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.

Yuma Prooving Guard AZ 85365

$550,000
1 Bed
1 Bath
1 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752994
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
commissions

Yuma Prooving Guard AZ 85365

$550,000
1 Bed
1 Bath
1 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756933
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --

6090 N Stratford Court Rimrock, AZ 86335

$550,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,090 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767709
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Beaver Creek Preserves! A gated community nestled in Northern Arizona, 30 minutes south of Sedona. Complete with community walking trails, clubhouse, community pool, and work-out facility. Brand new, never lived in home built in 2023, with 3 bedrooms plus a den, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage and an RV garage. Enjoy the serenity of Beaver Creek Preserves. Inside, expansive windows frame panoramic views, while the open-concept layout boasts premium finishes and modern amenities. Outside, a spacious patio invites outdoor living and stunning vistas. The modern rustic charm of the finishes and mountain views, one you do not want to miss!

22274 E Cherrywood -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$550,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in La Sentiero, Queen Creek
Open House
New
$550,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,083 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786964
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Best Lot in La Sentiero! This stunning home sits on an oversized cul-de-sac lot with an RV gate that opens directly to the park! Located in Queen Creek, it's just minutes away from shopping, dining, and entertainment. Step inside this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence, complete with a spacious 3-car garage. The open-concept layout is filled with natural light, highlighting the home's modern finishes. The upgraded kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring extended cabinetry, sleek white quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Key features include: stylish wood-look tile flooring in high-traffic areas, a grand front entry with a dramatic hallway leading to a spacious great room, a generously sized laundry room with room for an extra refrigerator or freezer

954 E 7th Street Mesa, AZ 85203

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,542 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6777888
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning, fully remodeled home in the heart of Mesa where warranties abound! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is a perfect blend of style and functionality, ready for you to move in. Step inside to discover a bright and inviting open floor plan, featuring all-new appliances, sleek quartz countertops, and modern cabinets enhanced by a beautiful marble backsplash. The spacious primary bedroom includes an expanded walk-in closet with custom shoe rack shelving, offering ample storage space. Both bathrooms are luxuriously designed with heated porcelain tile floors. The master bathroom offers a curb-less zero entry shower. Throughout the home, you'll find durable Stone Composite Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring that combines elegance with easy maintenance. New windows and fresh paint... add to the modern appeal. Warranties include showers, floors, windows, with a service plan for the AC unit. Enjoy the new pressure-treated lumber fencing with RV gates on both sides of the house, making parking and storage are a breeze. The flood irrigated yard means lush greenery without the cost and hassle! Conveniently located near the 202 freeway, this home combines modern living with easy access to all that Mesa has to offer. Plus, with no HOA, you have the freedom to make it your own. Don't miss your chance to own this remarkable property!

4413 W Box Canyon Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$550,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,705 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700890
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Partially FURNISHED & STUNNING! This 2 bedroom + DEN, 2 bath home is on highly desired VIEW lot. Garage is 30 ft. deep. The backyard will wow you w/GORGEOUS water feature, firepit, pergola, landscaping lights, Travertine patio, artificial grass & large potted Palm trees. You will love this home from the gated paver courtyard to the amazing backyard & everything in-between! Kitchen has Quartz counters, 2-tone Cabinets w/knobs, roll-out shelves, tile backsplash, SS appliances, Gas range, convection oven, pendant & under cabinet lights. So many upgrades from the wood look tile flooring, Plantation shutters, tiled showers, comfort height toilets, Valet area w/upper & lower cabinets. HUGE Garage has 8ft. door, Storage Space/exercise area, Cabinets, Shelving & Epoxy Floors.

4572 W Main Street Joseph City, AZ 86032

$550,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,791 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722308
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover a rare opportunity to own a beautiful home coupled with a thriving RV park business. This unique property offers a blend of comfortable living and lucrative investment potential, ideal for those seeking a dynamic lifestyle and income stream. Main home to be sold with RV park parcel. MLS # 6722349

1103 W Pebble Beach Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$550,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,731 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737458
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Location, Location very good center location close to Arizona state university only 2-3 miles , easy access to major freeways and sky Harber airport. 4- bedroom high ceiling new flooring in all bedrooms. Freshly painted, perfect rental or family home large cozy back yard remodeled with brand new artificial Graas, low maintenance. short drive to mill Ave, Tempe town lake and Papago hiking and golfing. Night life restaurants shops Ets.

41333 N Belfair Way Anthem, AZ 85086

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,616 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746580
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
If you are looking for a remodeled home for under the average list price in Anthem Country Club, stop right here, you have found it! With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home is perfect for a small family or a couple who needs room for visitors. The remodeled kitchen and bathroom, and the updated flooring ensure that the home is move-in ready. You will love the storage space in the kitchen, which includes a large pantry. The updated stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops and natural light from both large and small windows give the kitchen and family room a fresh, bright, and cheery feel and look. This home is a private oasis within the spectacular community of Anthem Country Club which offers anything you could ask for in a Country Club setting. Two Club Houses with restaurants, two fitness centers, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, two private heated pools and so much more. Come see for yourself, we are certain you will love it!

5020 E Morning Star Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,878 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760957
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
ENJOY LIVING IN AHWATUKEE'S ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY IN THIS COMPLETELY RENOVATED HOME. INVITING OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH ABUNDANT UPDATES. EAT-IN KITCHEN FEATURES QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, TILED BACKSPLASH, UPGRADED CABINETRY, GRANITE SINK, PANTRY & STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES. GAS FIREPLACE IN FAMILY ROOM. MASTER SUITE BATHROOM INCLUDES GRANITE COUNTERTOP & WALK-IN SHOWER WITH GRAB BARS. WALK-IN CLOSETS IN SECONDARY BEDROOMS PLUS HALL BATH CONNECTS TO BEDROOM TWO. LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT WITH TILE IN THE BATHS. ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS OF REMODEL INCLUDE RECESSED LIGHTING, RAISED-PANEL 3-HINGE DOORS, CUSTOM BASEBOARDS/MOLDING, DUAL-PANE WINDOWS TANKLESS WATER HEATER, SOFT WATER SYSTEM WITH ENTIRE HOME WATER FILTRATION, FRONT & BACK ARTIFICIAL GRASS & COVERED PATIO WITH MISTING SYSTEM.

3600 W Cobalt Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$550,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,614 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752633
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence in The Preserve at San Tan! Discover an inviting great room with high ceilings, recessed lighting, a soothing palette, blinds, and stylish wood-look flooring. The delightful kitchen boasts quartz counters, ample white shaker cabinets, chic pendant lighting, a subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a versatile den, ideal for an office or study. Upstairs, the cozy loft offers additional living space. The serene main bedroom includes plush carpeting, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture outside to the backyard, featuring a covered patio for al fresco dining and ample space to create your dream oasis. The community also offers a dog park, pickleball court, community grills, outdoor theater/amphitheater, fire pits, walking/biking trails and SO MUCH MORE! Come see it today!

44049 W Palo Nuez Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,820 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751432
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Elegance, luxury, and practicality combine in this one-of-a-kind home. BEAUTIFUL HOME IN MARICOPA WITH A POOL AND RV GARAGE. The curb appeal is off the charts with a paved driveway, cozy courtyard, and LARGE 45' RV GARAGE. Spacious floor plan with open kitchen concept boasting beautiful granite countertops, oversized pantry, and huge island, all overlooking a great room and backyard. Large primary bedroom with roomy bathroom featuring dual vanities and walk-in shower, but it's the backyard that will capture your attention; mature backyard complete with lots of artificial grass for the little ones, oversized pergola, and REFRESHING SWIMMING POOL for those hot AZ afternoons or weekends with friends. Never pay for RV storage again; come by and look and make this beautiful home yours.