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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820 N 8th Avenue Unit 22 Phoenix, AZ 85007

$610,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,476 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772690

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Step into a former model home in a gated community, just blocks from Roosevelt Row District. Urban convenience meets a quieter atmosphere. Walk to downtown Phoenix. • Diverse Dining • Lively Concerts • ASU Downtown Campus • Sports & Concert Stadiums A 10-min drive to Sky Harbor or hop on the light rail for easy city living. The Home:Built in 2017, with upgraded finishes: quartz counters, glass tile, designer lighting, 9-ft ceilings, 2-car garage. Private courtyard with pavers, turf perfect for relaxing. Versatile flex room for office or more.Second floor: open living area, kitchen with pull-out shelving, sliding doors to deck with skyline views. Top floor: two ensuite bedrooms. Primary suite: glass-doored shower, dual sinks, walk-in closet. Guest ensuite shower tub combo Community: Gazebo, grill, ample street parking, top construction. Don't miss this exceptional home!

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36601 N Mule Train Road Carefree, AZ 85377

$610,000

2 Beds

3 Baths

1,970 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751091

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

AVIATION LOVERS! This stunning property offers a unique blend of natural beauty and luxurious living within a Gated Community in Carefree, Arizona! Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the serene desert landscape. 1970 sq ft of living space, 2 master suites and a flex room! Spacious balconies allow for you to sit outside to enjoy sunset views over Black Mountain. Nestled in the heart of Carefree, you'll have easy access to the town's charming shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Within the community you'll have opportunities to socialize with your neighbors at the clubhouse/pool area. There is currently a hangar available at Sky Ranch Airport. Inquire with us for more information! Welcome home!

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7177 W Pontiac Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$610,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*** OVER $100k in UPGRADES! *** Welcome to your Beautiful Home in the HIGHLY desirable Lake Community of Sierra Verde in Arrowhead Ranch! This MOVE IN READY, NEWLY REMODELED 4-bed, 3-bath Beauty offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Features Include New Wood Tile Flooring, New 6-inch Baseboards, Newly Upgraded Bathrooms with Travertine Tile Floors, Showers w/Granite Counters & Custom Finishes. New Pool Equipment, Pebble Sheen Finish & Removable Pool Fence. Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counters, Tile Backsplash, Stainless Steel Appliances, and a Convenient Coffee Bar. Freshly Painted in Neutral Tones Inside and Out! Ring Doorbell! Newer Hot Water Heater! The second floor boasts Engineered Wood Flooring & Designer Built Walk-in Closets Large yard with grass area and no homes directly behind for open feel and privacy! The epoxy-coated garage includes built-in cabinets, a workbench, and a new smart garage door opener. Refrigerator, washer, and dryer are included for your convenience. The community offers ample walking and biking paths, parks, and gorgeous lake views, while A+ Sierra Verde School is just a short walk away. Enjoy easy access to Thunderbird Conservation Park, Arrowhead Mall, P-83 shopping, dining, entertainment, and freeways for effortless commuting. With so many upgrades and a prime location, this home is an absolute must-see! Don't miss your chance to make it yours!

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1004 E Desert Hills Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$609,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,932 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747246

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience the Ultimate in Country Living! Escape to the serene beauty of Desert Hills with this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, perfectly positioned on a generous 1.25-acre lot. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or just seeking wide-open spaces, this property offers endless possibilities. The expansive front yard is ready to accommodate your equestrian dreams, or it can be transformed into a custom detached garage or workshop. Step inside to find a welcoming interior that perfectly complements the natural surroundings. The 3 spacious bedrooms provide plenty of room for relaxation, while the 2 well-appointed bathrooms offer comfort and convenience for everyday living. The home itself boasts a modern, low-maintenance metal roof and a recently upgraded Trane AC, ensuring comfort and efficiency throughout the year. Outside, you'll find two matching storage sheds, ideal for all your tools and outdoor gear, as well as a spacious 3-car carport providing ample covered parking. With a 2-part shared well, you'll have reliable water access, while the wide-open spaces invite you to take in the natural beauty and stunning northeast views. This is truly a place where you can breathe easy and live the country lifestyle you've always dreamed of, all without the constraints of an HOA. This gem is a rare find in Desert Hills, offering both privacy and potential.

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9938 E Timpani Lane Mesa, AZ 85212

$609,999

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,188 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770763

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home. This home has it all. This beautiful kitchen with white shaker cabinets, granite counters, gas stove/cooktop, walk in pantry, split floor plan, 3 bedrooms plus den with 3 full bathrooms, super master bedrooms with dual vanity bathroom and massive walk-in closet, rich wood-look tile plan floors, 9 foot flat ceilings, eight foot tall doors, private outdoor lanai trimmed with travertine pavers forming a walkway to the covered back patio and extended travertine patio out to the always-perfect artificial turf lawn in back. Talk about location, this Cadence community offers a huge play pool, two waterslides, dedicated lap pool, movie room, community center and more. Hurry on over as this home will not last!

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22889 E Marsh Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$609,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,132 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719211

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BUYER COULD NOT PERFORM. ASSUMABLE VA LOAN WITH 2.7% INTEREST RATE - $2063 monthly payment. 3 bedroom PLUS two additional office/dens which could be converted into additional bedrooms - enjoy the space of a FIVE bedroom home for the price of a THREE bedroom. Open-plan kitchen with formal dining area, quartz countertops, gas stovetop and built-in microwave and smart oven. Split floor plan means you'll enjoy privacy in the primary bedroom, which also includes a large walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom. Outside, skip the mess and time to build your own pool, and jump right into your new private pool on closing day! Your new back yard is complete with turf and pavers. The neighborhood of Harvest, Queen Creek was thoughtfully designed to incorporate the agricultural history of the area while still being close to the comforts of town. Just minutes from Queen Creek's best shopping and dining, and across the road from Schnepf Farms (family farm offering seasonal events, a pick your own veggies patch, concerts, farm tours, train rides, petting zoo, peach picking and bakery,) and Queen Creek Olive Mill (olive mill with gourmet market and restaurant.) Just down the street, find the brand-new Pecan Lake Entertainment facility, with rope courses, putting courses, axe throwing, escape rooms, AND a surf pool coming in 2025. Within Harvest, enjoy exceptional amenities - a lake with catch and release fishing, two heated community pools, a splash pad, neighborhood trails, play areas, fire pits and catch and release lake fishing. This is more than just a home; it's a gateway to a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle - the Harvest community has been meticulously crafted in a shared pursuit of purposeful living.

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17643 W Middlebury Street Surprise, AZ 85388

$609,995

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,468 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785015

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Professionally decorated, this home is for sale and loaded with designer extras and upgrades. Tucked within a 55+ neighborhood, this Cranston floorplan has everything you need. The inviting entry features vaulted ceilings that immediately makes you feel at home. Located just off the foyer, the pocket office extends the possibilities of this home, creating plenty of space for personalization. The open-concept great room is the perfect atmosphere for entertaining, with connectivity to the expansive views of the outdoor living space. Overlooking the great room and accompanied by a casual dining area, the well-designed kitchen boasts Kitchen Aide appliances, sprawling upgraded cabinets and a stunning kitchen island that ties the home together.

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10430 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704814

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, and Shaker cabinets is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with seperate drop in tub bathroom and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

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4817 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,510 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684076

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Dominic plan offers an open, inviting layout and ample living space. At the heart of the home is a spacious great room that flows into an impressive gourmet kitchen with a center island, quartz counter tops, dual pantries and a generous breakfast nook. A luxurious primary suite showcases an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with Deluxe walk-in shower, a covered patio invites relaxation, a study and a teen room, and a third side turn garage bay.

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4816 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691847

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home offers a study.. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and deluxe tub and shower. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included.

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10434 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719435

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive Gourmet Kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, matte black fixtures throughout, a walk-in pantry, center island, and 10' ceilings. There is stone tile throughout, with carpeted bedrooms. This home will be built with a study. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet, private bath #2 w/double sinks, deluxe walk-in shower with rain. A convenient laundry room, tankless water heater, covered patio, and 8' garage doors, are also included.

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4829 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720292

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, quartz counters and shaker style cabinets is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access including a center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with oversized walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

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