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.

19275 N 88th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,299,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,583 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786837
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare find in Ironwood Village, 13,420 sqft Lot with neighbor on one side for extra privacy. Single story, 3 car garage, corner lot in a cul-de-sac. Entertainers backyard with extended covered patio, outdoor kitchen with dual built-in -BBQ, in ground spa, and Lap Pool replastered 2024. Roof replaced 2023. Vaulted ceilings, living and family room. Oversized primary suite with soaking tub, walk in shower, dual sinks, Huge Walk-in closet. Bright and open kitchen with breakfast bar, kitchen island, granite countertops and wall oven. The community of Ironwood Village features parks & location with easy access to 101, grocery, restaurants, shopping, schools, etc. Location Location Location.

394 E Redfield Road Chandler, AZ 85225

$1,299,000
5 Beds
5 Baths
3,242 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786788
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
If you're searching for a multi-generational home with no HOA in the heart of the East Valley, look no further! Situated on a spacious 37,514 sq. ft. corner lot with separate living quarters, this property is move-in ready. The main house offers 3,242 sq. ft. of living space, featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a large kitchen, a grand living room, an office/flex room, and a loft. Additionally, the main house includes a walk-out basement with its own kitchenette, as well as one of the bedrooms and bathrooms. Step outside to enjoy the extended covered patio and the expansive lot, which includes two RV access gates and a cleanout—perfect for easy pass-through driving and convenient hookups for RVs of almost any size. The guest house is equally impressive, offering 1,368 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a laundry room, and an open kitchen/living room layout. This property has so many exceptional features that they simply can't all be captured in the MLS listing!

4601 W Paradise Lane Glendale, AZ 85306

$1,299,000
8 Beds
8 Baths
4,573 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6674143
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NO HOA!!! CUSTOM Tri Level Home in Sunburst Farms sits on just under an acre with a detached Guest House, Separate Home Office and temp controlled Workshop! Solar panels, optional flood irrigation and a 500 gallon propane tank keep utility expenses low and affordable. Pride of ownership is in the details. Main House features 4bed/3.5bth, a custom kitchen with 2 sinks, built in appliances that include a convection cooktop, double ovens, and trash compactor. The finished basement has a bedroom, full bathroom, 2 walk-in closets and den. You'll notice all the GORGEOUS built in cabinetry throughout the entire home. The backyard oasis is an entertainer's dream with a massive covered travertine patio that extends to a heated pool/ spa and built in full outdoor kitchen and fireplace. Follow the luscious green landscaping to a detached 2bed/2bath guest house complete with a full kitchen and huge laundry room. Exit the private courtyard and you will find your perfect home office with 2 separate office areas and a full bathroom. Workshop is a temp controlled (mini split) 50ft garage featuring a 14ft door, chain hoist, built-in work bench, shop sink, locked storage area and half bathroom. Space is also preplumbed for compressed air. There are many more details, too many to list. Bring your toys and your tools and come check it out for yourself!

11815 W Lost Man Canyon Way Prescott, AZ 86305

$1,299,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,680 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6674739
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Enjoy breathtaking, uninterrupted vistas of Williamson Valley from this exquisite ''Ranch Style'' residence. Boasting 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a spacious 2 car garage, this home is a testament to rustic elegance. Step inside to discover large hewn timber beams, natural stone accents, and a stunning tongue-and-groove vaulted ceiling in the Great Room, complemented by a wall of windows framing panoramic views. Throughout the home, you'll find rich wood floors, Alder doors, and a charming stone fireplace with a mantle. The generously sized kitchen features granite countertops and a convenient wet bar in the dining area. Outside, multiple covered patio areas beckon relaxation amid mature trees and lush vegetation. Experience the epitome of tranquil living.

1113 S Cypress Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$1,299,000
3 Beds
4 Baths
4,055 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6706097
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spectacular Quality! Steel structure & solid Alder doors throughout. Purple Mountains Majesty! Views! Sip your coffee admiring the Mogollon Rim. Conveniently located on a hilltop minutes away from downtown Payson, shopping & restaurants. Step through the door into vaulted, beamed ceilings with a wide staircase & custom railing. Family Room, Dining Room & Patio flow together creating a relaxed entertaining space. Main Suite dominates the 2nd story with a private loft, spa bathroom (including jacuzzi tub, snail shower, private laundry & bidet), fireplace, extended custom closet & huge deck. Top of the line, stainless steel appliances in this chef's kitchen where the sink window overlooks the vista, walk-in pantry and laundry room are steps away. Solid wood, Alder cabinetry throughout All walls are metal 2x4 & property framing is steel beams. Property has fire suppression system. Tile roof. Quality! The lowest level boasts 2 guest rooms with ensuite baths. LL living room includes a bar with a beer tap, wine cellar, refrigerator, ice maker, dishwasher, sink, surround sound & fireplace. Don't forget the gun closet & the bonus room! Step onto the wrap around patio and you are among the trees & views. Can you smell that fresh, pine air? Property sides to National Forest. Toys? Bring them! There is plenty of room in the 5 car garage. Storage cabinets & work bench flank the walls making an efficient space. 220 outlets in the garage. RV Parking on the side slab with electrical plug-in. Large storage room accessed from lower level patio. Come see it all!

20622 W Colter Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$1,299,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,282 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752369
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Breathtaking GOLF COURSE MOUNTAIN & CITY VIEWS from this David Weekley Serendipity home! With 3 bdrms, 2 dens, 3.5 baths, you & your guests will have plenty of room to spread out, as each bedroom has its own bathroom. The large owner's suite features stunning views, luxurious shower and soaking tub, as well as access to the laundry room. The gourmet kitchen includes extra cabinets, and huge center island. The ''Walk-Through Pantry is spectacular! There is also a ''Command Center'' (tech area). The beautiful backyard has artificial turf & extended covered patio Wait... there's more.. the 2.5-car garage has a mini-split & overhead storage. There's an over $100K amount of options, upgrades, and updates in this home!!! Also leased solar reduces utility bills. Includes 1-year Home Warranty The addition of the hobby room, which is 12x24 adds another 124 square feet to the floorplan.

12158 N 138th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$1,299,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,979 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6731048
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully remodeled home within the guard gated community of Scottsdale Mountain, features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a loft, an office and a host of modern upgrades, including engineered white oak hardwood throughout. The downstairs boasts high ceilings and beautifully remodeled kitchen, featuring new white oak and white cabinets, appliances and quartz countertops. Step into the family room with a dual sided fireplace with the living room on the opposite side. The backyard features a view fence over a beautiful wash, a newly resurfaced pebble tech pool and stunning mountain views at the base of the McDowell Mountains. The home boasts a large first floor master retreat and completely remodeled bathroom. Upstairs is a great place for the kids with an additional two bedrooms and a loft for games and entertainment. Lastly, the home received a new roof in 2022 and new Trane HVAC system in 2024. Don't miss this stunning remodel in the safe and secure guard gated community of Scottsdale Mountain adjacent to award winning schools!

21616 N 37th Street Phoenix, AZ 85050

$1,299,000
6 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,302 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748243
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BIG REDUCTION TO SELL! $15,000 SELLER CREDIT FOR CARPETING & UPGRADES AVAILABLE! Own this 6 bed, 4.5 bath Amazon model in Fireside near the school! With a 4-car garage, heated pool, 4,302ft² & located on a premium view lot with no neighbors behind, this won't last long! The main floor includes your open concept great room, upgraded kitchen, formal dining room, den/bonus room, primary bedroom suite (which is epic!), powder bath, laundry, & a casita/mother-in-law suite with a private entrance & bathroom! Upstairs you'll find the additional 4 bedrooms (all with walk-in closets), a loft, tech space, & two more bathrooms! The back yard is filled with beautiful travertine, a heated (& cooled!) pool with smart equipment + controls, a pergola-covered outdoor kitchen + firepit , & view fencing without neighbors behind you! The front yard's desert landscape is maintained with an auto drip system, as is the courtyard! The home also features a TON of upgrades including but not limited to a new dishwasher (2024), AC (2022), solar system, RO water system, soft water system, new back turf (2022), misters on the patio, outdoor security system, new pendant lighting, in-ceiling surround sound speaker system, landscape lighting, and more! New Carpet installed (9/30) in the primary suite, too!

3802 E Piccadilly Road Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,299,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,553 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761839
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This Mid-century modern inspired single level home is quintessential Arcadia Lite! Located on an oversized, corner lot with electric RV gate, play pool & 2 car garage with EV charger. Beautiful curb appeal that welcomes you home in quiet pocket neighborhood. Bright and open, the kitchen features a big designer island and dry bar with clean, modern lines (calling your inner Art Collector for these walls!) Split floorplan with primary on one side and other 3 bedrooms on the other - kitchen/living space in between, makes it a great living flow with plenty of privacy for the primary. A new sparkling pool, putting green and lounge area make the outdoor living so functional and great for hosting.

19550 N Grayhawk Drive Unit 1127 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,299,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,834 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766674
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Discover this exquisitely remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome in the prestigious Grayhawk community, perfectly situated on the golf course. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully updated with the finest luxury finishes, offering a perfect blend of style and sophistication. Step into the spacious living area featuring a grand fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings, complemented by a custom wet bar and three wine fridges—a true entertainer's dream. The gourmet kitchen boasts Café appliances, quartzite countertops, and ample space for the most discerning chef. Retreat to the luxury master suite, complete with a spa-like bathroom featuring a sleek glass and tile shower, a serene soaking tub, and an expansive walk-in closet. The outdoor space is equally impressive, with brand-new landscaping, a tranquil fountain, and a hot tub ideal for unwinding after a long day. Whether enjoying the backyard oasis or taking in the golf course and mountain views, this home offers an unparalleled Scottsdale lifestyle. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to live in Grayhawk's finest. Schedule your private showing today!

4148 N Westview Drive Phoenix, AZ 85015

$1,299,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,523 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767459
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Remodeled home in Historic Bel Air neighborhood with 4 bed, 3 bath, 3,523 sq. ft. RV parking, with electric RV gate and 13k lot, Whole house has been updated. Updates include 2 master suites, quartz counters, new plumbing, new windows, electric RV gate, RV parking, new gates, new appliances, new flooring, new baseboards, new cabinets, new electrical, new Trane AC units, new roof, new paint, fire place, new insulation, new tile, new pavers, new pergola's, new fixtures, new toilets, new baseboards, new paint.

1105 N Indian Paintbrush Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$1,299,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,472 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6689974
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This amazing 4 bed, 4 bath multi-level home in Payson is now for sale! Enjoy the breathtaking golf course and panoramic mountain views from a recently remodeled and expanded deck. The home itself is nestled in the Community of Chaparral Pines and boasts a stunning façade, manicured landscape, and a 2 car garage w/paver driveway. Inside you will find a spacious living area w/elegant tile flooring, stylish light fixtures, abundant natural light, and neutral palette throughout. Hone your cooking skills in this gorgeous kitchen, comprised of wood cabinetry w/granite counters, SS appliances such as a wall oven & wine cooler, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. You'll love the primary bedroom, featuring soft carpet, private deck access, walk-in closet, and a lavish ensuite! Don't forget about the cozy den, perfect for an office! Also including a HUGE deck w/a built-in BBQ where you can enjoy a summer cookout w/friends and loved ones, this home is a dream come true! Don't let this incredible opportunity slip by!