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.

1539 W Mulberry Drive Phoenix, AZ 85015

$630,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Truman Terrace, Phoenix
New
$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,848 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785229
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Alert! - Historic Home Lovers - Own in a sought after North Encanto neighborhood. This 1940's brick stunner in Truman Terrace has all the right updates while maintaining its unique characteristics and quaint, subtle charm. Split primary bedroom has plenty of natural light. Large and lush backyard with a covered patio designed for parties. Need parking? Got you covered with a two car garage and a carport. Additional hideaway-like patio off secondary bedroom. Living room AND family room for that extra needed space. The kitchen has plenty of prep area, gas cooking, pantry, and still holds it's original charm while lacking the cramped feels of some older homes. Secondary bedrooms are both roomy, Charmingly updated hall bathroom. Additional garden storage space and walk in tool shed out back.

5966 W Aurora Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$630,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,676 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6679878
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Freshly Painted!! Amazing 4-bed, 3-bath home in the highly sought-after Arrowhead Ranch New Legends Community! Come inside to a graceful entryway, a dramatic spiral staircase, & elegant chandeliers. Hardwood floors, high ceilings & plantation shutters. accentuate the formal dining/living room. Gas fireplaces in the family room & loft for make those cozy memories with the family magical. Kitchen has built-in appliances, a center island, and a breakfast bar with granite counters . The spacious master bedroom boasts high vaulted ceilings, & the master bath w/dual sinks, seperate tub and shower & walk-in closet. Bedroom & bathroom downstairs convienience for the guests! Peaceful backyard offers a covered patio, and shade trees.

6565 E Thomas Road Unit 1119 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,569 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6720107
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Modernly remodeled, newer built townhome IN the HEART of it all AND has it all! 3 beds, 2 baths, an open, split floorplan, elegant white marble-tile throughout, it has an entertainers delight kind-of-feel w/ a grand kitchen, extra wide island & sink, stunning white/gray/black granite countertops, classic gray tiled backsplash & flat white wood cabinetry. Light & bright with updated lighting, crystal chandeliers & ceiling fans in every room. Chill outside on your 2 private balconies, keep 2 cars cool in your garage. Diamante is a gated community with a huge sparkling pool- heated in the wintertime & always hot jacuzzi. Close to Old Town Scottsdale restaurants, bars & shopping, airport, 3 major freeways, golf, hiking mountains, Spring Training, Phx Open, Barrett Jackson & other AZ events.

2677 E Ficus Way Gilbert, AZ 85298

$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,249 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742444
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
. Welcome to your new oasis in Gilbert! This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is perfectly situated near the serene Gilbert Regional Park, offering both tranquility and convenience. As you step inside, you're greeted by light-filled, spacious rooms featuring plantation shutters.The perfect floor plan includes a formal living room, dining room, and a separate den. You'll love entertaining in the open-concept island kitchen, a gas stove, and an inviting family room that overlooks a serene patio. The patio, with pavers and mature professional landscaping, includes a built-in gas BBQ, making it ideal for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings.The spacious master suite is a peaceful retreat. some photos are virtually staged!

6565 E Thomas Road Unit 1041 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,548 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754945
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Discover your dream condo with both luxury and convenience in the sought-after gated Diamante Community in Scottsdale! This spacious 3-bed, 2-bath home offers 1,548 square feet of open living space with a desirable split floor plan. The living room provides stunning, unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain, perfect for enjoying Arizona's beautiful sunsets. The updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite countertops while the primary suite includes a walk-in closet for ample storage. This unit includes a 2-car attached garage and access to community amenities, including a pool and BBQ areas. Ideally located in between Old Town Scottsdale (2 mi), Camelback Mountain (3 mi), Arcadia (1 mi), the Arizona Biltmore (6 mi), ASU (4 mi), & Sky Harbor International Airport (5 mi)

10489 E Topaz Circle Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$630,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,041 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6754335
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fantastic location for 55+ adult community patio home in Scottsdale Ranch. Great corner lot, all 1 level, great bones, wonderful opportunity to customize to your preferences for this spacious 2 bedroom plus den home. Community amenities include heated pools, tennis courts and close proximity to Scottsdale Senior Center.

2583 S Quaintance Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$630,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,862 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774352
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous home in the sought-after Cooley Ranch community! This light & bright home with soaring ceilings offers an open concept floor plan, neutral pallet, wood-look tile flooring, recessed lighting, & sleek modern finishes throughout. The gourmet kitchen boasts granite counters, a gas stovetop, top-notch stainless steel appliances, RO System, & a walk-in pantry. Unwind in your primary retreat boasting an impressive bath with dual vanities & a walk-in shower. Enjoy AZ living in your updated backyard with a covered patio, pavers & synthetic grass. 2-car garage & tankless water heater. You'll love this private community with amenities like biking paths, pool, rec center, sports courts, & more. Prime Gilbert location with quick access to highways, schools, shopping & dining!

26207 N 47th Place Phoenix, AZ 85050

$630,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,359 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773215
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!! Seller has drastically reduced the price for an exceptional deal!!! Welcome home to gorgeous Tatum Highlands, located about 4 miles north of Desert Ridge Marketplace! Paradise Valley School District! This home has been maintained and cared for impeccably. Enjoy the views from the walk out balcony off the extra large primary bedroom. Beautiful bamboo wood and tile floors throughout! Laundry room is conveniently located upstairs on same level as the bedrooms! Beautiful double French Doors lead out to the backyard. No home behind you! This cul-de-sac home is ready to be YOUR HOME! A must see!

1458 E Black Diamond Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$629,999
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,185 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780772
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller Concessions Available! Welcome to 1458 E Black Diamond! This spacious 3 Bed, 3 Bath home includes a 2-car GARAGE and a high VAULTED ceiling in the main living area. Tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, new carpet upstairs, granite countertops, ceiling fans, NEWER appliances, Washer/Dryer Hookups, and more! Huge master bedroom, bonus room, and FRESH PAINT. Outside - a larger than usual CORNER LOT with a HUGE backyard, fruit trees, and desert landscaping. PAID-OFF SOLAR at close! Nearby - you're within walking distance to multiple parks, Fry's, and Home Depot (3 mins); Gilbert Riparian Reserve, Cosmo Dog Park, Costco (7 mins); Downtown Chandler and San Tan Village (12 mins); golf courses; and have easy access to Loop 202.

17375 N 10th Street Phoenix, AZ 85022

$629,999
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,610 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6766700
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Take pride in residing in this highly upgraded home in Villas at Trellis! Appealing interior boasts clean lines that promote a modern feel! Abundant natural light graces the open floor plan paired w/hardwood flooring, crown moulding, surround sound, & wide sliding glass doors to the back patio. Lovely kitchen provides recessed & pendant lighting, SS appliances, ample cabinetry, subway tile backsplash, a pantry, & a butcher block prep island w/a breakfast bar. Make the flexible den & loft a study or TV area. HUGE main retreat offers plush carpet & an ensuite comprised of two vanities, make-up desk, large shower w/a drying area, & a walk-in closet. Fabulous backyard comes w/a covered patio perfect for relaxing or throwing a barbecue and enough space for fun get-togethers. Don't miss it!

7833 E Obispo Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$629,998
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,532 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6775630
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEWLY RENOVATED ON A MASSIVE CORNER LOT! Home features 4 beds + a dedicated office space perfect for working from home and 2 full baths. A newly renovated kitchen with modern finishes! Oversized primary bedroom with completely remodeled bathroom! 12,000+ square foot lot with beautiful surrounding views and a sparkling pool! New interior and exterior paint! So many recent upgrades, come see it today because it won't last long!

21711 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$629,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,510 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702803
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Light Sky Ranch and the Dominic plan. This single level, 2510 square foot home boasts an open, inviting layout for entertaining. At the heart of the home is a spacious great room that flows into a sunny kitchen with a center island, dual walk-in pantries and an inviting breakfast nook, opening to the covered patio. A luxurious primary suite features an immense walk-in closet and attached bath with double sinks, and a luxurious separate tub and shower. With two additional bedrooms and a teen room, two and a half baths, and a dedicated study, the home offer plenty of space for privacy as well. Outside, a single-car garage and a 2-car garage offer ample storage for vehicles, outdoor gear, and more. With amenities such as a tankless water heater for efficiency and a charming paver driveway, this home seamlessly blends convenience with sophistication.