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.

21667 S 225th Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$554,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,832 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748269
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Motivated sellers here!!!!Sellers just replaced majority carpeting for tile!!!! This stunning 3-bedroom home with an office, separate tech center, and teen room features seller-owned solar installed in October 2021 for over $40k. Say goodbye to high summer electric bills without the hassle of a lease. Step inside to discover the modern elegance of wood plank tile flooring in the main living areas and baths, creating a warm and inviting ambiance throughout. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and ample storage space. The master suite is a very spacious and. complete with a luxurious ensuite bathroom featuring dual sinks, a soaking tub , and a separate shower. Two additional bedrooms offer plenty of space, while the office and tech center provide ideal spaces for remote work or study. Outside, the beautifully landscaped backyard is a tranquil retreat, featuring synthetic grass for easy maintenance and a covered patio for outdoor dining and relaxation. Why wait to build when you can move right into this almost new home? Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a home that is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Come check this out today and make this energy-efficient oasis your own!

7031 W Morrow Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$554,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,800 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759901
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 3-bedroom home with a blue pool in Arrowhead Ranch exudes charm and comfort! A grassy front yard, 2-car garage, brick veneer, and code entry box in the front door are just the beginning. Discover an open layout with all-new double-pane windows and doors, vaulted ceilings, sunny bay windows, and a two-way fireplace. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, plenty of honey oak cabinets, granite counters, and tile backsplash. The main bedroom features backyard access, a fireplace, and a lavish bathroom with a jetted tub, glass enclosure shower, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. In the backyard, you'll find a swimming pool with a heater and chiller, green grass, two covered patios, and a pool house with a/c. Plus, the roof is only 3 years old! You won't be disappointed!

6516 W Tonto Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$554,900 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Highlands At Arrowhead Ranch 1, Glendale
Open House
$554,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,865 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724766
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Want a 4.25% - 4.99% interest rate and AFFORD this home? Seller to contribute to a 2-1 RATE BUY-DOWN! Only 5 mins from the new Phoenix Children's Hospital and 101 Fwy. This cute 4 bed/ 2 bath home has fresh interior neutral paint and new carpeting in all rooms, features vaulted ceilings, ample amount of cabinets for storage with tons of natural light with many windows! Island seating & an eat-in kitchen area for the open concept families like. Enjoy cozy evenings by the gas fireplace in the family room with natural plank wood flooring. Step outside to an extended covered patio overlooking a beautifully mature, tranquil landscaped backyard or the large front patio area. 2.5 car extended garage includes cabinets on both sides for plenty of organization. Walking distance to Dos Lagos Park. 2nd bathroom seller is offering a remodeling credit to convert the shower/tub if new buyer would like.

21279 E Alyssa Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$554,500
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,240 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742196
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Now is your chance to have an amazing house at a GREAT price in Queen Creek, named the #1 BEST small city in AZ (by azcentral)! This 2240sf 4-bedroom home at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac offers TONS of upgrades, including a new AC w/ a 10yr warranty & maintenance plan, a water softener, reverse osmosis system, a lg walk-in master shower w/ 2 showerheads & much more. The lg open living area flows into a beautiful eat-in kitchen w/ SS appliances & formal dining. The inviting lush backyard oasis has a lg covered patio offering a misting system for those hot AZ days. Find your happy place amongst multiple trees & greenery, a flourishing garden, a cozy fire-pit, outdoor lighting, as well as an RV gate. The extended garage has a finished floor w/ extra storage, a MyQ camera/remote & MUCH MORE!

10223 E Ulysses Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$554,379
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,994 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769962
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this GORGEOUS 2024 home in the highly sought-after Medley at Avalon Crossing! Over $83k in UPGRADES! This FANTASTIC home combines modern elegance + thoughtful living spaces! GOURMET kitchen features quartz countertops + Whirlpool stainless appliance suite! The great room is perfect for entertaining, while the upstairs loft offers additional living space. Private primary suite w/ensuite bath! Balcony! Situated in a BEAUTIFUL community, residents can take advantage of wonderful amenities including a heated pool, playgrounds, bocce ball courts, and scenic walking paths lined with trees. Perfectly designed for modern living, this home offers luxury, comfort, and community all in one! WELCOME HOME!

225 E Mclellan Road Mesa, AZ 85201

$554,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,850 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746273
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Do not miss this charming 3-bedroom 2 bath upgraded home. This is one of the best lots in the sub-division. Wonderful corner lot with greenbelt across the street. Your entry leads to a spacious great room with 10-foot ceilings and windows looking out to your resort style backyard. The kitchen has been highly upgraded with beautiful cabinets, massive island and quartz counters. Enjoy a breakfast room as well as a large breakfast bar. Your master suite has a walk-in shower, dble vanity, water closet and a large walk-in closet. Both secondary bedrooms are good sized and share a bathroom. Large backyard with a sparkling Pebble Tech pool and lots of privacy from this corner lot. Whole house filtration system and solar. Custom Wood Blinds Throughout.

36131 N Desert Tea Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$554,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,186 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758359
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
With over $140K in upgrades, this ''Lock and Leave'' home is situated in Encanterra Country Club.. The low-maintenance landscaping is fully handled, allowing you to relax outdoors by the gas firepit and enjoy the soothing sounds of the fountain. The home is light and bright w the primary suite and bedroom 2 downstairs. Custom California Closets and tons of storage space. The second floor offers a separate TV room/loft spacious office, and a third bedroom with a full bathroom. The garage is equipped with a workbench, and features a tankless water heater with a recirculation pump for instant hot water. The backyard is fully fenced and this home is steps away from both clubhouses. Book your tour today and start living the Encanterra life in 2024!

15016 W Monterey Way Goodyear, AZ 85395

$554,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,104 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765917
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
THIS IS THE ONE! Light & bright Milano model on quiet N/S facing lot w/oversized golf cart garage & expanded covered patio -- perfect for all your entertaining needs. Primary Bedroom, Family Room, Guest Bedroom & Main Garage have ALL been EXTENDED 4-ft at build! Home is move-in ready w/refreshed white cabinetry, complete interior/ exterior painted (2024), & full new roof (2024). Additional updates include new carpet in bedrooms (2024), new light fixtures (2024), & new stainless appliances (2024). Home also features split bed floor plan for guest privacy, vaulted ceilings, intimate front courtyard, separate office/den, formal dining/living room or flex space & large laundry room w/view window. Add this one to your MUST SEE list & start enjoying the incredible PebbleCreek lifestyle today!

5522 N 193rd Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$553,954
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,751 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6753532
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BRAND NEW COMPLETED HOME! SELLER IS OFFERING BELOW MARKET FINANCING! Beautiful open floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, Flex Room & 2 car garage on an oversized lot. Ceilings are 10' and all interior Doors are 8'! Beautiful Kitchen with Staggered slate cabinets, Stainless Steel appliances w gas, Wood plank tile throughout the home except for the bedrooms. Beautiful Quartz counter tops in the kitchen, walk in tiled Shower in Master with separate his and her vanities. Guest rooms are large, and one has a walk-in closet. Wonderful flex room for that home office or den.

2102 W Kuralt Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$553,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,143 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6740759
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fabulous single story home with separate entrance Casita (for multi-generational living, or spectacular office) in a lovely, quiet neighborhood! You'll love the gorgeous curb appeal with a gated courtyard. Light, bright open floor plan. Inside find 18'' ceramic tile floors, new carpet in bedrooms, plantation shutters and neutral color designer paint. Kitchen is open to family room with huge kitchen island, corian countertops, upgraded maple cabinets, huge pantry, stainless steel appliances. Primary features en-suite bathroom with remodeled custom walk-in shower, walk-in closet, designer window coverings and easy access door to patio. NEW A/C, sunscreens, & new Water Heater! Solar lease only $79.65 per month! WHAT A DEAL! Lease started 9/2012. Exterior boasts extended paver patio, low maintenance synthetic grass, plumbed gas pipe, and lush mature landscaping. Finished garage features extended cabinets for storage, sink, water softener and R/O. Close to Diamond Canyon Elementary, grassy parks, play parks and splash pad! Anthem Parkside Amenities include 16-acre park with catch-release lake, Pickleball, gym, skatepark, baseball, softball, tennis, over 37 pocket parks, hiking/biking trails, soccer fields, bocce ball, and so much more!

44163 W Palo Abeto Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$553,711
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,512 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773810
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into this exceptional home in the Palo Brea subdivision. The beautiful kitchen dazzles with expansive granite countertops, sleek cabinets, a walk-in pantry, and stainless steel appliances. The primary master suite boasts two walk-in closets, a soaking tub, walk-in shower, dual sinks, and a private toilet room. A second guest master includes a full bath, linen closet, and walk-in closet. Upstairs, a flexible fifth bedroom is perfect for a theater or sewing room, accompanied by a game room with billiards and darts. Two additional bedroom share a Jack & Jill bath, each with walk-in closets. Downstairs features a dining room, den, family and living rooms, a half bath, and a well-appointed kitchen, perfect for entertaining.

34390 N Cherrystone Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$553,705 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in San Tan Heights Parcel B-3, San Tan Valley
Open House
$553,705
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,489 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6749505
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful new build, 4 bedrooms plus flex/den, 3 full bathrooms, European kitchen layout, stainless steel appliances, gas cooktop, 8' Interior doors, Owner's bath Oasis. 12' Multislide at great room.