What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 23, 2016

You Ask, We Answer: 5 Ways That You Can Proactively Build and Improve Your Credit ScoreLast week’s economic news included the NAHB Housing Market Index, reports on housing starts, building reports and existing home sales. Minutes of the Federal Reserve’s last FOMC meeting were also released.

Homebuilder Confidence Unchanged, Housing Starts and Building Permits Increase

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that builder confidence held steady with a reading of 58 in May. Analysts projected a reading of 58 and April’s reading was also 58. Builder confidence in market conditions could be slowing due to concerns over acquiring skilled labor and a shortage of developed lots. Demand for homes remains high, but a slim inventory of available properties and builder emphasis on higher-priced homes contributed to sidelining moderate income and first-time buyers.

Commerce Department reports for April Housing Starts and Building Permits issued suggest that tight housing inventories may receive some relief. April housing starts rose from a revised March reading of 1.099 million to 1.170 million starts. Housing starts increased by 6.60 percent in April. Housing starts have slowed as compared to the year-over-year period from April 2015 to 2016; housing starts increased by 10 percent for the same year-over-year period in 2015. While any increase in home construction is welcome, some analysts said that they did not expect a huge increase in home construction in coming months.

Construction of multifamily housing units rose by 10.70 percent, while single-family home construction increased by 3.30 percent. Rising rents and millennials delaying home purchases were seen as fueling multifamily home construction. As homes become less affordable, would-be buyers are continuing to rent, which places higher demand on rental units.

Pre-owned Home Sales Rise in April

Sales of previously owned homes rose by 1.70 percent in April to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.45 million sales. Sales increased by 12.10 percent in the Midwest, where homes are most affordable, and fell by 1.70 percent in the West, where homes are most costly. This development suggests that rapidly rising home prices have or will soon reach maximum levels in high-cost areas. Home prices in many areas rose rapidly in preceding months as short inventory and high demand created bidding wars and keen competition for available homes. A lack of affordable single family homes has caused some buyers to buy condos while others have put buying on hold.

Mortgage Rates Rise, New Jobless Claims Fall

Mortgage rates rose for 30-year fixed rate mortgages rose by one basis point to 3.58 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was unchanged at 2.82 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose by two basis points to 2.80 percent. Discount points were 0.60, 0.50 and 0.50 percent respectively. Analysts are watching the Fed closely for any indication that it will raise the target federal funds rate in June, although concerns over the possibility of Great Britain leaving the European Union could cause the Fed to hold off on raising the rate. If the Fed raises the target federal funds rate, loan rates for credit cards and mortgages would also increase.

New jobless claims fell last week to 278,000 new claims against expectations of 279,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 294,000 new claims. Analysts said that a telecommunications strike caused the prior week’s raise in claims as striking workers who are replaced during a strike are eligible for jobless benefits.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic releases include new and pending home sales along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

17458 N 97th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,699,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,130 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755649
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Windgate Living! This spacious residence welcomes you with an impressive foyer that seamlessly flows into an open-concept main living area, where the kitchen serves as the heart of the home. High ceilings and abundant natural light fill the expansive living room and adjacent casual dining area, while a large formal dining room provides the perfect setting for intimate gatherings. The first floor features a luxurious primary suite with a generous walk-in closet and beautiful primary bath. Upstairs, an airy loft connects two sizable bedrooms, a large bathroom with dual vanity and private water closet, and a cozy corner flex space ideal for a coffee bar. Walk out to your resort style backyard with no one behind you and enjoy the Windgate Ranch life style.

7180 E Kierland Boulevard Unit 1012 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,699,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,461 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724171
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
LUXURY HOME UPGRADES, AMENITIES, LOCATION, & SPECTACULAR VIEWS! This unit has it all, look no further. Owner added an additional $140k of upgrades. Lutron lighting & motorized shade system throughout the unit, Cove & down lighting in Great Room, Custom designed Primary Closet from California Closets, Wood paneled wall in Kitchen, & Backlit mirrors in both bathrooms, just to name a few (see full upgrade list in document tab). Enjoy stunning mountain views by day & twinkling city light at night from every window of this unit. A Neutral color pallet throughout this unit will delight the most discriminating buyer. Enjoy an open floor plan with ample seating for gatherings, or move your guests to any of the amazing amenities Optima Kierland has to offer. Gathering rooms, Kitchens, Game Rooms, Outdoor BBQ area, & of course the infamous Rooftop Pool & Spa appointed with BBQ's, Dining tables, Lounge chairs. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool while taking in the scenic views of Scottsdale, whether it be Mountains or City lights. Optima is the ultimate in Luxury Highrise living & located near Fantastic shopping & Dining.

2936 E Cashman Drive Phoenix, AZ 85050

$1,699,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,121 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758900
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Voted best home on tour! Prepared to be amazed at the stunning home with designer finishes throughout, located within the gated community of Astarea. With an extensive list of exquisite upgrades completed AFTER the home was built, including decorative lighting, wood beams, stylish wall accents and the list goes on. The split floorplan features 3 spacious bedroom suites, plus an office, great room and chef's dream kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, built-in fridge, massive island, granite counters, gas double oven/range & pot filler, two pantries plus butler's pantry. The owner's suite stands as a serene sanctuary, featuring an expansive shower and a custom walk-in closet with a secondary entrance directly connected to the laundry room. The expansive great room seamlessly connec ts to the backyard with a vast wall of glass providing access to the large covered patio & outdoor BBQ and entertainment area where you'll also enjoy the beautiful landscape, pool & spa. All this plus a 4 car garage, one complete with a mini-split!

9908 E Cavalry Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,699,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,655 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746544
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in the highly desirable gated community of Legend Vista Estates at Legend Trail. Imagine stepping into this bright and airy home, where every corner invites the beauty of the outdoors inside. The multiple oversized picture windows frame stunning garden, sunset and mountain views, transforming each glance into a captivating piece of live art on the private oversized lot. This property is perfect for entertaining with high ceilings, an open floor plan, and chef's kitchen with Wolf & Subzero appliances. The home is move-in ready with desirable finishes & updated systems maintained by meticulous owners. The resort backyard boasts expansive undercover with a pool, water feature, built-in BBQ, updated landscaping, & professionally designed landscape lighting. 3 car garage has storage Legend Trail features a public golf course and community center with pool, spa, fitness, tennis, and pickleball located close to hiking, biking, restaurants and shopping. This is Arizona living at its best!!!

1314 E Las Palmaritas Drive Phoenix, AZ 85020

$1,699,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Echo Mountain Terrace, Phoenix
Open House
$1,699,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,615 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742512
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Take pride in residing in this unique haven nestled on a hilltop cul-de-sac with panoramic 360° views! Exquisite curb appeal, a brand new roof, and a 3-car garage with glass doors are just the beginning! Come inside to discover recessed lighting throughout, ledger stone accents, custom railing, and a custom steel floating staircase. The large living room showcases new wood-look porcelain tile flooring, wide sliding glass doors to the back patio, and a stacked stone electric fireplace. The magazine-cover kitchen is a delight, offering pendant lighting, a walk-in pantry, white cabinetry with crown moulding, a waterfall island with breakfast bar, and high-end SS appliances such as a wine cooler, electric cooktop, & a wall oven.Grand owner's retreat stands out with its plush carpet, direct outdoor access, elegant ensuite with dual sinks & freestanding tub, and walk-in closet. HUGE bonus room on the lower level can be used as a recreational center! The backyard provides a covered patio, paver seating area, and new artificial turf! Highly updated with ALL NEW HVAC including ductwork & handlers, new electrical, new plumbing, new drywall, spray foam insulation, custom showers, and all new dual pane Low-E windows! This gem is sure to captivate you! Hurry and act NOW!

10243 N 58th Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$1,696,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,693 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6727530
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Turn-key offered fully furnished. Country Estates w/private large yard & new pool! 4 bedroom with 3 baths. Double bedroom that could easily be split for a 5th bedroom! BRAND new pool remodel just completed! Spacious open split floor plan w/ 2 master suites, high ceilings, skylights & lots of natural light. Expanded custom chef's kitchen w/ beautiful custom cherry cabinets, 3 sinks, 2 refrigerators, top of the line appliances- wolf, subzero, gas cooking & built in steamer. Quality luxury finishes- tile & Berber carpeting throughout, thermo pane windows, sophisticated lighting & sound systems, central vacuum, . Resort style mature landscaping w/ sparkling pool & lawn.

52312 N 461st Avenue Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$1,695,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,794 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733592
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream estate! Custom-built home sits on a 5-acre property in the desirable Wickenburg/Forepaugh area perfect for horse enthusiasts, here's what makes this property truly exceptional- tile floors elegant and easy to maintain wood shutters adds a touch of classic charm, pantry, utility sink in laundry room, bar area for entertaining, master suite walk-in closet, luxurious shower with double heads, knotty alder doors, tile baseboards, tongue & groove patio ceilings, full-size roping arena, ideal for practicing, priefert roping chute, 2 RV plug-Ins, 4 stall free style horse walker ,wash rack ,custom tack room with pavers, automatic waters, 12 covered stalls, 4 (30x40) pens, 3 (60x40) pens, 2 (50x 100) pens, hay shed, custom entry, quarter minus driveway, top notch facility,

6939 E Chaparral Road Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$1,695,000
6 Beds
4 Baths
2,673 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776773
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new Heated pool in NOV 2024! PV home on almost half acre lot with NO HOA restrictions. Incredible Camelback Mountain views, walking distance from world-class Old Town Scottsdale restaurants/nightlife, & even fashion square mall. This 6 Bed, 4 Bath home with easy maintenance turf yard, putting greens, volleyball court w/ 2 hot tubs. This home has 2 kitchens and masters making it perfect for house hacking/investment or a mother-in-law suite. Home has separate entrances and ability to close off door to create two 3 bed, 2 bath living quarters.This home can can be used as a Air BNB, Behavior Health, Assisted Living, Sober Living; sky is the limit with this remodeled home in Desirable Rancho Vista PV neighborhood

13439 N 79th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$1,695,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,710 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776801
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Phoenix Home & Garden Cover Home July 2022! This beautifully restored mid-century modern gem is so special and unique, you don't want to miss it! The main living room features original exposed beamed ceilings, gorgeous stacked stone fireplace, floor to ceiling & clerestory windows and opens to the new vibrant custom kitchen and dining space. Handmade Moroccan tiles adorn the kitchen backsplash with custom glass shelving and eco-friendly terrazzo countertops add a timeless appeal. In addition to the great room, there is an oversized bonus/game room with stone faced fireplace and vaulted exposed beams. Rounding out this 3 bedroom home is a bonus office/den space. All of this, plus located on a 32,000+ square foot lot with horse privileges in the heart of Scottsdale!

3846 E Crittenden Lane Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,695,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,356 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780584
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous home with 4 bedroom/3.5 baths plus separate den & bonus room, nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac in a gated Arcadia community! This incredible home has Camelback Mt. views along with a luxurious kitchen with a walk-in pantry & butlers pantry, built-in fridge, high-end stainless appliances, huge island and tons of cabinet space. A highly desired open floor plan with luxurious wood floors & water softener system with R/O drinking water. On top of all that, it also has a beautiful, well-manicured, extremely low-maintenance outdoor space with heated pool and spa, artificial grass, brick pavers, built-in BBQ and fire pit. Even the garage is amazing with easy to clean epoxy floor, plus more storage! Located close to restaurants, entertainment, easy access to freeways & airport.

309 E Georgia Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012

$1,695,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,526 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6764499
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 4 bed, 2.5 bath Tuscan inspired home in the heart of Uptown Phoenix has everything you've been looking for! Bursting with curb appeal, you are welcomed with lush landscaping and Chicago reclaimed brick walkways that lead to an open patio with gas fire pit at the entryway and as you step inside enjoy a thoughtfully designed floor plan split between two stories. The open concept kitchen features granite countertops, an island with a breakfast bar, and upgraded stainless steel appliances including a Viking range. The kitchen seamlessly flows into a tucked away eating nook and the open living room which includes a gas fireplace. The primary bedroom features its own fireplace, a separate seating area, a private entrance leading to the backyard, and a spa-like ensuite with a large walk-in shower, jetted tub, dual vanities, and a walk-in closet with custom built-in shelving. The first floor also includes a full bar that connects a formal eating space to the kitchen and living room, a convenient powder bath for guests, a full-sized laundry room, a private office, and a wine cellar tucked beneath the stairs, showcasing a custom arched iron door. Upstairs, you'll find a den, along with three additional bedrooms. One bedroom has been thoughtfully remodeled with rubberized flooring, ideal for a yoga or workout space. Step outside into your own backyard oasis designed for both relaxation and entertainment. The lush landscaping surrounds a shaded patio, pool, and multiple pergolas. You'll also enjoy an outdoor shower and a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen that includes a bar top with seating for 10, making this the perfect space for outdoor dining and hosting friends and family. The 3-car garage features ample built-in storage, additional racking system, a fridge and 2 Tesla charging stations. This home truly has it allluxury, style, and functionality. Don't miss the opportunity to make it yours!

28669 N 94th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,695,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,858 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772160
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Only 8 years old! This beautiful home is a must-see in the Troon North Community. Stylish yet casual, it features stunning finishes and an easy-living layout. The chef's kitchen boasts a spacious island and premium appliances, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. From your breakfast table, patio, and master suite, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Pinnacle Peak and the lush greens of the Troon North golf course every day. For the adventurous spirit, the area offers numerous hiking and biking trails nearby. As you enter through the charming, enclosed entryway, you'll find a cozy sitting area—ideal for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Inside, discover beautiful stone floors and a seamless layout with no interior steps. This home includes 4 bedrooms, including a spacious master suite and a separate casita, along with 3.5 bathrooms, a large office, a great room, and a television or reading room. This residence embodies the Troon lifestyle at its finestluxurious, welcoming, and surrounded by natural beauty.