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.

668 N Miller Street Mesa, AZ 85203

$550,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,065 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6700260
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't let looks deceive you this house is HUGE, 3065 square feet. Priced at the value of a three bedroom but has the space to be used as 4/5 bedroom. Has two seperate living areas which makes for awesome two family residence. IT's a steal at only $550,000 Granite counters in bathrooms and kitchens. tile in all the wet areas and brand new carpet. Turn key ready to move in!

3610 E Sumner Place Rimrock, AZ 86335

$550,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,152 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754467
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gated community 30 minutes south of Sedona, Arizona. Brand New, Never Lived in home with community pool and clubhouse, tennis courts, walking trails, work out facility. Beaver Creek Preserve community features modern luxury with rustic charm, blending in with the natural landscape around. This home is ready for your RV and toys, featuring a 2 car garage plus a 52' in length and 14' width RV Garage, Awesome kitchen, large island, granite countertops, walk-in pantry in your new kitchen, 3 bedrooms plus a den, and a gorgeous primary bathroom. Inside, expansive windows frame panoramic views, while the open-concept layout boasts premium finishes and modern amenities. Outside, a spacious patio invites outdoor living and stunning vistas.

2008 E Stacey Road Gilbert, AZ 85298

$550,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,959 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728969
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your beautiful home in this exclusive community! This stunning 3-bedroom plus den residence features breathtaking mountain views, three upgraded bathrooms, and a spacious three-car tandem garage. Inside, enjoy an open-concept living area, a connected kitchen with newer appliances and butlers walk-in pantry, and a versatile den perfect for an office, playroom, or can be made into a 4th bedroom. Primary suite at back of the home for privacy has expanded walk in shower and closet. Step outside to a beautifully landscaped yard and expansive paver patio, ideal for entertaining. Community amenities include parks and walking trails, fostering a vibrant atmosphere.... Special Incentive for the right buyer!!

1010 W Olson Trail Huachuca City, AZ 85616

$550,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
4,323 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6671963
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Custom Site Built Home with gorgeous mountain views all around. Complete with 9 acres. 4,300 sq/feet, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms,Spacious Kitchen, Game/Media Room,Workshop,Full RV hookups,she- shed and a separate yard shed for all your lawn tools. Easy drive to Tucson, Close to the Sonoita Wineries, Tombstone, Bisbee, and Sierra Vista, this could be the place for you!

27036 W Sequoia Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$550,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,998 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6774218
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEWLY REMODELED PRESERVE with OWNED SOLAR and WALLED LOT and FURNISHED! You'll fall in love the moment you walk through the door. This home features new wood-grain tile & carpet throughout, fresh interior paint & baseboards. Enjoy a custom-built media wall, new light fixtures, custom drapery & plantation shutters. The living room has a center slider door that enhances the space. The master bath boasts a floor-to-ceiling tile shower. In the kitchen, you'll find S/S appliances, a new microwave, quartz countertops, backsplash & under-counter lighting. The newly remodeled backyard offers beautiful landscaping and turf, an extended travertine patio with a BBQ & Blackstone. Epoxy, storage, sink & workbench in the garage. THIS HOME IS A GEM!

10923 W Escuda Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,246 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733296
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow, Look Honey, they just dropped the price on this Beautiful Lakefront Home in Ventana Lakes 55+ Community. It has everything you want, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an Office, 3 car garage, 2 living spaces and an open concept home. Assumable Solar loan of Purchased system with Seller contributing $20,000 toward the loan balance at close of escrow. You will enjoy the morning sunrises as well as the evening sunsets from your lakefront backyard. Ventana Lakes is one of Peoria's premier 55+ communities. The community features 9 lakes, some with waterfalls, and great catch and release fishing. 4 community pools and spas, recreation and fitness rooms, billiards, fine arts, crafts and quilting rooms, handball, pickleball and tennis courts. Bingo games and more.

27524 N Montana Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$550,000 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Tonto Verde Unit Five Corrective Plat, Rio Verde
Open House
$550,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,730 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751350
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Beautiful turnkey townhome in the gated community of Tonto Verde. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, backing to the beautiful driving range and a short walk to the clubhouse and its amenities. Great room style living with fireplace and walls of windows taking in the backyard views and gorgeous sunsets. Split floor plan with 2 large bedrooms and 2 full baths. Primary bedroom with access to the spacious patio and primary bath with dual vanities, tub, walk in shower and walk in closet. Kitchen with center island and cooktop, breakfast counter and dining that is open to the lush landscaping with floor to ceiling windows. New Interior paint 2024, New roof in 2022, New HVAC in 2020, New Hot water heater in 2022 and New Washer/Dryer in 2020. Oversized 2.5 car garage with golf cart access

5089 S Louie Lamour Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$550,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Gold Canyon East, Gold Canyon
Open House
$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,670 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777908
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WOW! Fabulous, FULLY FURNISHED, Turn-Key 3 Bedroom UPDATED HOME with DEN & HEATED POOL plus DOUBLE MOUNTAIN VIEWS of Superstition & Dinosaur Mountains! ***You'll LOVE the HIGH-END UPDATES throughout including....FULL KITCHEN REMODEL with GORGEOUS GRANITE & Cabinets, Plantation Shutters, Complete Updates of BOTH BATHROOMS with Travertine Showers and Granite & more! *** You'll also appreciate and enjoy the QUIET & PRIVATE BACKYARD OASIS with 11,000 Gallon Pool (2012) plus... HVAC (2017), Exterior Paint (2022), PVC Irrigation (2022), Water Softener (2021), Water Heater (2021), Tile Flooring through-out (ZERO CARPET) & More - Must See! *** GOLD CANYON EAST is ... Gold Canyon East is a popular community of 647 homes located in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. In addition to panoramic mountain views, residents enjoy walking and hiking paths through-out the community and championship golf courses, dining, spa services and more at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort next door!

11991 N 69th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

$550,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Autumn Point By Shea Homes Lot 1-90 Tr A, Peoria
Open House
$550,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,323 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781152
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover a stunning blend of modern elegance and Arizona charm in this fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, spanning 2,323 square feet. Every detail of this renovation has been carefully curated for style, comfort, and functionality, creating a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere. The heart of the home unfolds seamlessly as the living room transitions into a private backyard sanctuary through beautiful bifold doors. These doors bring the outdoors in, offering panoramic views of Arizona's endless skies and direct access to a sparkling pool—ideal for relaxation or entertaining. This backyard oasis provides ample space for lounging, al fresco dining, and savoring the tranquility of the Arizona desert.

11674 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$550,000 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Alamar Phase 1, Avondale
Open House
$550,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,311 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784222
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 bathroom single level home featuring a climate controlled 4 car garage with a roll up door pass through to the backyard! Garage also has polyaspartic epoxy flooring, built in workbench, and custom storage shelves. Explore inside to an open layout showcasing wood like tile flooring, plantation shutters, and a custom electric fireplace feature. A remarkable gourmet kitchen with all the upgrades including wood shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances including a gas stove, and a large walk-in pantry. Unwind in the master suite featuring a shiplap accent wall, private bathroom with dual vanities, extra storage cabinets, large walk-in shower and a huge walk-in closet. Enjoy the outdoors in your low maintenance backyard with paver walkways, artificial turf, and an insulated covered patio.Other features include whole house water softener/RO filtration system, tankless water heater, and spray foam insulation. Pre-plumbed to add a sink in the garage, gas line for a bbq in the backyard as well as an outlet for a jacuzzi/hot tub. Lets make this your dream home! (Amazing 2.875% assumable loan also available for Veterans only)

13202 W Beechwood Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$550,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Sun City West Unit 3, Sun City West
Open House
$550,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,525 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693377
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful, fully remodeled brick front home on a corner lot in the 55+ community, Sun City West. Gorgeous new flooring throughout this thought out, open floor plan. The kitchen has new white cabinets with a large island for entertaining. The living area has a wet bar with a built-in refrigerator. All 3 BRs have walk-in closets and large enough for King beds with space to spare. The entry has a privacy gate to keep out solicitors and it opens to an impressively large patio. The back yard has another large patio with flourishing citrus trees. There are many extras throughout including plantation shutters, weather shield roller shades for when you travel, extra long garage, plush landscaping, and more. The furnishings are included in so all you have to do is pack your bags and move in!

9254 E Milagro Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$550,000 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Augusta Ranch Parcel 2, Mesa
Open House
$550,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,924 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780804
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this beautifully remodeled home with extensive landscaping ideally situated on an oversized lot. Citrus trees and privacy hedges create a beautiful and quiet oasis. The home features newer wood-look tile and carpeting throughout. The modern kitchen features sleek white cabinets with stylish hardware, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, making it a chef's dream. Enjoy the spacious owner's bath, complete with a separate shower and tub for your relaxation. The expansive covered patio is perfect for entertaining, featuring a beautiful Pebble-Tec pool, recently remodeled with tile and travertine that promises endless summer fun. The yard offers plenty of space for outdoor activities, with a gate for your convenience.... Located within the vibrant community of Augusta Ranch, you'll have easy access to the golf course and an elementary school right within the subdivision. Don't miss the chance to own this exceptional property that combines elegance with outdoor living at its finest!