What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 31, 2016

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - May 31, 2016Last week’s economic reports included new home sales, pending home sales along with weekly mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

New Home Sales Surpass Expectations

Sales of new homes surpassed expectations and the prior month’s reading. April’s reading of 619,000 sales exceeded expectations of 523,000 new homes sold and 531,000 new homes sold in March.  New home sales rose by 16.60 percent on a seasonally adjusted annual basis, which was the highest increase in 24 years. 

Analysts said that April’s new home sales indicate that builders are increasing production of new homes to meet high demand for homes. Short inventories of available homes are credited with driving up demand and home prices. Buyers seeking family homes are contending with investor buyers and cash buyers in popular markets.

With affordability becoming limited in many cities, first time and moderate income homebuyers aren’t buying as many homes as they once did. This development contributes to slowing markets, as move-up buyers generally rely on first time buyers to purchase their homes. 

Shortages of available homes has pressured home builders to break ground on new home construction projects, but builders continue to cite labor shortages and a lack of buildable lots as reasons why they aren’t building homes as fast as homes are needed. 

Pending Home Sales Numbers Suggest Peak Buying Season Returns

Pending home sales were also higher than forecast in April with a reading of 5.10 percent as compared to expectations of 0.80 percent for April and the March reading of 1.60 percent. Pending home sales gauge future closings for home sales and reached their highest level in 10 years and posted a year-over-year gain of 4.60 percent. 

Three of four regional readings for pending home sales posted gains, with home sales in the Midwest posting slower growth. On a year-over-year basis, he South posted a gain of 6.80 percent and the Northeast posted a gain of 1.20 percent. The West saw a jump in pending sales with a reading of 11.40 percent after posting a negative reading in March. 

April’s expansion in new and pending sales suggests that the peak home buying season is back.

Mortgage Rates Rise; New Jobless Claims Fall

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates. The rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was six basis points higher at 3.64 percent; the rate for a 15-year mortgage rose eight basis points to 2.89 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose seven points to 2.87 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all mortgage types. 

New jobless claims dipped last week to 268,000 as compared to an expected reading of 275,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 278,000 new claims. Analysts said that New York school employees that were eligible for benefits boosted jobless claims earlier in May due to a non-typical law that allows some school workers to draw unemployment during school closures such as spring break or labor disputes.

Whats Ahead This Week

This week’s scheduled economic news includes Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, construction spending and reports on inflation, core inflation and consumer sentiment. No reports were scheduled for Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday. 

921 N 297 Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$630,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,896 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748283
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Home on over an acre of land, built in 2022 4bedrooms 2bathrooms split floor plan, with a two car garage. NO HOA

15632 N 51st Street Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$630,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Paradise Manor Lot 1-136 Tr A-p, Scottsdale
New
$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786530
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous New Upgrades! Comfort meets modern style in this beautiful home in Paradise Manor at the desirable magic zip code of 85254. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bath 2-car garage & direct access and views of the greenbelt. Fabulous interior vaulted ceilings, brand new paint, modern light fixtures & over $40K in NEW windows & doors. Large living & dining room with fireplace and a bay window! The fully equipped kitchen boasts brand new quartz counters, refinished cabinetry, a breakfast bar & a cozy nook. Main bedroom has outdoor access & a remodeled ensuite with dual sinks, custom tiled step-in shower & a walk-in closet. Private yard & lovely views of the greenbelt & no neighbor behind. Owned solar lowers electric bills. Water heater from 2022, New oven, microwave & stove in 2024! WOW!

57 N Roadrunner Road Apache Junction, AZ 85119

$630,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,086 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775561
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Your Arizona Dream Awaits! Nestled on over 1 acre, this stunning property features a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, plus a casita, perfect for guests or additional space. Complete with a horse setup and million-dollar views, this home offers the ultimate Arizona lifestyle. Imagine sitting on your back patio, watching the sunrise, or waiting for the moon to rise from the East. The interior boasts vaulted ceilings and a desirable split floorplan, providing privacy and a spacious feel. With plenty of room for parking and the serenity of being away from it all, this property is ready to become your desert retreat.

2057 E Marquette Drive Gilbert, AZ 85234

$630,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,142 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772728
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare remodeled single-story home with 4 bedrooms and a 3-car garage in desirable Val Vista Lakes! This open-concept home features soaring vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and a beautifully remodeled kitchen with stone countertops + farmhouse sink. Mix up your favorite beverage at the custom coffee/wet bar with mini fridge. Updated bathrooms add a fresh, modern touch. Outside, enjoy the large covered patio, mature trees, and low-maintenance artificial turf. Huge additional space to add your own pool / shop or other backyard entertainment. Lots of parks and trails just steps away. Perfectly located near the 60, downtown Gilbert, Epicenter and the Riparian Preserve. Don't miss this opportunity to own a stunning home in a prime location with desirable VV Lakes amenties and low HOA.

10908 W Sieno Place Avondale, AZ 85392

$630,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,869 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780055
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BEAUTIFUL LAKE FRONT HOME in highly desired GARDEN LAKES ESTATES! Private lake access, 5 bedroom, 3 bath, roof and upstairs ac replaced in 2018, three car garage, east side of home RV parking, breath taking vaulted ceiling entry, open concept kitchen, fireplace in family room AND MUCH MORE! Get your buyers in this home and they'll never leave!

2739 E Sourwood Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,303 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786360
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is in an unbeatable location that borders a common area on the side and with no neighbors behind for added privacy. Offering 2,303 sqft of spacious living, this home features large bedrooms, a den, and a bonus room for flexible use. The living room, complete with a gas fireplace, is perfect for relaxing in front of a warm fire, while the neutral interior paint tones, tile flooring, and big windows add to the bright atmosphere. The kitchen boasts beautiful granite countertops, walk-in pantry and an island. Outside, the covered patio opens up to a low-maintenance backyard with pavers, new artificial grass (2023) and new landscape lighting (2020). Fantastic upgrades include a new water heater (2024), new water softener (2024) and newer A/C (2020). Additional features include an alarm system and complete pest control update roof and exterior in 2023. This home is as functional as it is beautiful!

4612 W Agave Avenue Eloy, AZ 85131

$630,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,208 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6767045
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You'll love this popular MIRAMONTE model on a private lot, built in 2020. This stunning home features 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a den, and an extended 3-car garage. The kitchen boasts Quartz countertops, upgraded cabinets with under-cabinet lighting, a custom wine rack, RO system, stainless steel appliances, a Blanco granite sink, and pendant lights. The master suite includes a tiled walk-in shower and granite vanities, while the guest room offers a spacious en-suite with a tiled shower. Other highlights include wood flooring, 8-ft doors, and a separate single garage with its own entrance, 220 amp, epoxy flooring, and mini-splitter. The landscaped backyard features extended pavers and a 20x20 patch of real grass, perfect for pets!

3509 E Morrow Drive Phoenix, AZ 85050

$630,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,994 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6773219
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a pool features soaring vaulted ceilings and an open, airy layout. Oversized windows fill the home with natural light, enhancing its inviting atmosphere. The kitchen features ample cabinet space and a cozy nook, while the primary suite includes a walk-in closet, dual sinks, a separate shower and tub, and a private exit to the backyard. Updated flooring and remodeled bathrooms add to the home's charm. Step outside to your personal oasis—a spacious, shaded patio overlooking a tranquil rock waterfall that flows into a sparkling pool. The built-in BBQ makes this outdoor space perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. Conveniently located just minutes from top-rated schools, golf courses, dining, shopping, and freeway access, this home combines comfort, style, and prime location. Don't miss your opportunity to make this stunning property yours!

3721 E Navaho Street Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$630,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,278 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6771078
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This palatial 3,278 sqft home offers the perfect blend of comfort and style, featuring 5 bedrooms, plus a den, a loft, and a guest house complete with a full bath and kitchenette. The extra-deep 3-car garage and RV parking provide ample space for toys and hobbies, while the expansive backyard is perfect for entertaining, with a heated pool and spa. The main floor boasts a lavish primary suite with a sitting room and large spa-like ensuite with a jetted tub and walk in shower. Upstairs, oversized guest rooms surround a spacious loft. A large laundry room with a laundry chute adds convenience. With brand new carpet, fresh paint, a new stove, plus a newer roof & water heater, and owned solar system, this home is truly impressive!

917 W Mcdowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85007

$630,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,922 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787378
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Embrace the timeless charm of this red-brick and block transitional ranch home, ideally located in the highly sought-after FQ Story neighborhood, known for its rich architectural character. This historic gem features original details such as 9-foot beveled ceilings, French doors, classic windows, and stained concrete floors. The living room's high-beamed ceilings and period wood-burning fireplace add warmth and elegance, complemented by a formal dining room with original built-ins. The spacious eat-in kitchen showcases a vintage gas range and a practical interior laundry area. With four sizable bedrooms, each offering cedar-lined walk-in closets, and two beautifully preserved bathrooms, this home provides both comfort and style. The oversized private lot is perfect for outdoo

8866 E Shangri La Road Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$630,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,172 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6778719
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in the heart of Scottsdale, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom plus loft home offers 2,172 sq. ft of living space. Step inside to find LVP flooring throughout, complemented by neutral paint that sets a welcoming tone. The kitchen is designed for both cooking and gathering, featuring granite counter tops, a gas range, stainless steel appliances, and subway tile backsplash. Upgraded lighting and sleek hardware add a modern touch. The flexible floor plan includes a bonus loft upstairs, ideal for a home office, play area, or workout space. The oversized primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet. Outside, enjoy the privacy and ease of a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave style yard. The home also offers direct access to the adjacent greenbelt park, perfect for pets or kids to run and play. Centrally located in the Shea Corridor with easy access to Scottsdale's top shopping and dining, plus Honor Health, Mayo Clinic and the 101 Freeway. This home is truly move-in ready whether you call Arizona your full-time home or a part-time escape.

18031 N Buntline Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$630,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,247 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765848
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to our jewel in the desert. This home is situated on the corner of Parkwood Drive and Buntline Road. Located on the 16th green of the Pebblebrook golf course. Complete with your own private swimming pool, this home has recently had a complete new roof installed. This home has three bedrooms, an open kitchen complete with upgraded quartz countertops. You are invited to come and enjoy all the improvements done. Thanks very much. Professional photography taken Monday, October 7, 2024.