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. 

4077 S Sabrina Drive Unit 71 Chandler, AZ 85248

$585,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,775 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768414
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning home in the Echelon At Ocotillo Community in South Chandler. This end unit boasts an abundance of natural light and windows creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Well laid pavers in the front patio make it a great place to sit and watch the sunset. The gourmet kitchen includes quartz counter tops, new upgraded LG smart appliances with refrigerator connected to the RO for water, regular ice and craft ice spheres, plus lower kitchen cabinets & pantry with convenient pull outs. Smart home system with ring doorbell, programmable thermostats and smart garage door opener. One bedroom and full bath on the first level, three bedrooms and two bath rooms on the second level. Walk-in shower in master bathroom. Additional features, ceiling fans, steel security front door, full driveway with two car garage. Community amenities include a playground , gorgeous community pool and spa for your enjoyment. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this house your new home.

7807 E Mckinley Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$585,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,590 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768199
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
It's just a short drive to Old Town, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Step inside this beautifully decorated home featuring wood-look floors and an inviting great room bathed in natural light. The sleek kitchen is a culinary delight, with abundant cabinets, stainless appliances, a stylish tile backsplash, ample counter space, and a convenient breakfast bar. Retreat to the main suite, which offers direct access to the serene backyard, a private bathroom with stylish tiles, and a spacious walk-in closet. The backyard offers a covered patio, artificial turf, and plenty of space for fun barbecues and gatherings. Within walking distance of the Salt Cellar, McKellips Lake, and Scottsdale parks. Don't miss this opportunity! Make it yours today!

5831 W Pine Cove Prescott, AZ 86305

$585,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,057 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772452
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home tucked away on a serene, pine-covered .93 acre lot in Highland Pines. Offering 2,057 sq. ft. of living space, this mountain retreat features a great room with soaring ceilings, rustic wood accents, and a cozy wood-burning stove. The dining room's wall of windows provides breathtaking views of the surrounding pines. Step outside onto the deck to take in the panoramic scenery. Additional amenities include a one-car garage, asphalt driveway, brick paver paths, and a fenced dog run. This home is truly a peaceful getaway in the Pines with modern comforts!

1354 W Nido Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$585,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,616 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769367
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in sought after community of Dobson Ranch!! This beautifully designed 4-bedroom residence offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, ideal for those seeking spacious living with community amenities. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an inviting open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating a warm atmosphere for gatherings and entertaining. This home provides trending designs with remodeled bathrooms, remodeled kitchen, and new LVP flooring throughout the home. Dobson Ranch is a sought after Southeast Valley community boasting 1 of the best municipal golf clubs in the City and this home Just doors away from the Dobson Community La Casita rec Center. HVAC 2023, Roof 2010.

3609 E Ludlow Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$585,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,530 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773988
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*Location* Location* Right off the 51 freeway and Thunderbird Rd., this home will not disappoint! Fully remodeled down to the drywall finish this home has endless new features such as low maintenance landscape with new synthetic grass, new flooring throughout, full bathroom remodel, complete kitchen remodel, low energy LED lighting throughout, double pane windows, and new appliances!! Don't hesitate, don't delay, seller is ready to sell!

10952 W Tropicana Circle Sun City, AZ 85351

$585,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,196 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776995
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Golf course lot! Completely renovated and move-in ready. Open floor plan with formal dining room, spacious kitchen open to great room, 3 bedrooms plus den, 3 baths, 2 car garage. Highly upgraded with plank tile flooring t/o, carpet in bedrooms, custom cabinets, Quartz counter tops, Stainless steel appliances including fridge, and wine fridge, breakfast bar, pendent lights, tile back splash. New light and plumbing fixtures, new interior and exterior paint, dual pane windows. Master suite offers his and hers walk-in closets, double sinks. Inside laundry, oversized utility room with golf cart parking, epoxy garage flooring, new garage door, new gas water heater, roof 2008, HVAC 2012. Home warranty!

5434 W Parsons Road Phoenix, AZ 85083

$585,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,446 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779298
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PRICE REDUCED! Entertain friends or sit and read in the front room with its soaring ceilings. The great room is the natural setting for watching tv or hanging out. The kitchen is stunning with a tile backsplash, granite countertops, staggered cupboards, large walk-in pantry, SS appliances, gas stove, and a breakfast bar. There is new carpet throughout that complements the tile. Notice the closets everywhere! Just past the kitchen is a full bathroom and 4th bedroom/office, a perfect guest suite or work area. Dining area. Epoxied garage floor. Upstairs find 3 bedrooms and a loft area perfect for a play area, tv area, or work space. The huge primary bedroom with 2 walkin closets is separated from bedroom 2 &3 by the loft and upstairs laundry. Artificial turf & pavers in yard. Great location

2704 E Fairmount Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

$585,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,580 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6731098
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom home in the sought-after Biltmore/Arcadia Lite area! This move-in ready home features a new roof, HVAC, water heater, and stylish Vinyl Lux flooring. The remodeled kitchen and wet bar are perfect for entertaining, with farm doors adding charm. The large lot with no HOA includes a backyard with alley access and a detached garage, ideal for a workshop or potential ADU for rental income or extra space. Minutes from top dining and shopping, this home offers modern living and endless possibilities.

4906 S Bannock Avenue Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$585,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
3,946 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6705022
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is it! Come home from a long day to this incredible property with million dollar mountain views and breathtaking sunsets! Far enough out of town to enjoy peace but with easy access to downtown Sierra Vista. Two of the bedrooms are easily used as a separate studio with its own kitchenette and entrance if desired. The peaceful koi pond features several large koi. The backyard patio comes with the inground pool we all crave during hot summer BBQ. Enjoy bird watching, hiking, views of the famous Carr Canyon waterfall & the nighttime sky! Bonus detached workshop! Whether it's peace, creativity or practicality you crave, this house has it all, it is so unique that you'll really have to come see the character and comfort that it offers! Welcome home.

514 E Orion Street Tempe, AZ 85283

$585,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,032 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767891
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand New Full remodel! 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the desirable Tempe area with a private pool! This property features a brand new kitchen with a huge kitchen island that will keep everyone in together, perfect for casual dining or entertaining guests. All of the ceilings have been raised with new flush mount LED ceiling lights, Brand new doors and hardware, Brand New Windows, Brand New bathrooms with New vanities! The additional extension of the back of the house with a corner made of glass keeps you cool while enjoying full view of those in the pool! The outdoor space boasts beautifully updated low water landscaping, providing a serene setting for relaxation by the pool. Keep your cars out of the heat with the two car garage. It also has a very large laundry/craft room. Don't miss out

9409 E Nacoma Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$585,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,443 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6713360
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Pride of ownership is apparent in this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home in the gated active adult community of Oakwood CC. The casita with separate entrance provides flexibility for guests, a home office or exercise studio. Entertain in the great room or family room with adjacent kitchen and breakfast nook. Granite counters, SS appliances, newer paint and hardware with loads of cupboard space. Retire to the primary suite with patio access, walk in closet, dual split sinks and separate shower and tub. Guests will appreciate the spacious bedroom with walk in closet and nearby bath. New AC in 2021. Newer wood look tile flooring with some carpeted areas. You'll love the large picture windows and slider leading to the backyard with expanded covered patio and lush landscaping. See upgrade list.

1246 E Laguna Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$585,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,865 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6724419
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Classic ranch home nestled in the heart of Tempe is perfect for anyone seeking a stylish and convenient living space and would make a great location for ASU students. Key Features: •Completely Remodeled: This home has been meticulously renovated from top to bottom, featuring brand new plumbing, wiring, and state-of-the-art finishes. •High-End Finishes: Enjoy the elegance of premium materials and fixtures throughout, including gourmet kitchen appliances, sleek countertops, and designer bathrooms. •Spacious Living: With four generously sized bedrooms, there's plenty of room for family, guests, or a home office. •Prime Location: Situated in a desirable Tempe neighborhood, this home is just a short walk away from a lovely park, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation.