wood shutters, a cozy fireplace & strikingly vaulted ceilings which lead into the downstairs primary bedroom, which offers a private entrance to the backyard, dual vanities, separate shower/tub & walk in closet. Enjoy entertaining in your North/South exposure backyard, perfect for hosting friends & family. Community center pool & spa. Must see

2901 N Miller Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$589,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,131 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762164
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath home on large lot close to schools and all that Old Town Scottsdale has to offer, including Restaurants, Galleries, Museums, Live Entertainment, and Scottsdale Stadium. Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants and much more. A great location to live and great Air BnB potential RV gates in both front and backyard. Circular Drive in front for easy access, Dual Pane Windows Granite Countertops, Soft Close Cabinet Drawers and Stainless Steel Appliances in kitchen. Beautifully landscaped backyard with lots of space for entertaining. This home is a must see!