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.

8132 W Hatfield Road Peoria, AZ 85383

$1,250,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,213 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780823
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fully Remodeled Home in 2022-2024. Amazing Home Library/Office+ Custom Built-Ins. LVP Flooring. Stacked Stone Gas Fireplace. Gorgeous Quartzite Kitchen Counters. Large Walk-In Pantry! New Custom Paint. Oversized Primary Suite. Towel Warmer & Upgraded Freestanding Bathtub. Walk-In, 3 Shower Heads. Custom Closet Upgrade. Double Vanity w/ Sitting Area. Incredible Laundry Room with So MUCH Space & Storage, Includes Sink. Large Closets. New Hardware, Lighting, Ceiling Fans. New Toilets & Showers. Garage + Cabinets for All Your Tools & Toys. Extra Wide Garage (18 x10 ft) Epoxy Garage/Patio Flooring. Resort-Like LARGE Lot, Backyard w/ Artificial Turf, Sparkling Pool & Rock Waterfall, Large Covered Patio, Gas Firepit, Storage. Double Gate. Nearly 1/2 Acre. Near 4 Corners & Freeway.

20532 W Meadowbrook Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$1,250,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,188 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786545
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous David Weekley Serendipity, upgraded & embellished throughout by meticulous owners. LUXURY outdoor living in backyard backing to open space/walking path & VIEW to mountains from oversize spa, elevated fire pit and outdoor kitchen. Inviting courtyard entry welcomes you to outstanding great room, beam ceilings, upscale features throughout. ENTIRE home inside and out has been repainted, including the cabinetry & woodwork. Chef's kitchen features honed Monte Cristo granite counters, butler pantry, wine fridges. Beautiful decor throughout - wallpapers, fixtures, hardware, mirrors. New wood flooring in MBR & both guest suites, w/ensuite baths. Generous MBR w/sliders to patio and spa-like bathroom & organizer wall in closet. Ready to move in and enjoy Victory living to the fullest!

9238 E Desert Park Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,250,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,935 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786558
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled within the prestigious DC Ranch gated community, this stunning community offers breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 security, plus access to 47 neighborhood parks and miles of scenic paths and trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. DC Ranch is renowned for its vibrant community gatherings and features two world-class private golf clubs designed by Tom Weiskopf and Tom Lehman. Community Highlights: • Expansive community center with a variety of activities • Heated pools, tot pools, and playgrounds • Lighted tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts • State-of-the-art fitness rooms • Scenic ramadas with built-in BBQs • Conveniently located near Market Street's dining, shopping, and services Interior Features: Gorgeous shutters throughout, complemented by crown molding and custom baseboards Pure porcelain stone tile flooring, accented with two-tone paint Luxurious secondary bath with quartz countertops, instant hot water, custom glass shower, tumbled travertine, and beveled mirrors Home office/den featuring custom built-in cabinetry by Stone Creek, with a stylish barn door leading to a laundry room with gas dryer hookup Gourmet kitchen with custom tile backsplash, pot filler, quartz countertops, instant hot water, reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink, convection oven, GE Monogram 6-burner gas stove, and a vent hood with LED lighting Spacious living area enhanced by a Bose surround sound system and custom built-in cabinetry with ambient lighting by Stone Creek Primary bedroom suite with wood-look tile flooring, custom-tiled shower, Aria standing tub, quartz countertops with waterfall edges, undermount sinks, and a walk-in closet with built-in shoe racks Outdoor Living: Expansive backyard designed for entertaining, featuring a built-in BBQ station with granite countertop, a nearly new TURBO 6-burner grill (convertible to electric or gas), added lighting, and a water spigot Front and back patios with stained concrete for a polished look Low-maintenance artificial turf and pavers in the backyard Custom-built outdoor shed with interior lighting, electrical outlets, and a metal door New gate slats on all gates, newer sunscreens, and multiple additional water spigots for convenience Additional Features: Newer RHEEM water heater for efficient hot water supply Newer TRANE HVAC unit Extra storage solutions, including built-in shelving and plywood in the attic space, both in the home and garage, with added lighting Additional canned lighting installed in the garage ceiling for enhanced visibility This exceptional home seamlessly blends luxurious indoor amenities with vibrant outdoor living, all within one of Scottsdale's most coveted communities. Don't miss the opportunity to make this exquisite property your own!

7360 E Rustling Pass Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,250,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,040 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785627
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in the desirable Monterey Park neighborhood of Grayhawk is a true standout. Perfectly positioned on a north/south corner lot, it enjoys the added bonus of backing to a walking path and being adjacent to a community park. The thoughtfully updated interior features an open floor plan with a kitchen that flows seamlessly into the family room, and a stunning stacked stone fireplace. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with a Viking professional gas cooktop, stainless steel appliances, and stunning Quartz countertops. Modern light fixtures and surround sound throughout the home and backyard enhance the ambiance. The downstairs primary bedroom overlooks the backyard through a large picture window that invites an abundance of natural light, creating a bright and tranquil retreat. Upstairs offers three additional bedrooms, a loft with a built-in desk, and two full bathrooms, including a Jack-and-Jill bath between two of the bedrooms. Outside, a large private pool awaits, creating the perfect space for relaxation or entertaining. Buyers, take note! Added features of this home include a roof that was updated in recent years, brand-new AC units installed in 2021 (including a high-efficiency Trane model for the upper level), and a garage upgraded to be EV-ready with a 240V outlet. Grayhawk offers exceptional amenities, walking paths, tennis courts and sport courts, Grayhawk Park, and two championship golf courses. Ideally located in the heart of North Scottsdale, this home is just minutes from the 101 Freeway and close to world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Experience the best of Scottsdale living in this exquisite Grayhawk home!

3611 N 197th Court Buckeye, AZ 85396

$1,250,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Pasqualetti Mountain Ranch, Buckeye
New
$1,250,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,786 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785530
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This meticulously maintained Pasqualetti Mountain Ranch home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a 2-car extended garage with built-in cabinets, and an attached 42' RV garage (buyer to verify). The great room and kitchen are the heart of the home. The beautiful kitchen is complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances (including an induction cooktop), and knotty alder cabinets. The resort-style backyard boasts a sparkling diving pool, a travertine pool deck, an expansive covered patio, and an outdoor kitchen. The move-in ready home features recently replaced air conditioner (2019). The solar system is Paid off!

27808 N Desierto Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$1,250,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,090 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784559
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEW IN 2022 - 4 BDRM, 3 BA, SINGLE LEVEL CUSTOM HOME, GREATROOM FLOORPLAN, FIREPLACE, DESIGNER KITCHEN CUSTOM SUBZERO W/DRAWERS, MONOGRAM GAS OVEN & COOKTOP, MONOGRAM MICRO DRAWER, BOSCHE DOUBLE OVENS, THERMADOR DOUBLE REFRIG DRAWERS, HINKLEY DECOR LIGHTING, FANS IN BDRMS, WINDOWS HAVE SHADES, 16' SLIDING DOOR TO OUTDOOR LIVING, COVERED PATIO, ALL PORCELAIN 2'x4' TILE, NO CARPET, AMMENITIES, GOLF, PUTTING GREEN, BOCCE BALL, OLYMPIC HEATED OLYMPIC SIZE POOL/SPA, FITNESS CTR, 18 HOLE PUTPUT, MESQUITE RESTAURANT ON LAKE. Tonto Verde has 2 championship golf courses owned by members. This is an active, vibrant community with biking, hiking, swimming and beautiful streets for walking. Families welcome.

5910 Velvet Valley Lane Flagstaff, AZ 86004

$1,250,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
4,006 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6744334
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
TRULY AMAZING PROPERTY THAT BRINGS UNDEINIABLE VALUE! Beautiful Home, Oversized RV Garage, and a Studio / Showroom / Workshop that is Second to None! ALL OF THIS ON 2.5 ACRES! Come Unwind and Experience Heaven on Earth While Relaxing Next to the 175,000 Gallon Fish Pond or Work from Home in your Custom 2200 SF Expansive Workshop w/ Private Bath. Your Custom Built 1806 Sq Ft Home is Only Steps Away Including a 1200 Square Foot RV Garage, Horse Set Up / Stall and Additional Out Buildings. This Meticulously Maintained Property Shines and Pride of Ownership is an Understatement Featuring New Roof, Wood Grain Tile, High Vaulted Ceilings, Corian Countertops, Malapai Rock Accents, HUGE Primary Closet and So Much More. This Perfect Property is Absolutely the Most Ideal Home / Office Scenario!

1358 E Mclellan Boulevard Phoenix, AZ 85014

$1,250,000
6 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,314 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767163
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A rare chance to reside in a perfectly crafted home built in 2021 by Newmark Homes. Located in the exclusive Kensington, a gated enclave with only six homes, this residence offers a blend of privacy and convenience in the North Central neighborhood. The exterior showcases a distinctive sand stucco finish complemented by brick and stone veneer, setting the stage for the modern elegance within. Step inside to find an open-concept floor plan with soaring 20-foot ceilings and refined touches throughout. The main level features hardwood floors, excluding the convenient laundry area and powder room. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting custom leather granite counters, 42-inch maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances including a gas cooktop and double wall ovens, an oversized island, and a spacious walk-in pantry. This space flows into the dining and family areas, complete with custom shutters and a welcoming atmosphere. The home is pre-wired for smart home technology for added convenience. On the main floor, you'll find an extraordinary primary suite and a versatile room that can serve as an additional bedroom or a home office. A half-turn staircase leads to a spacious loft, four well-appointed bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The private backyard offers plenty of green space, ideal for a pool, and is enclosed by a block wall. The property also includes a beautifully paved driveway and walkway, and a three-car tandem garage. The tile roof adds a touch of durability and style. Enjoy easy access to all parts of town from this prime location.

32874 N 74th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,250,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,544 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6769027
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FIRST TIME ON MARKET!!! Indulge in luxury at 32874 N 74th Way in Las Piedras, North Scottsdale, a 2544 sq ft residence nestled near Whisper Rock and The Boulders. This single-level home showcases desert views, a gated courtyard, full casita bath and casita prep room. Outdoor bliss awaits with two private patios, and a gas fireplace behnd the privacy of custom entry doors with speakeasy windows—perfect for entertaining amidst breathtaking Arizona sunsets. This end lot provides a full view of the beautiful desert mountains that are literally at the end of the culdesac! Custom flooring creates a warmth throughout the home. Towering ceilings and countless windows create for a light and airy environment. Custom cabinetry and a huge island make family gatherings perfect! All of this situa within a private gated community in one of the best neighborhoods in North Scottsdale. Home office can easily be converted into a 4th bedroom. Don't forget to visit the heated community pool/spa. The wait is over!!!! Come visit this masterpiece in the desert!

4471 S Gold Court Chandler, AZ 85248

$1,250,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
4,353 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6766306
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Highly upgraded home with a fantastic layout - see the additional docs tab for a FULL list of upgrades included OWNED solar & private home office! Not only is this home located in Fulton Ranch's Gallery neighborhood, it has a 2.875% ASSUMABLE VA loan - anyone, veteran or non-veteran can assume this loan! The home is well equipped for both entertaining & relaxing as your own private sanctuary - the kitchen is well equipped with a Viking cook top, GE Monogram oven, microwave & dishwasher, extra large island with breakfast bar seating, upgraded granite slabs, custom cabinetry, wine fridge, wine rack, upgraded step stone backsplash & and oversized pantry. The master en-suite is extra spacious, the bathroom features a custom walk-in shower, deep Kohler (click MORE for more features) deep Kohler soaking tub, private toilet room & large walk-in closet. The backyard truly is an oasis with mature landscaping (see upgrade list for details), heated pool with therapy jets, bubbler, waterspouts, waterfall, private outdoor fireplace, full-size covered patio, USA built-in Lynx grill, gas fire pit & larger travertine deck area! This home is not just about all the awesome features, the Fulton Ranch community has 2.5 miles of walking trails, 32 acres of lakes & waterfalls & grassy common areas for you to enjoy. If you're a golfer, you'll be close to nine different courses including 27 holes at the Ocotillo Golf Club which is a mile away from the home. It's located in Arizona's top school district with A+ Schools like Hamilton High School, CTA & Basis within 2 miles! The community is next to Intel and Price Rd technology Corridor with Intel, Northrup Grumman & other top employers close by. It's located about 25 mins from Sky Harbor and just minutes from downtown Chandler with its many great shopping areas restaurants.

733 W Moon Valley Drive Phoenix, AZ 85023

$1,250,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,932 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6768910
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Totally renovated and remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 bath home located on the 10th fairway of the Moon Valley Country Club championship Golf Course.

16619 E Sullivan Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,250,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,390 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6780422
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Hilltop masterpiece...single level sitting on 1.4 acres w/outstanding Mountain and Fountain views! Gorgeous curb appeal starting w/the full paver driveway & walkway to the front door. Enter to the high ceilings & open floor plan w/formal living & dining rooms/spacious family rm w/gas fireplace/open to the kitchen offering granite counters, island, double ovens, walk in pantry, built in desk & breakfast bar. Enjoy mtn views from the breakfast rm. Split bedrooms offer privacy/Wonderful master suite /huge walk in closet, large vanity/3.5 baths/lg laundry room w/ lots of storage. You'll love the screened in AZ room...this home is perfect for entertaining...with room for all! The large 4 car garage is great for the car enthusiast! The in ground hot tub is inviting after a long day! More... The roof was new in November, 2023, and comes with a 5 year warranty. Enjoy the comfort of knowing you'll have a 1 year home warranty. 1 year transferrable termite warranty. ADP Security system More great amenities include beautiful wood shutters, 2 - 100 gal propane tanks, skylights...and so much more. When you see this home you will see the pride of ownership!