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.

555 N Ocotillo Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$625,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,879 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764922
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled on 1.4 acres of scenic horse property in the heart of Wickenburg, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and rural tranquility. With breathtaking panoramic views surrounding the property, you'll experience peace and privacy while still being close to town. Inside you'll discover a thoughtfully remodeled interior, where the kitchen shines with its 2024 upgrades, featuring sleek countertops, updated cabinetry, and new appliances, making it a dream space for cooking and entertaining. Fresh, stylish flooring flows throughout, providing a clean, contemporary feel, while the newly updated AC system ensures comfort year-round. Outside, you'll find a comfortable oasis perfect for relaxation and entertaining. The heated pool... offers the ideal spot to cool off during warm Arizona days, while the included above-ground spa promises relaxation under the stars. Additionally, the property boasts an oversized, over-height garage/shop, perfect for projects, storage, or accommodating larger vehiclesan excellent bonus for any hobbyist! Designed with both comfort and practicality in mind, this Wickenburg retreat offers the perfect space to enjoy rural living with modern conveniences, making it a must-see for those seeking a peaceful escape in Wickenburg!

6381 W Kristal Way Glendale, AZ 85308

$625,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,313 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768457
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Looking for a great property and great location? This is the one that you are looking for! This 4 bedroom, 2 bath single story ranch style home offers hardwood and tile flooring in all living space areas, carpeting in all the bedrooms for your comfort. Kitchen and baths have been remodeled and updated with white cabinetry and black quartz counter-tops and kitchen island. Large pantry in the kitchen to fit all of your kitchen gadgets and food storage is a wish fulfilled for every home cook. This home is handicap friendly as there are two walking showers and wider doors, the home was adjusted to be used as an Assisted Living. The location is in close proximity to Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, near Midwestern University, close to 101 FWY and Arrowhead Mall.

810 W Allen Street Phoenix, AZ 85041

$625,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,885 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768782
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You'll fall in love with this immaculately maintained South Mtn area home. Embracing an open floor plan, the home boasts upgrades including 2 NEW HVAC units (5/24), walk-in closets for master and single bedroom, plantation shutters, granite countertops, etc. (see documents tab for full list). Convenient downstairs master suite enjoys a separate exit to putting green. The spacious Loft overlooking the family room accesses an oversized VIEW deck. Two of the three upstairs bedrooms have hard-surface LVP w/newer carpet in the third bedroom, all w/C-fans & plantation shutters. Many family memories will be made in your Backyard Oasis with a removable fence at your Pebbletec pool w/waterfall & baja shelf. You'll love the adjustable cover at the Pergola extended covered patio

2120 N Whitetail Way Flagstaff, AZ 86004

$625,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,518 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770003
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome to this rare 3 bedroom, 2 bath single level townhome in the beautiful pines in Continental Country Club. Enjoy the open floorplan, tongue and groove cathedral ceilings, stone, wood burning fireplace, covered deck in the trees and 2 car garage on a quiet, private cul-de-sac. Relax with your morning coffee or evening bevvies listening to the sounds of birds and the breeze in the pines. Bring the kids and grandkids to Bear Paw, only a minute away, for mini golf, swimming and more. Or, play golf and pickleball to your heart's content at Continental Country Club and enjoy family, friends and great food at the Oakmont. Single level, 2 car garage, quiet location, close to everything you want to enjoy - it checks all of your boxes! Furnishings available! (30 day minimun for rentals.)

6253 E Phelps Road Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$625,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,999 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776628
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
If you yearn to own a home that is surrounded by mature trees, green grass, and open spaces then this is your next home. Located in the desirable patio home community of North Ranch towards the end of a cul-de-sac just steps from the community heated pool and spa. Relax at the breakfast bar with your morning coffee and enjoy any time of day in the large dining area which can accommodate all your family and guests. The cozy family room off the kitchen has a wood burning fireplace for the cooler winters. New Air Handler in 2024, outside main water line replaced in 2024, roof recoated in 2023, garage door and opener replaced in 2023. Granite counters in kitchen with stainless appliances. Bathrooms updated with quartz counters, new faucets, refinished cabinets and new shower and bathtub. The HOA maintains the front landscaping as well as your back patio area, so it makes for a great lock and leave. Enjoy having a glass of wine on the back patio which overlooks the common grassy area. This home is close to great restaurants and shopping at Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter

19625 W Pinchot Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$625,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,656 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771563
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning 3-year-old North/South facing residence features a designer kitchen with custom subway tile backsplash, 42-inch cabinets, Quartz countertops, and gourmet gas appliances. Enjoy the spacious ''Harry Potter'' pantry and a panoramic slider that opens to your backyard oasis with a sparkling play pool and gazebo, complemented by synthetic grass for low maintenance.The versatile 3-car tandem garage offers ample storage, while the upstairs boasts four oversized bedrooms and a spacious loft. Conveniently located near Costco, restaurants, Fry's Marketplace, freeways, and schools, this home combines luxury and accessibility. Plus, solar panels (loan-to-own) keep your energy costs low. Stop by and visit today!

7774 E Mariposa Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$625,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,440 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772159
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Retire in Style in the Prestigious Community of Villa Monterey. The largest 55+ Community located in the Heart of Scottsdale. Enter through your periwinkle front door to a large great room with huge sliding glass door to view the outdoor garden and enjoy those cool Arizona evenings. Recently smoothed ceilings throughout this light and bright 2 bedroom 2 bath home. The kitchen has custom cabinetry, leathered granite counter tops opening to the dining room with beautiful chandelier. The master bedroom with plenty of space to unwind features a HUGE closet and large bath with vanity and a marble walk-in shower! The second bathrom has a vibe of its own! Attention to detail!! RETREAT to your huge covered patio on a Premium Corner Lot with custom iron gates. Enjoy your mature landscaping and - grass patch with a stunning garden as if you almost have a mini botanical garden in your own backyard! New Anderson double pane tinted windows keep the house cool. The laundry room has built in cabinetry for tons of storage space with private access to your backyard patio. Do you want it all?? Here it is!

1383 E Washington Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$625,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,050 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772748
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your new Gilbert home on an AMAZING 11,138 sqft lot with a private pool. This 4 bedroom 3 full bathroom home has a first floor bedroom and full bath, formal dining room with gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings and a walkout balcony off the primary bedroom. The home had major updates done in 2023 including new AC and furnace, new roof, LVP flooring on the main level, quartz countertops in the kitchen, and new windows. Relax in the pool during our hot Arizona summers with a huge backyard that has endless possibilities to become an entertainers dream! This perfect location is close to downtown Gilbert and Freestone Park. This home has everything you're looking for with the lot size, pool, updates, and location!

43809 W Avalon Drive Tonopah, AZ 85354

$625,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,734 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780132
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is the kind of property that everyone is looking for when searching for country life at its finest! Amazing floor plan with 4 large bedrooms and 2 full baths, plus an absolutely amazing game-room/media-room that has its own exterior doors to darling patio! Wonderful for entertaining guests! All new flooring throughout entire home, ceramic tile in living areas and luxury vinyl plank flooring in bedrooms. New interior paint and new exterior paint! Cozy fireplace that is the focal point for the open living-room and kitchen. But wait..theres more! Lets step outside to the mountain views that will blow you away! Literally ride out into the sunset! Fully fenced 2 acres perfect for the furry friends! Now the shop! The shop was just built in 2023. 2400 sqft. 7 vehicles can fit. Mezzanine! Mezzanine has stairs with gradual rise 6 for every 12 forward to ease when carrying heavy items up and down. There is a 30 amp, 50 amp, and (2)-20 amp sockets. (2) 10x10 doorways and 12x14 high RV door. 14' tall doorway has rollup door. Fully insulated. Hardwired internet in Garage. Heavy I-beam designed for hoisting. 2 large ridge vents. Garage will hold 4 cars and an RV, plus still has room for 22x27 shop space. The water well is owned, NOT shared with somebody else. The garage includes nearly 4,000 SF of storage space (2400 SF on the ground and 1600 SF in the mezzanine). It is designed so the ground floor has room for 4 vehicles plus a 30-foot motor home, and even with 4 cars and the motor home inside, there is still room for a shop area of about 22' x 27', and if a person does not have a motor home, they could put in a lift and use that spot as an auto service bay which would be 16' x 30', with a 14' clearance (to the bottom of the truss). With the additional 1600 SF of mezzanine storage above, this is the equivalent of a much larger home (whatever does not fit in the house can be put in the mezzanine). The flooring in the bedrooms is NOT wood laminate--it is the much more expensive and functional LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planking) (water proof and scratch resistant, unlike laminate flooring). This has a much better location than many properties in Tonopah. Only a few minutes to the freeway (where gas and food services are also available). The road is nicer than many (no washboard here) and the property is at the end of the road, so there is no traffic, and it is much more secure than if drivers were moving past your home on a regular basis. It is very private, with no nearby neighbors. There is a BEAUTIFUL view of rugged Saddleback Mountain, which is very close to us. The sunsets and lightning shows are mind-blowing. It is also important to note that, IN ADDITION to being able to park a 30' motor home inside the garage, with pop-out extended, and electrical hook-up, there is ANOTHER motor home parking spot beside the house, with full hook-ups that include 30/50 amp electrical, septic, and water.

12806 W Maya Way Peoria, AZ 85383

$625,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,454 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6707399
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Motivated Seller, Recent updates include full roof replacement and new A/C Units in 2020. Welcome home to Trilogy at Vistancia. This Active Adult community has is it all, a wide variety of recreational activities, pristine pools, state of the art fitness centers and championship golf course. Relax and enjoy the spacious Accredo model that boasts 2450 square feet with 2 bed, 2.5 bath and 2 separate office, den, man cave/home theater flex rooms. Includes water softener and reverse osmosis system. 3 car garage with 3rd being a golf cart garage. Low maintenance front and back yard on auto irrigation timers. Fenced in backyard. This immaculate home has it all. Experience paradise in this beautiful home nestled within an amazing community.

22348 N 70th Drive Glendale, AZ 85310

$625,000
5 Beds
2 Baths
2,486 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6730033
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Marvelous property with a Clear blue pool in the desired Hillcrest Ranch Community! A great one-story home on an oversized lot features high vaulted ceilings with skylights in the right areas that make entertaining a breeze. spacious living room, formal dining, or intimate family room! The eat-in kitchen has a pantry, tile counters, honey oak cabinets, track lighting, and a breakfast bar for casual meals. awesome master retreat with Laminate flooring, a bay window, a bathroom with dual sinks, a garden tub, and a step-in shower. The backyard boasts a covered patio, lovely paver seating area, come seet his amazing property and make it yours.

16397 W Roosevelt Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$625,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
4,166 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6742317
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome your Sanctuary awaits! This 2-story home boasts an open floorplan with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and sits at 4166 square feet. Upon entrance you are greeted by high ceilings and a stunning spiraled staircase. Beautifully updated with tile flooring and granite countertops. The kitchen has an open layout which is great for entertaining. The upstairs loft creates the perfect space for a home office. Conveniently located near Pebble Creek Golf Resort, as well as shopping centers and entertainment. Assumable FHA loan at 4.75%!!