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. 

17025 E De Anza Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$585,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,868 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784186
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Bring your best ideas to make this home yours. Excellent floor plan with an A/C vented Arizona Room. Double Door Entry leads to Living and Dining Rooms with vaulted ceilings and a view of the well vegetated & enticing back yard. Your choice, to bedrooms on the right or the Kitchen activity area on the left. A spacious open kitchen/breakfast space/family room with fireplace will be your family gathering place. Laundry & 2 car garage (w/Evap cabinets & exterior door) complete the busy side of the home. From the entry to the right will find a spacious main bedroom with walk-in closet & bath with double sinks, separate shower/ tub and private toilet area. BD 2 offers its own door to the guest bath. BD 3 is located at the front of home. Corner lot, front steps w/ rail + handicap acces

9845 E Pampa Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$585,000 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Mesquite Canyon, Mesa
New
$585,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,170 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784380
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Situated on an interior n/s lot featuring 4 bedrooms with separate living, family, and formal dining rooms, brand new interior accent paint throughout, updated fans, fixtures and door hardware, Vaulted Ceilings, New Carpet/Pad and Lots of Laminate flooring. Spacious kitchen features an island/breakfast bar, solid surface counter tops, walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances. Reverse osmosis. Additional cabinets in laundry room. Large owners suite with vaulted ceilings and separate exit to patio. Oversized secondary bedrooms. Step outback to the extended covered patio overlooking a large backyard with pebble-tec pool with new Kool decking, citrus trees and synthetic grass area. RV Gate and 3 car garage with service door. Clean and move-in ready. Elementary school in subdivision.

7216 W Judy Lynn Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

$585,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,287 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772487
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This inviting 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2-story home features recent updates and owned solar with loan assumption! With a family room, great room, and loft, this 2,287 sqft home offers ample living space. Updates include a fully remodeled kitchen in 2024, new flooring in 2021, new A/C and water heater unit in 2022, and fresh exterior paint in 2022, ensuring a move-in-ready experience. The bright and airy interior features tall ceilings and dual-pane windows. The split primary bedroom is conveniently located downstairs and includes a full ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The kitchen boasts a walk-in pantry, stunning quartz countertops and an island with a breakfast bar. The backyard has been transformed into an outdoor oasis, complete with a newly built BBQ with a bar, and a gorgeous pool with a waterfall feature and new pool equipment including pool filter (2020), pool pump (2020) and pool vacuum (2021). Don't miss out on this impeccable home!

6027 N 10th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$585,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Homes Homes, Phoenix
New
$585,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787004
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
he perfect lock up and go home tucked into the perfect location. If you like to travel or just don't want the hassle of yard maintenance, this home has it all; a two car secure garage, a generous rear patio, remodeled to perfection kitchen - and a primary suite that is truly dreamy with a walk in closet and secondary closet, and private remodeled bath. With two more bedrooms and a remodeled hall bath, new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, ample storage, gorgeous brick wood burning fireplace, and no HOA all within 20 minutes of Phoenix Sky Harbor and 5 minutes to the 51, making any commute a breeze. With lots of shops and restaurants nearby, it's easy living.

18479 W College Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$585,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,414 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765364
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this beautifully designed property, featuring an array of modern amenities. The kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with a center island, accent backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom is a sanctuary with a spacious walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom that includes double sinks and a separate tub and shower. Outside, enjoy the covered patio overlooking a fenced backyard with low-maintenance landscaping. This property is a true gem, blending comfort and convenience. Don't miss the chance to make it your dream home!

8310 E Greenview Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$585,000 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Parcel 11 At Mountainbrook Village, Gold Canyon
New
$585,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,406 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780410
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your dream retreat on the 12th hole of Gold Canyon Golf Course, offering breathtaking views of the Superstition and Dinosaur Mountains. This home boasts Arizona's natural beauty from nearly every room, including the great room, living room, first master suite, and patio. The kitchen is equipped with elegant granite countertops, a center island, and a breakfast bar for easy entertaining. Enjoy the convenience of dual master suites and an oversized laundry room with custom cabinetry. Relax on the extended covered flagstone patio with ideal north-south orientation. Situated in Mountainbrook Village, you'll have access to a range of community amenities, including pools, a spa, golf course, tennis courts, and scenic biking and walking paths.

11980 N Brewer Road Maricopa, AZ 85139

$585,000 - 5Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Thunderbird Farms Central, Maricopa
New
$585,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,000 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787645
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
Business Meets Horse Property. 2,000+ sq ft home on 3.3 acres, blending modern living and equestrian convenience. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a business-ready property, this one has it all! Featuring a spacious, open floor plan with 3 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plus a separate laundry area. Every detail has been updated, including brand-new tile flooring, paint, plumbing, cabinets, lighting, and appliances. Step outside onto the back porch, where you can take in stunning mountain views while relaxing in your private bar. 2 additional outdoor guest bedrooms and a bathroom, perfect for hosting visitors. 5 large, shaded horse pens, a hay shed, RV hookup with 30-amp service, irrigation, and crossed fencing for horses and arena. *Cash/private financing only

3525 N Carlton Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$585,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,132 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786767
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome Home!! This Shea Villa property is tucked away in its own private luxury gated community within Verrado, giving you access to the amenities of both Vallarta and Verrado the walking paths from the house are amazing. Upon arrival you will notice the paved driveway and well-kept landscaping in the front... the backyard is a view lot giving a sense of relaxation, after a long day! As you enter the private courtyard with a custom glass/door, opening to the great room & gourmet kitchen. Featuring multi-slider doors to bring in lots' of natural lighting, custom cabinets, oversized kitchen island for entertaining, all stainless steel appliance this kitchen is a chef's dream! The owners suite was recently updated with new low maintenance flooring, spa shower as well as lot's of storage

16331 W Sentinal Rock Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$585,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,470 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6781817
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Estate model Ashbury home centrally located in The Grand. Home with 20'' neutral tiling in all common areas has 2 en suites, guest half bath, an office, great room with dining and a very generous sized kitchen. For the chefs amongst us, this model is known for its large kitchen with plenty of counter/storage and a center island with additional storage. Eating area is large enough to accommodate a table of 8 or more. Newer stainless appliances, gas cooktop, wall oven and mocha maple cabinetry. Primary suite which opens to rear patio features shower w/ separate tub, double vanities and a spacious walk-in closet. Rear patio has great protection from elements with lattice covering and a water feature to relax by. Home has a golf cart garage, garage built in cabinets and 2 NEW HVAC systems.

337 N Redrock Street Gilbert, AZ 85234

$585,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,494 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782724
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move in Before the Holidays! Welcome to this fantastic tri-level home with versatile living spaces, ideal for multi-generational needs. With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, there's room for everyone. Enjoy the front patio by the fire pit, a perfect spot to unwind. Step inside to freshly painted walls, newer carpet, a welcoming eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, and new appliances. Newer water heater and an AC unit that's only a few years old. The lower level features a bedroom, office or yoga studio. A full bathroom, and a huge flex space, ideal as a mother-in-law or teen suite, playroom, or second family room. Enjoy the backyard with a sparkling diving pool and spa. Outdoor enthusiast will appreciate the Western Canal path offering a multi-use trail, perfect for biking, jogging& dog walks Prime Location: Minutes from Downtown Gilbert and an array of fantastic shopping and dining options. Ample Parking: Includes a two-car garage and a widened driveway with extra space for 3 cars.

18225 W Mackenzie Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$585,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,625 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694848
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! Welcome home to this fantastic Sedella beauty! Sparkling pebble-tec play pool with waterfall. Professionally landscaped backyard with tons of pavers & large covered patio. Open & spacious floorplan. Formal entry. Living room. Formal Dining. Huge rear family room opens into spacious eat-in kitchen. Raised panel cabinets, granite counters w/ tile backsplash, huge island, upgraded stainless appliances. & huge walk-in pantry. Office/Den. Upstairs has large open loft. Master suite has his/her closets, garden tub & walk in shower. Two bedrms w/ Jack/Jill bath, 4th bedroom & another full bath. Upstairs laundry. Located on almost 1/4 acre lot. Room for RV gate and HOA allows RV Parking! This home is beautiful & located near tot lot & community park.

28016 N 251st Avenue Wittmann, AZ 85361

$585,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,654 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6667989
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This luxurious mini mansion on over an acre of land in the roping capital of the world is a haven for horse enthusiasts, boasting a private arena and covered stalls on-site, alongside ride-in, ride-out desert access and close proximity to major roping events. The property's circular drive, low-maintenance desert landscaping, and shared well guarantee pristine surroundings and water quality. Inside, the open floor plan facilitates seamless entertaining, complemented by a spacious kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances and tile countertops. With no restrictions, enjoy the freedom to park your camper on-site, striking a perfect balance between privacy and convenience.