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. 

2747 N Fairview Drive Flagstaff, AZ 86004

$615,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,476 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6785006
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
HURRY! These golf course lot Townhouses don't come on the market that often. This is your opportunity to own a home in the popular Continental Country Club community. Literally step off your back deck onto the golf course, located adjacent to the 9th green. Also, a very short walk to all the amenities, pool, pickle ball & tennis courts, golf shop, fitness center, including remodeled - The Oakmont restaurant. HOA membership includes the Bear Paw Recreation Center. In 2021 new roof and remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances, white cabinets and granite countertops and luxury vinyl tile. Sit and relax on your private deck or from the inside next to your cozy fireplace, while enjoying the beautiful panoramic golf course and mountain views. Vaulted ceilings! Furnished! Hiking trails!

2696 N 162nd Lane Goodyear, AZ 85395

$615,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,962 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6664666
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow! Incredible deal on this stunning home located in the #1 rated active adult community in all of AZ! Walking up you're greeted by a beautiful courtyard, wrought iron door, & luxurious rotunda entry way are sure to impress. Soaring vaulted ceilings, w/ new LVP flooring & plush carpet through out. Fresh interior & exterior paint. Kitchen features beautiful new stainless steel full size frige/freezer combo! 3 spacious bedrooms + office. Master suite features seating area, large tiled in shower, & jetted tub. Golf course views from the master bedroom, great room, & back patio. Located right across the street from the award winning Tuscany Clubhouse w/ restaurant, gym, pools spas, tennis, golf course, ball room... the list just goes on! Save tons of $$$ with your PAID OFF solar system!!!

1415 E Princeton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$615,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,733 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6701061
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spacious home located near Gilbert's renowned downtown. Tons of dining and shopping just down the street. Bright living room featuring carpet flooring & on-trend palette throughout. The perfectly flowing great room provides backyard access & an inviting fireplace. Gorgeous, updated kitchen with built-in appliances, shaker cabinetry w/crown moulding, a stylish backsplash, granite counters & pantry. Double doors reveal the primary retreat, boasting large picture windows & an ensuite w/dual sinks, a separate shower/tub, & two walk-in closets. Newer AC! The charming backyard showcases a relaxing covered patio, a spa, & sparkling pool, offering the perfect setting for enjoying the warm Arizona weather.

10420 E Cedar Waxwing Court Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$615,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,116 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768486
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous custom home with expansive water views in the Active Adult Community of Ironwood in Sun Lakes. Enjoy the resort lifestyle in this 2 BR, 2 BA home with full updates in kitchen and baths. Huge Arizona room/Lanai overlooking the water. Large private covered patio and a bonus room with patio access. Perfect for an office/den or craft room. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind home. Come, enjoy all the amenities Sun Lakes has to offer.

1202 W Davis Way Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$615,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,667 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730477
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your home in Coconino Estates close to downtown, schools, skiing, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System! This charming single-level home has 4 bedrooms & 2 baths, an inviting open floor plan, a wood-burning stove and huge windows for tons of natural light. In the backyard you'll find mature trees, Koi pond and covered patio. Other features include new roof in 2019, large storage shed, tons of parking and a view of the beautiful San Francisco Peaks. A perfect place to call home, whether it's your full-time residence or a vacation home in the mountains. Walking distance to downtown Flagstaff, parks, Coconino Center for the Arts, bus stop, schools and Flagstaff Urban Trail system. Access to the ''Ditch Pool'' with voluntary HOA.

17427 N Lindgren Avenue Sun City, AZ 85373

$615,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,294 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759962
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Location, location, north of Bell Rd and Lindgren. This golf course home with pool features many upgrades. From tiled drive way, cozy front court yard with new aluminum patio, ceiling fan, security door, and ring door bell. This home has many spaces for your hobbies without loosing space to entertain and has great lighting. As you enter will notice the vinyl wood planks through out, and plush carpet in the bedrooms. Remodeled kitchen has lots of cabinets and counter top space, new quartz counter tops, dark grey cabinets with white upper cabinets. Ss appliances including a convection microwave oven, wall convection oven & air fryer. This has a split floor plan with master bedroom having a his and her closet along with a custom tile shower and sliding door to go into the AZ room. Hobby/craft room features built in cabinetry, window shutter, and a custom light fixture. Also has an area for formal dinning or office space. New upgrade can lighting through out the home. The large Arizona room is air conditioned as home has 2 ac units one is 4 years old. You will love the plush berber carpet and all the lighting. Window have been tinted to reduce heat. As you go to the back yard you will love the amazing golf course views and large pool with the easy to upkeep landscaping, turf, and gravel. Side of yard has a new aluminum patio with pavers. Pool pump was recently replaced, new pool vac, and the diesel pool heater has not been in use. Garage has ample storage and has an air conditioned small work shop. You will not be disappointed with this home, as it has so many entertainment areas through out! Solar loan assumption payment of $277 monthly.

12518 W Skylark Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$615,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,694 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754723
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
:Incredible lowered price on this stunning Remodeled Home Backing to the 18th Hole of Stardust Golf Course This meticulously crafted gem in the heart of Sun City West boasts nearly 2700 square feet of living space, offering a harmonious blend of elegance, comfort, and modern sophistication. Every detail has been thoughtfully addressed, resulting in a seamless fusion of style and functionality. The kitchen features a waterfall granite island, perfect for entertaining or enjoying family meals. Top-of-the-line LG appliances elevate your culinary experience. The spacious layout seamlessly connects living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating an inviting atmosphere for gatherings. Don't miss this opportunity to own a slice of paradise in Sun City West

1202 E Palo Verde Drive Phoenix, AZ 85014

$615,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,782 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762575
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this classic, single level, 3 bed, 2 bath home with no interior steps located in the desirable Escondido Hermosa neighborhood of North Central Phoenix. Beautifully remodeled throughout in 2021, the spacious floor plan features a large kitchen with an open eating area, flowing seamlessly into the expansive outdoor patios perfect for entertaining. The primary suite offers a cozy seating area, wood-beamed ceilings, walk-in closet, remodeled bathroom, and direct patio access through sliding doors. Highlights include skylights, block construction, a 2-car garage, and Tesla leased solar panels, keeping monthly energy costs low. Ideally located within walking distance of local dining and retail, and just minutes from the airport, hiking trails, and the Biltmore and Arcadia corridors. and the Biltmore and Arcadia corridors! The HVAC unit is an eight year old Trane and the flat roof was re-coated in 2022. Also, the tile roof underlayment was replaced in 2020!

1775 W Green Tree Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$615,000
5 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,577 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763012
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home to this spacious 3576 sqft 2 story house with 5 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Brand new carpet and vinyl floors throughout the house. Separate living room and family room, formal dining. Kitchen with solid wood cabinets, kitchen island, brand new microwave and range. Shutters throughout the house. Huge loft upstairs. It's located next to the community park. Schools nearby. Within 30 minutes from Queen Creek Olive Mill.

10520 W Patrick Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$615,000
5 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,094 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764118
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Get ready to make this beautifully maintained home in a well sought after Peoria neighborhood your new home! Priced below appraised value, featuring a 3 car garage & RV Gate, this unique layout will not disappoint. Walk into your open floor plan with upgraded granite kitchen counters. Relax in your downstairs master suite with a deep closet & custom master bath. Upstairs boasts a well laid out floorplan to include a landing that can be used as a second family or game room. 4 oversized bedrooms with walk in closets, access to the above attic with standing room & a roomy full bath make this second floor feel custom built! Did I mention the solar that is paid in full, the brand new AC's or that there is no HOA?! One of the largest homes in the neighborhood is move-in ready & priced to sell!

5449 E Roanoke Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85008

$615,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,468 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764788
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern home in Papago Seventy Six, a quiet neighborhood nestled in the foothills of Papago Buttes. This architectural gem includes a welcoming a front courtyard and wood beamed entryway that beckons further discovery. A large foyer with high ceilings greets you into this 3 bedroom, 2 bath (plus den) home. Natural light abounds with soaring vaulted ceilings in the large living room replete with wood-burning fireplace. The large kitchen opens to a dining room with exposed wood beams, clerestory windows, wet bar, stainless appliances, tile backsplash, and a truly expansive cabinet package with stone countertops. Dining room opens to a large den/family room, with French doors leading out to the sparkling swimming pool, set within a saltillo tile deck and mountain views

2123 E Torrey Pines Place Chandler, AZ 85249

$615,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,159 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765321
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come and explore this beautiful single-level home in Cooper Commons! You'll be captivated by its inviting charm, featuring wood-look floors & an open-concept living/dining area. Complete with built-in surround sound, this home is perfect for entertaining. The bright family room is ideal for creating lasting memories, while the cozy den offers a quiet space for an office. The kitchen is a chef's delight, complete with stainless steel appliances, quartz counters & a center island. Retreat to the main bedroom, which boasts a private bath with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a walk-in closet. The backyard oasis includes a covered patio, a rejuvenating spa, & a sparkling heated pool, perfect for relaxation. You'll love everything about this home so check it out before it's gone!