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.

6841 N 15th Place Phoenix, AZ 85014

$575,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,125 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783194
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. THIS 3 BEDROOM 3 BATH HOME IS READY FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUCHES. INTERIOR FRESHLY PAINTED, TILE IN ALL ROOMS EXCEPT ROOM OFF OF LAUNDRY, PROPERTY HAS GREAT VEIWS OF THE MOUNTAINS. LARGE FENCED BACKYARD WITH COVERED PATIO, STORAGE, AND MATURE TREES. CLOSE TO SHOPPING, DINING AND ENTERTAINING AS WELL AS EASY ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

18720 E Via Laguna -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,799 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6744613
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come enjoy resort style living in this sunny, turn key 3 bed/2 bath home nestled into a very quiet street in the active adult, golf community of Rio Verde. Incredible views of green fairways on Quail Run and the majestic Mazatzal Mountains from your very private North facing back patio. Plenty of room for outdoor entertaining on the extended, fenced in patio area. Wood burning fireplace to take the chill off a cool desert night. Eat in kitchen with separate dining area. Community lap and social pool, tennis and pickleball courts, billiards room, two clubhouse restaurants and our new community café/bodega next to the post office as a fun meet up place for breakfast and coffee. golf membership information upon request.

39920 N River Bend Road Phoenix, AZ 85086

$575,000
5 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,168 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747304
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Your search is over!! LEASE TO OWN OR SELLER FINANCING with 0% DOWN and NO BANK QUALIFING!! This Beautiful 4 bedroom + office and loft RECENTLY REMODELED home is available in the much sought after community of Anthem. The kitchen has all new stainless steel appliances and new quartz counter tops. The primary suite has a large walk in closet, spa like bathroom with dual sinks with new quartz countertops and fixtures. The other three spacious bedrooms have new plush carpet and paint. The backyard is fully landscaped in an easy maintenance desert theme including a beautiful large custom fireplace feature. This truly is a MUST SEE! (please see documents for a complete list of remodeled features and Seller Financing Details) The backyard is fully landscaped in an easy maintenance desert theme including a beautiful large custom fireplace. This truly is a MUST SEE! (please see documents for a complete list of remodeled features and Seller Financing Details)

1411 N Overfield Road Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$575,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,000 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765465
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Home on approx 1/2 acre $575,000, Home with 1 acre pasture, $650,000 LOT SPLIT IN ESCROW Seller will provide water from well located on the adjacent property.

3616 E Ludlow Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,426 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748475
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss out on this large corner lot home with a huge 33,000 gallon diving pool, pavers, synthetic grass, and a built in BBQ in the backyard. Inside you'll find a lovingly cared for, fully remodeled home with tons of upgrades including custom white shaker cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms. Kitchen has Quartz countertops, matching stainless steel appliances with stainless steel undermount sink. Barn door from dining room leads to a large laundry room with more than enough space to serve as a craft room or home office. Both bathrooms have beautifully tiled showers and entire home is tiled throughout for easy maintenance and upkeep. All doors and windows have been upgraded to dual pane for great energy efficiency. Great central location right off of the 51 and 101 Freeways.

2930 W Laredo Lane Phoenix, AZ 85085

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,788 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784835
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Meticulously maintained home with extensive builder updates in a gated community. The owner selected timeless, soft-grey custom upgraded cabinetry (48'' in upper cabinets) with gorgeous granite and coordinating glass back splash, charming farm sink, range (ALSO PLUMBED FOR GAS) and stainless steel appliances. The open floor plan flows perfectly and has a living room/den positioned toward the front which is perfect flex space. Split master floorpan with a spacious walk-in closet, dual sinks and natural light. Upgraded flooring, window coverings, custom paint, crown molding. The backyard has a covered patio and artificial turf for the ultimate in low maintenance. Newest home in the subdivision and more current finishes. This home is spectacular.

18997 N 74th Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,058 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754498
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your dream home in the serene Arrowhead neighborhood, where this stunning single-story gem awaits. With four spacious bedrooms and two elegantly upgraded bathrooms, this residence offers both comfort and style. The interior features hardwood floors and a gourmet kitchen with painted cabinets, a sleek stainless steel sink, and high-end stainless steel appliances with quartz countertops. Large windows throughout ensure abundant natural light. Step outside to your private oasis, complete with a newly resurfaced sparkling pool and meticulously landscaped gardens perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Additional upgrades include an epoxy-coated garage floor and a recently replaced water heater. Nestled near picturesque mountain trails for hiking and convenient shopping malls.

23038 E Twilight Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,243 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763396
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your New Home in the prestigious master-planned lake community of Harvest Queen Creek! This beautiful property has over $40k in builder & seller upgrades! It features an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile flex space perfect for a playroom, office, or teen retreat. The Great Room is highlighted by a builder-upgraded kitchen, complete with a gas range, an oversized island, and tasteful Roman shade window coverings. Modern light fixtures and ceiling fans add elegance and comfort throughout the space. Expansive 12-foot sliding doors open to an extended covered patio, overlooking one of the largest lots in Hacienda at Harvest, spanning 8,281 square feet. The Primary Suite offers privacy with a split-floor layout, featuring a spacious walk-in shower and a walk-in closet. Both secondary bedroom include walk-in closets and share a full bathroom. The home's exterior has an upgraded paver driveway, walkway, and entrance, leading to a 3-car tandem garage equipped with a commercial-grade, non-slip floor, backed by a lifetime warranty. As part of the Harvest community, you'll enjoy access to a variety of amenities, including a heated pool, children's playground, and scenic walking and biking paths around the catch & release lake. The home is within walking distance to Schnepf Elementary and is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and fun seasonal events. This property is a blank canvas, ready for you to transform into your dream indoor-outdoor oasis. Refrigerator, Washer, and Dryer are included! The Seller is willing to install rocks at backyard for the right Buyer.

35314 N 31st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85086

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,258 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760137
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow, beautiful 4 bedroom Tramonto home, Updated with granite counters, sinks and faucets. Large private rear yard. 2+ car garage with storage. Newer carpet and paint. Wait to you see the newly completed master bathroom remodeled. Total renovation with massive shower. Tramonto offers community pools, tennis parks and miles of walking trails. Easy walk to highly rated grade and middle school. Near shopping and restaurants . True sense of community. Area becoming a technology center with Taiwan Chip factory near by. Vacant and easy to show

10910 E Oro Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,922 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766561
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the perfect retirement lifestyle in this inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a den, located in a sought-after 55+ community in Mesa, AZ. Designed with comfort and ease in mind, this home offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ideal for those looking to enjoy their retirement years. This active adult community boasts incredible amenities, including a 27-hole executive golf course, perfect for both seasoned players and those just looking to enjoy a leisurely game. You'll also have access to top-tier recreational facilities, with clubs and activities tailored to your interests—whether it's Pickleball, Tennis, or Softball, there's something for everyone. Enjoy a vibrant social life, meet new friends, and participate in a variety of clubs and programs that keep your retirement to the fullest. This is more than just a homeit's your gateway to a fulfilling and active retirement!

20502 N Date Palm Way Surprise, AZ 85387

$575,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,266 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779625
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence, complete with a charming detached casita. This home has been well maintained, owned by original owners since its construction in 2004. Step inside the home to find a gourmet kitchen, featuring built-in wall ovens, a cozy breakfast nook, and a formal dining room. The spacious laundry offers cabinets for ample storage. You will love the 3 stall garage with cabinets. Located less than a mile from the Cimarron Clubhouse and Golf Course. The Grand has many amenities for residents to enjoy, including multiple pools, 4 golf courses, 2 clubhouses, tennis and pickleball courts, an indoor walking path, fishing lakes, and scenic biking and walking trails. Close to shopping, dining and Spring Training! Ask about the golf cart!

5921 S Tobin -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,832 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762561
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located within the thriving community of Encore at Eastmark, this 1832 sq. ft split floor plan with 3 bed, 2 bath, extended 2 car garage, and great room is immaculate! Beautiful upgrades include: extensive wood plank tile, grey cabinetry, granite countertops, eat-in kitchen with a large island, stainless steel appliances with a gas range, walk-in pantry, tiled master shower and more! The backyard is private with low maintenance landscaping, a covered patio connected to the paved and turf yard. The 55 plus community features a 15,000 sq. ft clubhouse with a state-of-the-art fitness center, cardio room, fitness and dance studio, classroom, arts and crafts studio, library, internet café, billiards area, and a resort style pool with spa.