What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 20, 2016

Whats Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week January 18 2016Mortgage rates fell after Federal Reserve policymakers decided not to raise the Fed’s target federal funds rate. The Federal Open Market Committee cited ongoing concerns over global financial and economic developments and slow jobs growth as factors in its decision not to raise rates. Fed Chair Janet Yellen emphasized the committee’s decision-making process is not predetermined and said that ongoing review of current and developing news is significant to monetary policy decisions.

Last week’s economic news also included the NAHB Housing Market Index, the monthly inflation rate and retail sales along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

Home Builder Confidence Rises in June

According to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, Home builder confidence rose one point to a June reading of 60. May’s reading was 58 and analysts expected a reading of 59. June’s reading broke a four-month streak of unchanged readings. Sub-readings used to calculate the Housing Market Index were one point higher at 64 for current market conditions. Builders had higher confidence in market conditions for the next six months. June’s reading was five points higher at 70. June’s reading for buyer traffic remained below the benchmark of 50 at 47. The NAHB gauge of buyer traffic in new homes hasn’t hit 50 since the peak of the housing bubble.

National inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index was lower in May at 0.20 percent as compared to April’s reading of 0.40 percent; analysts expected a reading of 0.30 percent. Core inflation held steady at 0.20 percent; the core reading excludes volatile food and energy sectors, but energy prices, fuel prices and food are major components of household budgets.

The Federal Reserve has set an annual inflation rate of 2.00 percent as a benchmark reading for its consideration or raising the federal funds rate. Readings have remained consistently lower in recent years, which contributed to the Fed’s decision not to raise interest rates.

Mortgage Rates Fall as Jobless Claims Rise

Freddie Mac reported lower average mortgage rates for fixed and adjustable mortgages last week. 30-year fixed rate mortgages dropped f six basis points to an average of 3.54 percent. Rates for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage averaged

2.81 percent, which was also six basis points lower. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was eight basis points lower at 2.740 percent. Lower mortgage rates are welcomed by first-time and moderate income homebuyers as home prices continue to rise.

New jobless claims rose to 277,000 as compared to an expected reading of 270,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 264,000 new claims. Analysts attributed the jump in new claims to seasonal influences including new claims filed by school workers eligible for benefits when classes aren’t in session.

What’s Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic reports include reports on new and existing home sales along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. A monthly reading of consumer sentiment will also be released.

7112 E Wildcat Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$2,200,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,203 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6783557
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning Tuscan elegance in North Scottsdale! Absolute luxury in this truly one of a kind Custom Entertainers Dream! Two gated entrances, guest casita, & indoor/outdoor living in this special home. Gourmet kitchen w/granite counters, commercial grade appliances, plenty of cabinets & walk-in pantry! Designer touches T/O are impeccable works of art & must be seen to be believed. Fireplaces throughout the home for those gorgeous winter nights, multiple outdoor living spaces, & custom built Coral Craft Stalls, tackroon, turnouts & 60 ft round pen! 6 waterfalls in your outdoor oasis including; Beach entry Diving Pool, Spa & Heated Exercise pool! Very private & secluded feeling & yet only minutes to world class dining, shopping, and art galleries. Stunning Mountain Views!

3330 S Sycamore Village Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$2,200,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,129 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760787
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BEAUTIFUL REMODELED HOME overlooking the 12th hole green of the Prospector Golf Course-although a distance from the cart path for privacy. . Views of the 11th fairway and green are also visible. Four bedrooms/4.5 baths. Primary suite with fireplace includes a second room for an office or work out room and his/her closets. Guest bedrooms all ensuite. A separate guest Casita is the fourth bedroom located just inside the gated front courtyard with its own sitting area. Your guests will never want to leave! Open great room/kitchen/dining room floor plan. All new flooring, paint bathrooms and kitchen. HIDEAWAY SLIDERS OPEN TO A REDESIGNED PATIO. NEW POOL WITH NEARLY A 50' LAP LANE AND AN ADJOINING SPA. Outdoor patio has a large sitting and dining area. Great for entertaining. ROOF DECK FOR SEEING INCREDIBLE SUNSETS AND CITY LIGHT VIEWS! TWO JACK NICKLAUS GOLF COURSES! Not a golfer? Enjoy pickle ball, bocce, tennis, hiking and many other activities. Country Club living at its best! Club amenities under a separate agreement. Buyer and/or buyer's agent to verify all pertinent information, including square footage.

20475 E Indiana Avenue Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$2,200,000 - 3Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Bridle Ranch, Queen Creek
New
$2,200,000
3 Beds
4 Baths
3,124 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788289
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
One year new, LUXURY 3 bedrooms plus office plus bonus room, single story, with pool & spa, 3 car garage in the gated community of Bridle Ranch. Many upgrades, tile flooring, high ceilings, upgraded cabinets and lighting throughout. 3 separate heating/cooling zones. Upgraded insulation to lower energy costs. Dual slab islands, extra kitchen cabinet storage, stainless steel appliances, double ovens. Upgraded closets throughout. Exterior cabana and outdoor fireplace for entertaining and for those chilly desert evenings. Self cleaning heated pool is controlled via phone app. Close to dining, shopping, entertainment and walking/biking trails. Minutes from Fat Cats (movies/bowling/arcade games). Minutes from San Tan Mountain Park (hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking). Close to Pecan Lake. Sellers are licensed AZ & NV real estate agents.

501 S Saguaro Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$2,200,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,583 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787388
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your very own slice of roper's paradise! This stunning property blends the best of luxury living with a top-of-the-line roping facility, all set against breathtaking views. Step inside this beautifully updated Santa Fe-style home, where charm and comfort harmonize perfectly. Rock fireplace creates a warm and inviting centerpiece for cozy nights. In the kitchen the gorgeous granite countertops, updated refrigerator, and many cabinets add sophistication and practicality. The Spanish style tile floors and wood accents & rock wall are finishes that showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the home. The numerous entertainment spaces are perfect for hosting family and friends. The courtyard entrance and gate provide a stunning welcome with extensive landscaping, mature plants and trees with true Southwestern charm. Enjoy the Arizona sunsets, relax and unwind in your private heated pool. Ropers will love the professional arena equipped with sprinklers, roping chute and return alley. There is also a large turnout, steer pen, and 7 pens with covers misters and automatic waterers. There is a hay barn and tack room with a covered tie rack that will fit all your storage needs. For visitors there are two full RV hookups that will make hosting friends and family a breeze. The property is also fenced with steel pipe and no climb. This extraordinary property offers the ultimate balance of luxury living and equestrian excellence. Whether you're a professional roper, a weekend cowboy, or simply someone who appreciates the Western lifestyle, this is the place where dreams become reality. Come and experience firsthand why this roper's dream is truly one of a kind!

8170 E Kalil Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$2,200,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,888 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6782637
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
outstanding golf course water and mountain views one of the best view lots in Scottsdale Country Club East 9

36482 N Boulder View Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,200,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,180 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769105
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully remodeled home features a new roof, new garage doors, and a newly remodeled pool. Fresh exterior paint gives it great curb appeal. Inside, you'll find custom accent beams, a redesigned fireplace and bar, and a 500-bottle, temperature-controlled wine cellar. The kitchen, primary, and guest baths feature new cabinets and granite countertops. The split floor plan and detached casita with kitchenette are perfect for guests. Enjoy sunsets over Black Mountain from the backyard or relax by the fire pit and waterfall pool. Explore the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve with over 175 miles of trails.

4455 E Quail Brush Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$2,200,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,652 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766062
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Extraordinary home that combines elegance and comfort! Beautiful 4 bedrooms plus den with split design. All secondary bedrooms with ensuite baths! Luxurious primary suite with his & hers vanities, separate soaking tub & large walk-in shower! Top of the line appliances enhance the chef kitchen with large island, pot filler, wine bar & large walk-in pantry. Cook outdoors too! In the fully appointed kitchen with grill, gas stove, ice maker, & dual beverage/condiment refrigerators! Embrace the carefree lifestyle of RV life with the 50 foot RV garage & workshop. Plenty of room for other toys/boats with dual RV gates! (one on each side of home) Telescopic doors from great room to patio unveils the backyard oasis with sparkling pool, putting green, citrus trees & low maintenance landscaping. Dis Discover the meticulous extra details that add to your comfort level such as, Whole house water filtration system, Entertainment system throughout, California closets in every bedroom closet, Solid wood doors throughout, Digital door locks & pool controls & Security camera. You'll appreciate the LOW utility bills with the 68 Panel owned Solar system! Pre-wired for electric infrared ceiling heaters on patio, pre-wired for electric shades on patio, and pre-plumbed for air compressor on patio (for misting system) and in the garage! Paved Circle driveway allows for extra guest parking. Rare opportunity to call this home YOURS!

9915 E San Salvador Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$2,200,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,700 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786813
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in one of the greatest Scottsdale neighborhoods. Completely remodeled from top to bottom this turn key home is a sophisticated and modern retreat that reflects that magical merging of inspiration and design. This home is a masterpiece of craftsmanship featuring a great entertaining dream, large open floor plan, high ceilings, contemporary statement wood fireplace, stainless steel appliances, double ovens, oversized quartz island. Kitchen is a dream come true! Master bedroom is the ultimate retreat complete with a generous size room a sleek ensuite bath with a modern tub, premium finishes and fixtures. Plenty of natural light flows throughout the home's open, airy layout. .Enjoy gatherings in the entertainer's resort style backyard. LARGE LOT BEST DEAL IN TOWN!

4150 E Dynamite Boulevard Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$2,200,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,378 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6664797
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller-Financing Available! A very rare ''RU-43'' zoned Ranch to purchase in the absolutely best possible location of the Valley (a Hop & Skip from the Dynamite Roping Arena). And the Seller will consider ''Carrying the Paper'' on the financing. By the way, the ''U'' designation of the RU-43 affords additional privileges for equestrian purposes, and there is ''NO HOA''. This property is loaded with features. A Modern Barn with: Office, Ranch Hand Living Quarters, Fourteen (14) Stalls/Pens (7 in barn), Grooming Bay, Horse Drawn Carriage Garage, and Tac Room; Bull Pen, Walker, Multiple Corrals, Multiple Arenas, Breeding Facilities and a 'Hay Barn'' that would be difficult to get a permit to build these days. This ranch just went through a major renovation. Modern steel fencing was installed on the complete perimeter to help secure the property and keep unwanted animals from entering. A New Arena and Updated Corrals, were updated as well in the same way. And the house and barn were detailed throughout. The home was inspected as if the present Seller was a buyer, and items found to be an issue were repaired. And lastly, this Seller will consider owner financing for the right Buyer.

1775 S 131st Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$2,200,000
5 Beds
7 Baths
5,343 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6714697
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience unparalleled luxury in this meticulously designed Tuscan-inspired home. As you approach the grand front entry, custom old-world wood/metal doors welcome you into enchanting front courtyard. Step inside to discover a huge foyer and open interior that epitomize grandeur.Key Features*5400 Sqft Layout, Spacious and open, perfect for both relaxation & entertaining*Lush 1.38 Acre Lot:*A sprawling estate offering ample outdoor space for recreation*Gourmet Kitchen w granite counter tops/ designer cabinetry, a culinary haven ideal 4 entertaining *High-End Finishes, Meticulous attention to detail w/ luxurious finishes throughout*Resort-Style Outdoor Oasis: Heated pool & spa, gas fire pit, outdoor grill, putting green, & multiple covered entertaining areas. 8-Car Gar

38646 N 104th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,200,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,544 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739325
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Golf Membership available & Furnished~Remodeled Hacienda in a fresh ''Cala Lily'' soft white palette with new flooring, countertops, backsplash, primary suite walk-in shower, electrical and new plumbing. This is a GEM as a lock and leave or easy primary residence with less maintenance in mind. Dual generous entertaining patios both covered and uncovered lounge/dining areas featuring an exterior fireplace and BBQ patio showcasing a new bar with more conversation space. Primary suite has been completely redone; elegant white hexagon tile flooring, dual sided zero entry shower with new hardware and 2 walk in closets. Bright farmhouse style kitchen opens to the great room and dedicated dining with a very convenient and civilized service bar. En-Suite casita with kitchenette, sitting area and views of Pinnacle Peak, Tom's Thumb and all the ranges that surround. Please see features sheet in documents tab for a complete list of all updates/upgrades regarding this just finished remodel.

12209 N 66th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$2,200,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,266 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762109
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Back on market. Buyer couldn't perform. Dream backyard on over a flat acre. Quiet and minimally traveled street. Front door flows open to large bifolds creating a beautiful indoor outdoor environment. Custom white oak kitchen w quartzite countertops. Walk in pantry. Showcase wine cooler. Separate dining space with bar. 3 fireplaces. Two primary suites, # Separate living rooms with options for convertible space. 1300sf garage with tremendous ceilings and workshop space. Every inch of this house has been completely gut renovated. AC and ductwork is brand new. Brand new roof and stucco. All plumbing is new. Resort like backyard, the exterior showcases a brand new pool with heater, oversized outdoor kitchen, water feature, bocce ball, putting green, fire pit, new fence. List goes on and on