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.

820 N 8th Avenue Unit 22 Phoenix, AZ 85007

$610,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,476 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772690
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Step into a former model home in a gated community, just blocks from Roosevelt Row District. Urban convenience meets a quieter atmosphere. Walk to downtown Phoenix. • Diverse Dining • Lively Concerts • ASU Downtown Campus • Sports & Concert Stadiums A 10-min drive to Sky Harbor or hop on the light rail for easy city living. The Home:Built in 2017, with upgraded finishes: quartz counters, glass tile, designer lighting, 9-ft ceilings, 2-car garage. Private courtyard with pavers, turf perfect for relaxing. Versatile flex room for office or more.Second floor: open living area, kitchen with pull-out shelving, sliding doors to deck with skyline views. Top floor: two ensuite bedrooms. Primary suite: glass-doored shower, dual sinks, walk-in closet. Guest ensuite shower tub combo Community: Gazebo, grill, ample street parking, top construction. Don't miss this exceptional home!

36601 N Mule Train Road Carefree, AZ 85377

$610,000
2 Beds
3 Baths
1,970 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751091
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
AVIATION LOVERS! This stunning property offers a unique blend of natural beauty and luxurious living within a Gated Community in Carefree, Arizona! Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the serene desert landscape. 1970 sq ft of living space, 2 master suites and a flex room! Spacious balconies allow for you to sit outside to enjoy sunset views over Black Mountain. Nestled in the heart of Carefree, you'll have easy access to the town's charming shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Within the community you'll have opportunities to socialize with your neighbors at the clubhouse/pool area. There is currently a hangar available at Sky Ranch Airport. Inquire with us for more information! Welcome home!

7177 W Pontiac Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$610,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,146 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742966
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*** OVER $100k in UPGRADES! *** Welcome to your Beautiful Home in the HIGHLY desirable Lake Community of Sierra Verde in Arrowhead Ranch! This MOVE IN READY, NEWLY REMODELED 4-bed, 3-bath Beauty offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Features Include New Wood Tile Flooring, New 6-inch Baseboards, Newly Upgraded Bathrooms with Travertine Tile Floors, Showers w/Granite Counters & Custom Finishes. New Pool Equipment, Pebble Sheen Finish & Removable Pool Fence. Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counters, Tile Backsplash, Stainless Steel Appliances, and a Convenient Coffee Bar. Freshly Painted in Neutral Tones Inside and Out! Ring Doorbell! Newer Hot Water Heater! The second floor boasts Engineered Wood Flooring & Designer Built Walk-in Closets Large yard with grass area and no homes directly behind for open feel and privacy! The epoxy-coated garage includes built-in cabinets, a workbench, and a new smart garage door opener. Refrigerator, washer, and dryer are included for your convenience. The community offers ample walking and biking paths, parks, and gorgeous lake views, while A+ Sierra Verde School is just a short walk away. Enjoy easy access to Thunderbird Conservation Park, Arrowhead Mall, P-83 shopping, dining, entertainment, and freeways for effortless commuting. With so many upgrades and a prime location, this home is an absolute must-see! Don't miss your chance to make it yours!

1004 E Desert Hills Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$609,999
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,932 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747246
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience the Ultimate in Country Living! Escape to the serene beauty of Desert Hills with this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, perfectly positioned on a generous 1.25-acre lot. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or just seeking wide-open spaces, this property offers endless possibilities. The expansive front yard is ready to accommodate your equestrian dreams, or it can be transformed into a custom detached garage or workshop. Step inside to find a welcoming interior that perfectly complements the natural surroundings. The 3 spacious bedrooms provide plenty of room for relaxation, while the 2 well-appointed bathrooms offer comfort and convenience for everyday living. The home itself boasts a modern, low-maintenance metal roof and a recently upgraded Trane AC, ensuring comfort and efficiency throughout the year. Outside, you'll find two matching storage sheds, ideal for all your tools and outdoor gear, as well as a spacious 3-car carport providing ample covered parking. With a 2-part shared well, you'll have reliable water access, while the wide-open spaces invite you to take in the natural beauty and stunning northeast views. This is truly a place where you can breathe easy and live the country lifestyle you've always dreamed of, all without the constraints of an HOA. This gem is a rare find in Desert Hills, offering both privacy and potential.

9938 E Timpani Lane Mesa, AZ 85212

$609,999
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,188 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770763
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome Home. This home has it all. This beautiful kitchen with white shaker cabinets, granite counters, gas stove/cooktop, walk in pantry, split floor plan, 3 bedrooms plus den with 3 full bathrooms, super master bedrooms with dual vanity bathroom and massive walk-in closet, rich wood-look tile plan floors, 9 foot flat ceilings, eight foot tall doors, private outdoor lanai trimmed with travertine pavers forming a walkway to the covered back patio and extended travertine patio out to the always-perfect artificial turf lawn in back. Talk about location, this Cadence community offers a huge play pool, two waterslides, dedicated lap pool, movie room, community center and more. Hurry on over as this home will not last!

22889 E Marsh Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$609,999
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,132 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719211
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BUYER COULD NOT PERFORM. ASSUMABLE VA LOAN WITH 2.7% INTEREST RATE - $2063 monthly payment. 3 bedroom PLUS two additional office/dens which could be converted into additional bedrooms - enjoy the space of a FIVE bedroom home for the price of a THREE bedroom. Open-plan kitchen with formal dining area, quartz countertops, gas stovetop and built-in microwave and smart oven. Split floor plan means you'll enjoy privacy in the primary bedroom, which also includes a large walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom. Outside, skip the mess and time to build your own pool, and jump right into your new private pool on closing day! Your new back yard is complete with turf and pavers. The neighborhood of Harvest, Queen Creek was thoughtfully designed to incorporate the agricultural history of the area while still being close to the comforts of town. Just minutes from Queen Creek's best shopping and dining, and across the road from Schnepf Farms (family farm offering seasonal events, a pick your own veggies patch, concerts, farm tours, train rides, petting zoo, peach picking and bakery,) and Queen Creek Olive Mill (olive mill with gourmet market and restaurant.) Just down the street, find the brand-new Pecan Lake Entertainment facility, with rope courses, putting courses, axe throwing, escape rooms, AND a surf pool coming in 2025. Within Harvest, enjoy exceptional amenities - a lake with catch and release fishing, two heated community pools, a splash pad, neighborhood trails, play areas, fire pits and catch and release lake fishing. This is more than just a home; it's a gateway to a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle - the Harvest community has been meticulously crafted in a shared pursuit of purposeful living.

17643 W Middlebury Street Surprise, AZ 85388

$609,995
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,468 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785015
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Professionally decorated, this home is for sale and loaded with designer extras and upgrades. Tucked within a 55+ neighborhood, this Cranston floorplan has everything you need. The inviting entry features vaulted ceilings that immediately makes you feel at home. Located just off the foyer, the pocket office extends the possibilities of this home, creating plenty of space for personalization. The open-concept great room is the perfect atmosphere for entertaining, with connectivity to the expansive views of the outdoor living space. Overlooking the great room and accompanied by a casual dining area, the well-designed kitchen boasts Kitchen Aide appliances, sprawling upgraded cabinets and a stunning kitchen island that ties the home together.

10430 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6704814
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, and Shaker cabinets is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with seperate drop in tub bathroom and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

4817 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,510 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6684076
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The single-story Dominic plan offers an open, inviting layout and ample living space. At the heart of the home is a spacious great room that flows into an impressive gourmet kitchen with a center island, quartz counter tops, dual pantries and a generous breakfast nook. A luxurious primary suite showcases an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with Deluxe walk-in shower, a covered patio invites relaxation, a study and a teen room, and a third side turn garage bay.

4816 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,630 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6691847
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home offers a study.. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and deluxe tub and shower. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included.

10434 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,630 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719435
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive Gourmet Kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, matte black fixtures throughout, a walk-in pantry, center island, and 10' ceilings. There is stone tile throughout, with carpeted bedrooms. This home will be built with a study. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet, private bath #2 w/double sinks, deluxe walk-in shower with rain. A convenient laundry room, tankless water heater, covered patio, and 8' garage doors, are also included.

4829 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6720292
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, quartz counters and shaker style cabinets is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access including a center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with oversized walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.