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.

7084 W Jasper Drive Chandler, AZ 85226

$585,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,015 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755604
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ignore DOM. The property was off-market, while the seller had the first-floor den converted into a full bedroom, adding double doors and a closet. Take advantage of this beautifully upgraded home in the community of Rhythm. This privately gated community features a beautiful central amenity complete with a large resort-style swimming pool, kids pool, spa, shade structures, TVs, firepits, sports courts, a dog park, and a workout facility. You will feel right at home as you enter this pristine 3-story loft-style home with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The kitchen features honed quartz countertops, upgraded stainless steel appliances including a gas range, white cabinetry with crown molding, a large island for family gatherings, and extra prep space. Enjoy outdoor living with a private patio.. plus large balconies off the great room and primary bedroom. Your primary suite offers dual vanities, a large walk-in shower and loads of natural light. This home is centrally located with easy access to the I-10 and 202 Freeways, just a stone's throw away from Casa Paloma shopping center, numerous restaurants, schools, and a short drive to Chandler Fashion Center. See the floor plan in the document tab.

1448 W Shellfish Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$585,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Parcel 31 At The Islands Amd Replat Lot 1-58, Gilbert
Open House
$585,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,171 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780572
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to live in a community that blends beauty, convenience, and comfort. This beautifully maintained home, featuring a brand-new roof, seamlessly combines modern upgrades with low-maintenance living. Step outside to your serene backyard, thoughtfully designed with artificial turf and a private gate that opens directly to a lush greenbelt—just steps from the sparkling community pool. Enjoy the luxury of poolside living without the upkeep! Inside, the primary suite is nothing short of a sanctuary. Vaulted ceilings w/ open feel while the en suite bath offers a spa-like experience with double vanities, a separate soaking tub, & a walk-in shower. Unwind on your private balcony, where peaceful greenbelt views ensure ultimate privacy & relaxation. Catch and release fishing permit $10/per year for residents Watercraft $25/per lifetime of watercraft The Islands Community offers a wealth of amenities, including: 74 acres of lakes (North Lake: 25 acres, Mid Lake: 18.73 acres, South Lake: 30.55 acres) 30 acres of lush grass Basketball court Sand volleyball court Bocce ball court Playground Facility rental options Community dock Special events Full-size exercise track (4 laps = 1 mile) Shaded ramadas with picnic tables and charcoal grills

26020 N 138th Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$584,999
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,282 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728614
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning 3-bed / 3-bath home with a large den nestled in a quiet community with mountain views! Better than new, this residence sits on an expansive lot and boasts a generous 2,282 sq/ft of living space. The open and split floor plan features a den, great room, and 9+ ceilings. The spacious kitchen is a chef's dream with a large island overlooking the family room and a walk-in pantry. Multi-sliding glass doors lead to a beautifully landscaped backyard, perfect for entertaining. Additional highlights include a 3-car garage with an RV gate, dual pane windows, and neutral two-tone paint throughout. This home offers luxury, space, and beautiful views - your perfect retreat!

602 E Amarillo Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$584,999
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,452 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765626
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This charming 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is located in a serene and peaceful community, perfect for anyone seeking a quiet retreat. The house boasts a brand-new roof, ensuring years of worry-free living. The spacious interior includes a potential rental unit downstairs, ideal for additional income or guest accommodations. The fenced-in yard offers privacy and ample space for outdoor activities, gardening, or pets. With its thoughtful layout and tranquil surroundings, this home provides both comfort and opportunity in a highly desirable neighborhood.

4628 E Monte Vista Road Phoenix, AZ 85008

$584,999
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,569 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775224
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow! COMPLETELY REMODELED 1 year ago. NEW EVERYTHING! Bright, Open Floorplan ARCADIA! New Kitchen w/ quartz counters! backsplash! New cabinets! w/ handles! New S/S appliances! Big island w/ bfast bar! Pendant lighting! Recessed lighting everywhere! New Vinyl/Dual Pane windows everywhere! New doors! New handles/hinges! New fans! New bathrooms! Quartz! Vanities! Shower/tub surrounds! New roof! New plank flooring everywhere! New baseboards everywhere! new Interior/Exterior Paint. HUGE BACKYARD! New landscaping in front and back yard! Big cov'd patio w/ firepit! Big Laundry w/ Workshop/Storage area! Do NOT Disturb OCCUPANTS! (appt only) Seconds away from Pierce Park w/ Lighted courts & fields for basketball, PICKLEBALL! / tennis, softball, volleyball, plus a playground, restrooms and POOL!

2234 N Winthrop Circle Mesa, AZ 85213

$584,999
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,096 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781239
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come check out this amazing home in a large lot no HOA neighborhood of north Mesa. Just 3 minuets from the 202. This is your blank slate to have an amazing corner lot remodeled home in an extremely quiet neighborhood. Home features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Large primary bedroom with sliding doors to your exterior covered patio. Exterior has a large covered patio with even more wood slatted covering for great indoor outdoor living. Spacious 3 car garage. Some large upgrades were done including the windows, sliding doors and water softener. There are vaulted ceilings in most rooms of the home. Come see it before its gone!

17632 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$584,995
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,840 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766476
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Darius provides a sophisticated and accommodating ranch-style layout. In addition to a lavish owner's suite— with a roomy walk-in closet and attached double-sink bath—this home includes a second owner's suite with an adjacent living room, perfect for MULTI-generational living. For a more complete secondary residence, in addition to a kitchenette with a sink, refrigerator and cabinets. You'll also enjoy a 3-car garage, a study, a great room with an adjacent covered patio—featuring optional center-meet or multi-slide doors—and an inviting kitchen with a generous island, built-in pantry, dining nook and optional gourmet features. This new addition to the sought-after Desert Oasis masterplan in Surprise offers five impressive ranch plans, including some with UltraGarage® attached RV/boat garages! The beautiful masterplan also boasts an onsite K-8 school, community pool, parks, basketball, trails and open space, as well as easy access to nearby shopping, dining and recreation.

23964 N 171st Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$584,995
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,630 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6720282
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ease and elegant design blend beautifully in the ranch-style Pomona plan. An inviting great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a dining nook and a kitchen showcasing a pantry and a center island. Aspiring top chef? This home has gourmet kitchen features! The impressive owner's suite offers a walk-in closet and a private bath with a deluxe, large walk-in shower. Three additional bedrooms, a central study and a laundry round out the floor plan, which includes a covered patio, a 2-car garage and a 1-car side-turn garage. This home features 10 ft ceilings, paver driveway, Wood look tile flooring, Quartz countertops, Super shower with an additional rainfall shower head & many more upgrades.

698 E Aurora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$584,990 - 5Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Edgewood Villas, San Tan Valley
New
$584,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,568 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788103
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move-In Ready! Located just south of AZ-24, this home is perfect for commuters and adventurers alike. The popular Warren plan offers 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a media room! Enjoy the open gourmet kitchen, dining area, and great room with mulit-slide door, that flow seamlessly to the patio—perfect for indoor/outdoor living. The kitchen stuns with dark blue cabinets, brushed nickel hardware, floating shelves, white quartz countertops, and a spacious island. The media room is perfect for movie nights or relaxing. The split floor plan ensures privacy in the Primary Suite with its large walk-in closet and spa-like bath. Stylish wood-look tile, cozy bedroom carpet, and designer touches throughout complete this exceptional home. Ready now!

4353 N 203rd Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$584,990
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,670 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736276
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home is our Gorgeous Bernstein plan! Designed with our Loft 'Looks' selections providing a curated interior offering stunning finishes. Your spacious kitchen features an oversized island, quartz counters, 42 '' upper cabinets and GE profile stainless steel appliances. The open great room with coffered ceilings is perfect for entertaining. A bonus room is ideal for relaxing, working from home or as an additional bedroom. The primary suite includes resort like bath with no-step shower and walk-in closet. Plan you visit today! ^^Short/long term interest rate buydowns available when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

7615 W Saddlehorn Road Peoria, AZ 85383

$584,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,953 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763668
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new community in North Peoria! This stunning single story home offers 1,953 sq ft of functional living space. It features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, den, and a 2 car garage. The open concept kitchen is perfect for entertaining and features an Island, a walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances. It also offers our Harmony Palette which includes gray painted 42'' Cabinets, silver falls granite kitchen countertops, 4x4 kitchen backsplash, and 6x36 wood looking plank tile in all the common areas, soft water loop, and interior blinds. The great room offers a 4-panel center sliding glass door so you can step out into your covered patio to enjoy indoor/outdoor living in your backyard with friends and family. The primary suite has a spacious walk-in closet, double sinks, walk-in shower, and an additional linen closet for extra storage. Great location close to dining, freeways, parks, and entertainment!

10206 W Piccadilly Road Avondale, AZ 85392

$584,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,815 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772257
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6772257 January 2025 Completion! Discover modern living at Parkside Los Cielos with our 40-RM4 floorplan, a spacious two-story home featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. The open-concept layout effortlessly blends the dining room, kitchen, and great room, creating an ideal space for daily living and entertaining. A private bedroom and bathroom are conveniently located at the front of the home, offering a quiet retreat. Upstairs, the primary bedroom awaits with a large walk-in closet and shower, accompanied by two more bedrooms. Experience the perfect balance of comfort and style in this thoughtfully designed home. Structural options include: 4th bedroom and full bath on 1st floor, paver driveway, loft in lieu of upstairs bedroom, large tandem garage, large mud room, vaulted ceilings.