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. 

22864 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$598,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,264 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779182
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
''Featuring the beautiful Sunflower floor plan with 2,264 sqft, this home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, with a guest retreat and a spacious backyard, providing ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The kitchen showcases the Milan palette, featuring 42'''' grey shaker cabinets with satin nickel hardware, white quartz countertops, and a brickwork pattern backsplash. The stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator, complete the kitchen, along with a white washer and dryer. The indoor and outdoor living areas are seamlessly connected with a 4-panel slider from the greatroom leading to a covered patio, where you can unwind and appreciate the backyard. The home is further enhanced with 8' doors throughout and finished with 2'''' faux wood blinds, offering a blend of modern design and comfort. The bedrooms feature plush carpeting, adding to the home's coziness. This thoughtfully designed floor plan provides both style and comfort, making it the perfect place to make a home.

2910 S Miller Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$598,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,298 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719371
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 3-bedroom home with a versatile downstairs den that can easily serve as a fourth bedroom with a bathroom for guest quarters or generational living. Located just 1 mile from Chandler Crossroads and the 202 freeway, this home offers both convenience and accessibility, all while sitting on a huge lot that backs onto a greenbelt. BRAND NEW exterior paint, garage floor epoxy, and cool deck refinishing all completed 10/1/2024. Inside, you'll find tall 9 ft+ ceilings and elegant wood floors. The home also features a water softener, new a/c units in 2020, and a garage storage rack system. With an optimal floorplan including a formal living and dining room, family room, a den, and a full bathroom on the main floor and three bedrooms including the master suite with soaking tub and walk-in closet upstairs. The kitchen features granite countertops, a large walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar. With a fully landscaped front and back yard, tons of greenery and privacy, private pebble-tec pool, extended concrete decking, and a spacious lawn perfect for kids to play on, a covered patio, and an added storage shed to store your lawn and pool supplies. This one is a must see!

13607 W Springdale Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$598,700
2 Beds
2 Baths
3,291 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768546
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Great Opportunity To Own This Popular San Carlos EXPANDED Model: Allowing for the extra square footage to total 3291l. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2.5 Car Garage (GOLF CART GARAGE), is fantastically located off of the 4th Teebox, perfect run with the cart! The spacious living room, AZ room, primary master bedroom & bath, guest bedroom, bath count with expansions. Home boasts an arrays of room to entertain your friends, family and other guests. Enjoy the nice seasonal weather and relax in your new home, coupled with an enclosed patio with gorgeous views of the mountains & golf course. North/South sun exposure limits direct sunlight. Great moment to capitalize to make this property your own, at current pricing structure! Buyer to verify all.

302 W Oak Avenue Unit 3 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$598,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,085 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733268
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
TO BE BUILT...Welcome to modern living in the heart of Flagstaff - a collection of contemporary detached homes that redefine luxury and convenience. Nestled against the backdrop of the stunning mountains, step into a world where architectural brilliance meets nature's beauty. The community boasts a sleek and contemporary design that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings. Plentiful glass allows ample natural light to flood the interiors, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. Clean lines, high ceilings, and thoughtfully designed spaces provide an open and airy atmosphere making each home a sanctuary of modern sophistication. Wake up to the awe-inspiring sight of the mountains right outside your window (Select Lots Only).

2805 W Wayne Lane Anthem, AZ 85086

$598,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,560 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767232
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This delightful home boasts a spacious living and dining room adorned with vaulted ceilings, charming light fixtures, and engineered wood plank flooring. Step into the bright great room, flooded with natural light, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. The new quartz counters and subway tile backsplash in the kitchen look incredible! Two pantries and an island with a breakfast bar add functionality and style. The generous den/hobby room is perfect for a home office or creative studio. Upstairs you will find 4 bedrooms and 2 baths plus a walk out balcony to enjoy the beautiful nights in Anthem Arizona! You will love this home! Upstairs, retreat to the primary suite, complete with a double-door entry, plush carpeting, a full ensuite, and a mirrored walk-in closet. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views from the private balcony, or relax under the covered patio in the large desert-landscaped backyard. Don't miss it!

17863 E Paria Canyon Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$598,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,543 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778318
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move in ready home located at Trilogy! Be welcome by the delightful curb appeal showcasing a paver driveway, enclosed front patio, & a 2-car garage w/a 4ft extension for golf cars & service door. Inside, discover the stunning high ceilings, tile flooring, & soothing palette. The great room features bountiful natural light, an inviting brick fireplace, & backyard access. The eat-in kitchen provides hardwood cabinets w/crown moldings, SS appliances, granite counters, a walk-in pantry, & a center island w/breakfast bar. The main bedroom boasts soft plush carpet & an ensuite with w/dual sinks, sit-down shower, & a walk-in closet. Enjoy the relaxing covered patio in the sizable backyard & host fun gatherings... Take advantage of all the wonderful sights and amenities that this community offers, like the Sports courts, recreational room, Community pool, walking distance to dog parks and lakes & so much more! Don't miss it!

12744 N 146th Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$598,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,470 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6777807
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Pride of ownership is shown in this beautiful 4-bedroom home that has been tastefully renewed! Meticulously designed interior features carpet & wood-look tile flooring, fresh neutral palette, and an inviting living room. Wide sliding glass doors in the HUGE great room connect you to the back patio, improving your indoor-outdoor living experience. Upscale kitchen comes complete w/recessed & pendant lighting, granite counters, a prep island w/a breakfast bar, ample white cabinetry topped w/crown moulding, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and subway tile backsplash. Surely to impress w/the primary retreat, boasting a trendy barn door to the ensuite comprised of two vanities, a large enclosed glass shower, and a walk-in closet. This gem includes a 2nd main bedroom w/a bathroom! You'll definitely love the wonderful backyard w/a covered patio and sparkling pool. Don't miss!

4220 N 32nd Street Unit 1 Phoenix, AZ 85018

$598,000
2 Beds
3 Baths
1,406 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6782931
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Introducing the epitome of modern patio home living in the heart of Arcadia - welcome home to the Arcadian Phoenix. Nestled in the coveted 85018 area code, these modern townhomes redefine living with their spacious floor plans and an array of amenities. Step inside to discover a haven of elegance, boasting 10-foot ceilings on the main living floor and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The gourmet kitchen seamlessly merges with the inviting family room, creating the perfect setting for both everyday living and entertaining. Revel in the exquisite finishes, featuring stunning cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and timeless stainless steel appliances. Experience true architectural brilliance with the inclusion of a charming Juliet balcony

6614 E Juniper Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$598,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,428 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719401
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Amazing Scottsdale Location! Fully remodeled home on a large lot in a quiet neighborhood with a full spa, a cozy fireplace, & a wet bar. The kitchen features granite tile counters & stainless steel appliances. Enjoy Large master suite offering Large soaker tub and walk in shower. Soak in the AZ weather in your beautiful backyard with multiple covered patios, and a full size spa, beautiful desert landscaping with a pair of love birds nesting in the saguaro cactus, Also featured, a 2-car garage with epoxy flooring. Conveniently located off Bell Rd, equal distance to all the fun at Scottsdale Quarter, Kierland Commons, & Desert Ridge Marketplace with endless options for shopping, dining, & entertainment!

1240 E Windsor Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85006

$598,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,739 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748705
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This charming ranch home sits in the Country Club Manor section of Coronado District!! 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathroom main house, PLUS 1 bed 1 bath guest quarters. Already separated with fencing for privacy. Large yard with new landscaping in the front. Some original features of this home have remained, such as coved ceilings, original doorknobs, and built in nooks. The classic floorpan includes custom built bookshelves and floor to ceiling windows in the main space of the home. The home has been well loved and is ready for the next owner to move in and make it their own

2240 E Roma Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

$598,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,473 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759288
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Urban renovation is a big deal in this neighborhood... Everything from new builds over 1M, to original-owner homes ready to undergo total makeovers, there is a pride of ownership and a cool urban vibe going on. This home has been updated a lot over the past few months... New roof, new paint, new pool & spa motors, new quartz countertops, & new synthetic grass yards.

3100 W Frankfurt Drive Chandler, AZ 85226

$598,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,372 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6744740
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The seller will contribute towards lowering the buyer's interest rate by covering some of the associated costs, providing a more affordable monthly payment! HOA PAID FOR 1 YEAR!! Your family will love this 5-bedroom 3 bath home with a gorgeous deck off the Primary bedroom. With NO NEIGHBORS BEHIND, you will truly enjoy the serenity here. ALL NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS, NEW WATER HEATER and the HVAC & AIR HANDLER is 3 YEARS NEW!! Lots of natural light to enjoy the chef's kitchen with granite counters and SS appliances and so much storage. 3 bedrooms Upstairs with beautiful wood floors. Downstairs has 2 bedrooms and a living room with a fireplace, so many spaces to enjoy. Step outside and entertain or relax in your private, tranquil backyard under the stars.