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.

4131 E Cathedral Rock Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$619,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,450 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6750221
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Back on market after full-price cash buyer had to walk! Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 4-bed, 2.5-bath home boasts 2,450 square feet of beautifully updated living space. Situated on an oversized corner lot, the property offers both privacy and ample space for outdoor living. Inside, you'll find tasteful updates throughout, including new flooring, light fixtures and faucets (and interior/exterior paint from 2019). Major updates (roof, both AC units, water softener, extra attic insulation) have also been done in the last 5 years providing peace of mind. Enjoy the community's top-notch amenities with access to pools, parks, and tennis courts plus great schools and shopping nearby. This home is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience you will love!

13418 W Almeria Road Goodyear, AZ 85395

$619,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,712 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780947
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous single-level Palm Valley home on just shy of 1/3AC lot. Enjoy the 2712 sf home with a pool and water feature. Both AC units just replaced in 2024, roof replaced in 2020, new variable speed pool pump replaced 2024, and entire interior of home and garage repainted November 2024. Spacious split floorplan that opens up to family and dining room area. Backyard boasts an outdoor kitchen with built in grill and sink, covered patio with custom shades, garden area on the North side of home, dog run on the South side of home, synthetic turf with planters and giant diving pool with water feature. Corner lot so one only has neighbors to the West and North. True pride of ownership. You get to enjoy a gorgeous, well established neighborhood with all the high dollar items already updated.

3019 E Marilyn Road Phoenix, AZ 85032

$619,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,832 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733523
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in the highly sought-after neighborhood of Cimarron Ridge, this wonderful entertainment home offers the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. Enjoy the serene ambiance of a quiet cul-de-sac, complemented by a spacious yard. The property features a stunning Pebble Tec pool and spa, ideal for relaxation and entertaining. Don't miss the opportunity to own this gem in a prime central location!

8014 E Plata -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$619,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,532 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6732961
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Single story home on a corner lot that offers a split floor plan, with large open kitchen which features stunning soft glide cabinets, top of the line stainless appliances with built-in oven and microwave, large island, pendent lighting. The spacious master suite overlooks the backyard with a walk-­in closet that is truly larger than most bedrooms. RV Gate. Solar swimming pool panel owned. Located across the street from the park & walking trails & just minutes from the 60 & 202 fr-ways and San Tan Village.

19700 N 76th Street Unit 2028 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$619,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,843 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759796
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Immaculate open & bright South facing condo in the highly desirable gated Village at Grayhawk community. Upgraded features include travertine flooring, plantation shutters & more make this beautiful 2 bedroom+ den, 2 car garage residence stand out from the rest. Warm & inviting kitchen features breakfast bar, granite countertops, maple cabinetry, black stainless LG appliances, gas range & recessed lighting opens to dining/great room. Relax in large great room w/gas fireplace, built-in media & display niches. Spacious master retreat w/room for desk/workout equipment, dual sinks, separate shower & garden tub. Enjoy 3 beautiful heated pools & spas and 2 workout facilities. Convenient access to Loop 101 freeway, hiking and walking trails, world class golf, shopping and dining.

18117 W Tecoma Road Goodyear, AZ 85338

$619,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,838 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781120
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Energy-efficient SOLAR property in the master-planned community of Estrella! Sweet curb appeal, desert landscaping & Inside, a rotunda foyer leads you toward the semi-open den & great room, providing endless entertainment. Pre-wired surround sound, durable tile flooring, custom paint, & gorgeous light fixtures. The kitchen showcases a center island w/breakfast bar, a pantry, staggered cabinets, mosaic backsplash, SS appliances, & granite counters. Split main retreat features backyard access & an ensuite boasting a separate tub/shower, dual sink, & walk-in closet w/stacked laundry area. Both bedrooms have soft carpets! Entertainer's backyard offers built-in BBQ, fireplace, covered patio, putting green, pool & spa combo, & view fence. Plus, solar panels! This home is the one! MTN Views! - DEN / LAKERS billiards Room Can be easily transitioned to 3rd bdrm.

2734 W Montgomery Drive Chandler, AZ 85224

$619,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,009 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6756991
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come and see this freshly remodeled stunning home in Chandler. This 4 bed 2 bath 2 Car Garage home is move in ready!! Located just off the 101 and Warner you are just minutes away from the Chandler Mall with all the shopping and great restaurants. Home is located in the A rated Chandler School District. As you pull up to this stunning gem you will notice the freshly painted exterior and low maintenance front yard. Though the front door your welcomed by brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the main living areas and plush patterned carpet in the bedrooms. The soaring ceilings continue around the corner off the front room and into your brand new stunning kitchen. This fully remodeled kitchen boasts new white shaker cabinets, white quartz countertops, brand new stainless steel appliances and upgraded lighting. Just off the kitchen is the massive pantry / laundry room with custom shelves, mud room bench, white cabinets and butcher block top. Split floor plan has the Master suite off of the front room and it is GORGEOUS. Vaulted ceilings, dual vanity sink, large walk in closet and brand new custom tiled shower. Brand new windows and window coverings throughout the home. New water heater. New ceiling fans, door hardware, light and plumbing fixtures give this home a modern feel. Out back there is plenty of room to entertain with a freshly laid rolled sod yard with paver border, new sprinkler system and a large gazebo with fire pit that conveys. Don't miss out on this gem. Come and see it today!!

18607 W Oregon Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$619,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,691 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762312
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
****SELLER OFFERING $15,000 SELLER CONCESSION, WITH ACCEPTED OFFER***** This impressive single-level home in Litchfield Park boasts 2,691 square feet of living space on an expansive 11,051 square foot lot. Featuring a split floor plan with four oversized bedrooms, each with large walk-in closets, and 2.5 bathrooms. The home is designed for both comfort and functionality with vaulted ceilings and custom window treatments. The massive primary suite includes a remodeled bathroom with a stand-alone tub and a spacious walk-in closet. The 3-car tandem garage has vaulted ceilings for extra storage, plus added electrical outlets perfect for welders and power tools. An oversized RV gate provides paved RV parking with a power connection, ideal for boats, RVs, and UTVs. The remodeled gourmet kitchen is equipped with granite countertops and a large walk-in pantry. The backyard offers an extended patio, mature landscaping and a large storage shed. With close access to the 303 and I-10 freeways, this meticulously maintained home combines convenience with exceptional features for everyday living. Check this one out today!

15163 W Cameron Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$619,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,684 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775454
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home! Recently renovated and turn-key! 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a bonus loft + 3-car garage. New luxury vinyl flooring and tile floors throughout, formal living /dining room, kitchen with island, walk-in pantry, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, open to breakfast nook and family room overlooking covered patio, grassy backyard and pool w/ shark inlay. Upstairs to spacious loft for a 2nd family room! Primary suite w/sitting area, separate shower/tub and extra large closet and sleek renovated bathrooms. Added features include modern light fixtures and ceiling fans, surround sound, garage with attached cabinets and epoxy flooring. Enjoy community features of parks, greenbelts, playgrounds, sport court and sand volleyball court.

12129 N Finch Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$619,900 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Morningside At Lakeside Village Phase 2 Amd, Fountain Hills
Open House
New
$619,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,417 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788922
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Location, Location, Location! Premium tranquil & private lot backs to unique gorgeous natural common area. Spacious backyard & covered patio to enjoy outdoor living. Just steps to Community heated POOL & SPA. Quick walk to the World famous Fountain, Park & all that Town Center offers. Great Room offers vaulted ceiling & corner wood burning fireplace. Large Kitchen showcases Granite counters, tile backsplash, newer appliances, lower cabinets with pullouts and Eat-In area with lots of natural light. Bathrooms have been updated with walk-in tiled showers. Additional improvements include: New Roof 2022; New tile plank flooring & carpet (2022); New window treatment (2022); New fans & light fixtures; New interior paint; Garage epoxy flooring (2022). Act quick on this amazing move-in ready home

14219 W Artemisa Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$619,500
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,462 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6643180
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller may contribute $5,000 towards the buyer's closing cost. ***WHY-WAIT-TO BUILD*** This two-story home is a stunning property that offers a spacious and well-designed layout. With four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, this home provides ample space for a growing family or for those who enjoy having extra room. The Gormet eat-in Kitchen is a true design of a chef's delight, upgraded gas cooking range, beautiful quartz countertops, ample amount of 42-inch upgraded cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances. Plantation shutters throughout the first floor. Downstairs offers a large den/office or can be a playroom. The master bedroom is conveniently located downstairs, offering privacy and convenience. The master bathroom features upgraded cabinetry, separate garden tub, dual sinks, large walk-in shower, adding a touch of luxury to the space. The first floor of this stunning home features wood-like extensive flooring adding a touch of warmth and elegance to the space. Upstairs, you will find an enormous loft area that can be used as a playroom, another office, or entertainment area. Additional bedrooms upstairs plenty of space for family members or guests. This home is north-south, ensuring that you can enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to natural light and temperature control. Additionally, this home has been barely lived in and resembles a spec home, meaning it is in pristine condition and ready for its new owners to move in and make it their own. You will also have the best of both worlds located remarkably close to all the shopping in north Peoria as well as Surprise, minutes away from the best of both growing areas and schools.

2864 Timberline Road Pinetop, AZ 85935

$619,500
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,333 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751546
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
The Pinetop Country Club area is renowned for its serene landscapes and charming properties, and it seems you've found a gem with this detached townhouse. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a bonus room that can serve as a fifth bedroom or study, plus a loft, it offers ample space and versatility. The list of upgrades is impressive, including a premium lot, advanced A/C system with extra insulation, and a host of new installations like a water heater and washer dryer. The addition of a soft start on the A/C unit is a smart move to extend its lifespan. It's clear that meticulous care has been taken to maintain and enhance the property, from the practical servicing of all systems to the aesthetic addition of new trees and a railing on the back patio. ...READ MORE... The fact that it's sold fully furnished makes it an even more attractive turnkey solution for mountain living. The HOA's coverage of exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal adds to the worry-free experience. This condo truly stands out as one of the nicest in the subdivision. If you're looking for a retreat that combines luxury with the tranquility of mountain life, this property seems to tick all the boxes.