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. 

683 W Princeton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$588,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,416 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779854
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Prepare to be amazed by this magnificent two-story gem in the desirable Community of Silverhawke! This beauty displays lush greenery, a mature shade tree, a 3-car garage, & an inviting courtyard. You'll love the immaculate interior, boasting spacious living areas perfect for welcoming & entertaining. The home exudes charm with its vaulted ceilings, chic light fixtures, & tile flooring. The impeccable kitchen is fully equipped with granite counters, a mosaic tile backsplash, recessed lighting, a pantry, & white cabinetry w/crown molding. Main suite is located upstairs & adorned with soft carpeting, a full ensuite w/a sliding barn door, & a generous walk-in closet. The home's elegance extends outdoors to the private backyard with a covered patio, fragrant citrus trees, & pavers. Act now! Vacant and easy to show. Appliances included. Additional incentives available.

4129 E Nighthawk Way Phoenix, AZ 85048

$588,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,782 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782855
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Great bones on this home that is priced to sell. Owner bought this in 2010 and is ready to sell quick! Huge primary bedroom on MAIN FLOOR, 3 car garage, pebble-tec pool w/ pop up heads and heated spa! Don't forget the 3 car garage! Great area with NO HOA makes this a real find. Former rental that can be cleaned up w/ paint/carpet, etc (everything works just fine in the home) or fully remodeled and flipped.

375 E Citrus Hollow Way Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$587,979
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,678 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6629644
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
This brand new Valletta model is move-in ready! It features a spacious layout with plenty of natural light. The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. It has a gourmet kitchen, gas cooktop and will be the perfect place to entertain your guests. Both bathrooms are highly upgraded with tile surround and upgraded fixtures. The resort collection at Encanterra offers you the perfect balance if you are a seasonal owner or full time. Book your tour today and start living the good life at Encanterra now!

3109 E Larkspur Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$587,700
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,550 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747596
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the epitome of versatile luxury with this stunning property, ideal for use as an income generating investment, or a personal residence. Imagine unwinding by your heated pool, grilling up a feast under your covered patio or perfecting your putt on your very own backyard green. This exceptional & fully renovated home boasts 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, & a host of premium features including granite countertops, stylish laminate wood flooring, an upgraded garage floor & ceiling fans in every room! Enjoy the added benefits of solar panels on a new roof, and the convenience of an option to purchase fully furnished for a seamless transition. With no HOA & easy access to freeways, plus a mere 15-minute drive to PHX Airport, this property offers both luxury and convenience.

7314 W Surrey Avenue Peoria, AZ 85381

$587,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,510 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719780
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
** FIRST LEVEL MAIN BEDROOM / BATH DOWNSTAIRS* also second bedroom / bath down stairs ** SWEETWATER RIDGE is where this gem lies. Meticulously cared for the past 13 years. Kitchen has been fully updated and remodeled from the original look. Newer paint throughout the home inside and out. Downstairs primary bath was remodeled in 2015 with soaking tub and separate shower. Lush carpet. Plank tile. *OVERSIZED BEDROOM UPSTAIRS with TWO CLOSETS. Outside features include RV GATE with concrete slab in front and back yard. Irrigation system for grass and plants in front and back yard. Back patio and aluminum pergola extend from one end of the home to the other end. Sunscreens throughout. Two car garage with enclosed workshop/storage. Near ASU WEST, AZ Christian University , Mid West University.

8776 W Peppertree Lane Glendale, AZ 85305

$586,999
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,126 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6659040
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Newley remodeled home with great curb appeal with a 3 car garage, Lennar home with a NEXT GEN Suite! - Ideal for parents, adult children, home office with reception or as potential rental income for you! Next-Gen Suite has a family room, kitchenette, bedroom, shower and much more! There is a separate entrance from the side of the home into the suite as well as one from inside the main home that allows you to check in on your guests or loved ones easily. This home has two fridges that both convey in the sale, the main home has a spacious open floor plan, eat -in kitchen w/breakfast bar seating and spacious bedrooms. Large back yard! Short distance to schools, Westgate Entertainment District, sports venues, state farm stadium and the Loop 101. ALSO FOR RENT!

2831 S Perkinsville Road Williams, AZ 86046

$586,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,198 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6676334
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --

17751 W Bloomfield Road Surprise, AZ 85388

$586,500
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,110 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719168
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath residence in Sarah Ann Ranch is now on the market! Nestled on a premium corner lot & featuring great curb appeal, a low-care landscape, and 4 car tandem garage! Discover spacious dining & living areas w/soaring ceilings, elegant wood-look flooring, soft carpet in all the right places, modern light fixtures, and custom palette throughout. The gorgeous kitchen is equipped w/everything you'll need for home cooking, white cabinetry w/crown moulding, a pantry, stainless steel appliances, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. The primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and a full ensuite w/dual sinks for added comfort. You'll also find a cozy den ideal for an office or reading nook. Finally, the wonderful backyard includes a covered patio, attached pergola, extended paver seating area, fire pit, artificial turf, and a sparkling blue pool perfect for the warm summer days! What are you waiting for? Act now!

12737 W Auburn Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$586,500
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,798 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6729974
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful gently lived in 2-bedroom plus den property. Check out & fall in love with the large great room featuring tile flooring and plantation shutters. Spotless kitchen displays mosaic tile backsplash, recessed & pendant lighting, staggered cabinets & cupboards with crown molding ,stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and equipped with a roomy breakfast bar. Generous laundry room with plenty of cabinets and desk area .Make the sizable den a reading nook or bar area. In the bright primary bedroom, you will find plush carpet, a private bathroom with dual sinks, an enclosed glass shower, and a walk-in closet. Entertainers delight in the spacious backyard provides a covered patio, fire pit, and a built-in BBQ and hot tub. Shea Xero 20 year pre paid solar. Energy savings!!

1750 W Dion Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$585,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,080 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750657
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Sharp 2 bedroom with a den, You will love the Beautiful airy feel of this home. The interior and exterior where painted in 2021 and new upgraded porcelain tile throughout. Hunter Douglas blinds. Spacious kitchen offers a ton of counter space for entertaining. Primary suite is Huge with beautiful appointments in the bathroom. Den offers double french doors for privacy and still an open feel. Culligan soft water system and R/O stay with the home. Come enjoy the Beautiful back yard that over looks the golf course and Mountain views. Built in BBQ and fire pit perfect for the fall evenings

16836 E Mirage Crossing Court Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$585,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,076 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6696664
Property Type Twin Home
Price Type --
: Exceptional Renovated 2-bedroom, 2- bathroom twin home in Fountain Hills, AZ, with its modern allure. The sunlit Arizona room seamlessly connects to a spacious covered patio, complete with a built-in-BBQ, perfect for entertaining, Your private outdoor oasis features a spool and putting green, adding an element of relaxation with meticulous attention to details, this residence offers an ideal winter retreat or Airbnb. Experience Fountain Hills and Arizona Sunsets!!

3149 W Golden Lane Chandler, AZ 85226

$585,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,231 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6740031
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers modern amenities and spacious living. The primary bedroom is conveniently located on the main floor, providing ease and privacy. The kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring a large island, stainless steel appliances, including a microwave, range, and dishwasher, and seamlessly opens up to a generous living space, perfect for entertaining. The fully finished basement expands the living area with a large bonus room, an additional kitchen with refrigerator, and three more bedrooms, making it ideal for guests, extended family, or potential rental income. Washer/dryer combo units for main level and basement. This home combines comfort, functionality, and style in every detail.