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

Last 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.

What‘s 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. 

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21864 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$614,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730732

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

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16711 W Saguaro Park Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$614,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,664 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767427

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. This Parklane floorplan offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a garage extension, and a glass no-step walk-in shower. Notable features include 8' interior doors, built-in appliances, granite kitchen countertops, and gas stubs in the kitchen, backyard for BBQ, and laundry for a gas dryer.

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37750 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$614,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,024 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762739

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! This captivating Flagstaff floorplan features an expansive great room, Media room, Extra Suite with kitchenette, and stunning kitchen appointed with stacked cabinetry, gas stove top, and double ovens! Relax in your Primary suite and resort like bath with freestanding tub. The great room and adjacent patio are ideal for hosting gatherings. The tandem 4 car garage is perfect for storing offroad toys! With 10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, and 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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32018 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$614,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,012 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755506

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Larkspur - 4 bed/3 full baths. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave, glass canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Linen-off white cabinets with black hardware, 42'' kitchen uppers. Upper and lower cabinets at owner's entry, and cabs in laundry room. AZT Steel gray granite tops in kitchen and all baths. Upgrade flooring - Mohawk Wood laminate Driftwood in all areas except beds & closets and so much more. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 3. PHOTOS OF THIS LISTING ARE OF THE CLOVER MODEL HOME.

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2212 W Chisum Trail Phoenix, AZ 85085

$614,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,976 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784079

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Perata plan, a 3 bedrrom, 2.5 bathroom floorplan offering 1,976 square feet of elegant living space with a charming Farmhouse exterior with artificial turf in the front yard enhancing the home's curb apeal. As you step onto the pavers at the covered entry, you'll immediately appreciate the attention to detail in every corner of this beautifully crafted home. Stepping into the home, the white paint grade mission stair rail adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship while the 8' interior doors adorned create a sense of grandeur. This home's kitchen and greatroom open to a spacious outdoor space with a gas stub for BBQ ensuring the possibilities of effortless outdoor entertaining. The heart of the home, the kitchen, features stainless steel GE appliances including a 36'' chimney hood, a built-in gas cooktop with five burners, and a built-in wall oven and microwave with trim kit. There are white-painted 42 upper shaker cabinets at the kitchen perimeter and shale cabinets at the island with satin nickel and matte black hardware. A large single basin stainless steel sink with a Moen stainless steel kitchen faucet completes this chef's dream kitchen. All bathrooms feature Moen Eva 8 widespread brush nickel premium faucets. The bathrooms continue the theme of elegance with shale painted shaker cabinets and crisp white cultured marble tops with rectangular sinks. Throughout the downstairs, bath 2 and the laundry upstairs, you'll find durable 6x36 Natural wood look tile, while the primary bathroom boasts a serene 12x24 AZ Futura Tile in the shade Ivory which compliment the enlarged primary bath shower with white cultured marble surrounds and 3/8 glass, perfect for unwinding after a long day. All flooring is elegantly trimmed with upgraded 4 ¼ baseboards. This home is complemented by a soft water loop located in the garage for added convenience. Union Park offers Tree-lines streets, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and 5,500 sq ft recreation center with resort style pool and kiddie pool, shared ramadas, parks, gathering areas, pickleball courts and basketball. Close to I-10 and 303. Walking distance to restaurants, movies, entertainment, and shopping.

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11458 E Utah Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$614,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,474 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787361

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to ''The Pearl,'' a stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom farmhouse-style home featuring a guest retreat. With 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, this home boasts an open, airy feel. The great room opens to a covered patio through a 4-panel center slider, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen includes a 36-inch gas cooktop, charcoal shaker cabinets with hardware, a tile backsplash, and quartz countertops. Upgrades abound, including 6''x36'' wood-look tile in the main areas, and upgraded bathroom lighting, faucets, and fixtures. Experience luxurious living in this beautifully designed home..

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865 S Oak Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

New

$614,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,243 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787824

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this delightful 4-bedroom residence in Raven Ranch! You're greeted by a spacious 3-car garage and a tasteful desert landscape. Discover a bright living room with high ceilings, a cool palette, plantation shutters, and wood-look flooring. The great room includes sliding door access to the backyard and ample windows for abundant natural light. Cook delicious meals in the spotless kitchen, equipped with wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for quick meals. The serene main bedroom offers a sitting nook, an ensuite with double sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture out onto the backyard, complete with a covered patio, lush natural turf, and a refreshing pool. Make this gem yours today!

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3043 E Rose Lane Phoenix, AZ 85016

$614,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,185 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696353

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This charming, newly renovated 2 bed, 2 bath townhome is situated on the prestigious Biltmore golf course and offers amazing views and amenities. The kitchen opens to the family room overlooking the patio and course. The bedrooms and baths are separated offering privacy. The community offers a swimming pool, spa, guard gate and tennis court. Plenty of room for parking between the single private garage and the covered public one.

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21225 W Wilshire Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$614,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,322 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6713534

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Picture yourself enjoying the fall sunsets on your private patio next to your heated pool, perfect for entertaining family and guests, or maybe just your own quiet time This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem with a den features a modern design and an open floor plan, perfect for both family life and entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, boasting contemporary appliances, a large island, sleek tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and ample cabinetry. Step outside to your private oasis with a fully landscaped yard and a luxurious heated pool, perfect for year-round enjoyment. The home also offers a three-car tandem garage, solar system for energy savings, and double gates to conveniently park your toys. Nestled on a desirable corner lot, this home is an absolute must-see

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3948 E Gold Mountain Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$614,857

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776756

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enchanting new home featuring designer selections, a split floor plan, and north/south exposure. Located in Bella Vista Farms, homeowners have access to their community pool and playground. The kitchen boasts a GE Executive kitchen appliance package including double ovens and a gas cooktop, there are also Delta Terra Quartz Zinc countertops and Aristokraft 42'' cabinets in Benton White. Other highlights in the home include a frameless walk-in shower at the primary suite and Vicinity White 6 x 36 Matte Wood like tile flooring. Utilities for this home include: Mesa Gas, EPCOR Water, and Rural Metro.

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646 W Naranja Avenue Mesa, AZ 85210

$614,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,039 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738172

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

***UPDATE...With an Accepted Offer, Seller will pay off Solar Lease before close of escrow.**Price Reduced** $10k Below Market value and ready to sell, Seller says bring an offer!! Welcome to your dream home, a beautifully remodeled gem located in desirable Mesa neighborhood. This stunning residence has been thoughtfully updated both inside and out, combining modern luxury with functional design. The updated kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring sleek stainless steel appliances and elegant quartz countertops that make meal preparation a pleasure. Crown molding throughout the downstairs and in the primary bedroom adds a touch of sophistication, while all-new fixtures and custom shutters with faux blinds enhance the home's refined aesthetic. Step outside to enjoy your private oasisa sparkling pool perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. The front and back yards are zero-scaped, providing beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor spaces that are as practical as they are attractive. This home isn't just a place to live; it's a lifestyle upgrade. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity, schedule a showing today and experience the perfect blend of elegance and convenience!

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917 W Desert Hills Estate Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$614,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750600

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for trail options to ride your horse from home? This horse property has three desert trailhead options within a mile of the home. This well-maintained, single-owner 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spans 1,600 SF on a spacious 1.125-acre lot, offering the perfect blend of rural charm, and modern conveniences. The property features a horse corral, a one-horse mare motel, and a detached 24x14 Tuff Shed/tack room, ideal for a tack room or storage. Situated on a private road with only two other residences, you'll enjoy unparalleled seclusion with an untouched natural desert lot to the north. Breathtaking mountain views and a serene country lifestyle. This move-in-ready home includes a two-car garage and an outdoor water feature that adds a soothing touch to your outdoor space. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, while the split layout ensures privacy for the master suite. The master bedroom boasts dual sinks, a private toilet, and a tiled walk-in shower. Recent upgrades include a new roof in 2022, a new AC unit in 2017, exterior paint in 2021, and a new septic system in 2023. The home also features all-new windows (except the garage) installed in 2021, New kitchen counter tops, kitchen sink and faucet 2021, and newer appliances including a 2021 refrigerator, built-in microwave, a 2022 dishwasher, and a 2018 washer. The well is a 4 share well. This North Phoenix rural horse property offers the tranquility of country living while being conveniently close to the Carefree Highway, I-17, restaurants, shopping, and other amenities. Horse riding trails into the vast desert is a short 4,000 feet away. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity!

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