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. 

935 Calle Azul -- Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$567,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,884 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722019
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 4bed 2bath 2 car garage home with a large lot large patio RV gate with amazing views. Must see property in Wickenburg AZ.

8718 N 180th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$567,250
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,548 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6715988
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss out on this beautiful Pulte home in a Great location! Easy access to the 303, I-10 and Luke Air Force Base. This home has an amazing floorplan with the master suite downstairs and 4 large bedrooms plus a huge loft upstairs. The nice sized lot backs to a greenbelt with mountain views from the backyard. You can take this all in while enjoying some quality time under the expansive covered patio. Some of the many wonderful features you will find inside include, granite countertops, an eat-in kitchen, tasteful neutral flooring and tons of storage space. The laundry room has ample space plus a utility sink. The 3 car garage features shelving and an epoxy floor. Come see it today. This one won't last.....

10221 S Bickwell Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$567,028
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,386 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739939
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience the difference at Laurel at Blossom Rock! This stunning single-story Laredo design is currently under construction and features a spacious open-concept floorplan. The heart of the home includes an inviting kitchen with an island, seamlessly connected to a bright great room that opens to a private, covered outdoor living space. With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a convenient drop zone right off the 3-car garage, this home offers both comfort and functionality. Plus, $49,000 in premium upgrades are already included, and special financing options are available. The home is expected to be completed by November. Living at Blossom Rock means embracing the outdoors with community parks, miles of scenic trails, beautiful lakes, and signature events. Nearby the Superstition Mountains.

2422 E Saint Anne Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85042

$567,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
2,599 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743335
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this spacious 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence blends comfort, and modern living in the sought-after Arbor Subdivision. The spacious open floor plan seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and a large island. The home boasts five generously sized bedrooms, with the primary suite offering dual sinks, dual walk-in closets, and an en-suite bathroom. Enjoy mountain views from the beautifully landscaped backyard with a large covered patio, turf, and pavers. Additional features include a loft, office, and two-car garage. Arbor Subdivision provides well-maintained common areas, parks, and walking trails. Check it out!

23852 N 167th Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$567,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,016 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781319
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning Family Home with Private Outdoor Oasis This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and luxury, with an inviting front patio that welcomes you into a well-designed living space. As you step inside, you'll immediately appreciate the open, airy feel of the home with its modern finishes and thoughtful layout. The heart of the home features a beautifully kitchen that flows seamlessly into a cozy living room, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The master suite is a true retreat, offering privacy and tranquility with its own ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. Step outside to your own private paradise. The backyard is an entertainer's dream, with a heated pool complete with a tranquil water feature, ideal for relaxing or hosting summer gatherings. Enjoy outdoor cooking and dining with the built-in BBQ area, and when the sun gets too bright, simply extend the retractable awning for shade and comfort. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a meal with family and friends, this outdoor space is perfect for creating lasting memories. With its ideal layout, stylish features, and amazing outdoor amenities, this home truly offers the best of both worlds indoor and outdoor luxury!

2398 W Arroyo Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$567,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,535 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6707047
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful single family home featured in popular community ''Morning Sun Farms' located in Queen Creek, AZ. This highly preferred [single level] home incorporates a subtle balance of contemporary finishes with a modern design. The home features 4 bedrooms, +Den/5th bedroom, 2.5 bath(s), 2,534 sq ft open concept floor plan, nicely appointed kitchen w/ granite countertops, large [eat-in] island, dual ovens, gas cooking, raised panel cabinetry, ss appliances, and walk-in pantry. Also, this home features large great room space, 9ft+ ceilings, tile flooring, modern plumbing/lighting fixtures [fans], dual pane [low-e] windows, 2'' wood faux blinds, designated dining space, and a dedicated master retreat featuring a spacious sleeping quarters, separate shower/tub, dual sinks, and large walk-in. closet. Lastly, the home features a 3-car tandem garage w/ new epoxy floors & built-in storage cabinets, and a private [resort style] backyard equipped with covered patio space, sparkling heated pool, built in BBQ [w/ dedicated gas line], mature landscaping, backyard wall raised for increased privacy, and separate RV gate --perfect for entertaining guests & family. Morning Sun Farms offers residents plenty of walking & bike paths, green spaces, and is just minutes away from great shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

441 S Dodge Drive Chandler, AZ 85225

$567,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,162 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736916
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fantastic location in the popular single level community in Kempton Crossing. Well maintained one owner 3BR 2BA plus large den, large kitchen with island and granite counter tops , breakfast nook, formal dining, formal living room and family room with gas fireplace, upgraded tile and wood flooring through out the home, Oversized lot with mature backyard and cover patio, 3 car garage, the home is one of a kind for the subdivision only one built, Kempton crossing is a unique community where all homes are single level with 7400 sqft minimum lot size, this home is the only one of its floor plan in the community, enjoy several nearby family parks with pickle ball courts, biking or walking along the canal and convenient close access to freeway and many stores.

34475 N Fortini Way Queen Creek, AZ 85144

$566,610
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,937 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748798
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
From AZ-24, take Ellsworth Rd, south. Make a right onto Thompson Pkwy. Turn left onto Tesota Way. The sales office will be on your right.

4901 W Hunter Trail San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$566,090
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,926 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778084
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Elite community with a lot of amenities! The perfect blend of functionality comes to life. This stunning home boasts 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, bonus space, office and walk-in closets, ensuring that there's room for everyone. The island takes center stage, serving as a social hub where family and friends can gather. Whether you're preparing a gourmet meal or enjoying a family breakfast, the kitchen is designed to be a culinary haven. dark cabinets, granite counter tops with a generous amount of wood look tile! Stepping outside, the 3-panel sliding glass door offers an additional living space that seamlessly extends the indoor experience. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

12011 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$565,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741404
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this stunning Celeste home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a quiet study; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a double oven, a walk-in pantry and a center island; an open dining area; an immense great room boasting center-meet doors leading onto a relaxing covered patio; an impressive primary suite showcasing a large walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a mudroom and a 3-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, tray ceilings, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

11942 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$565,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741439
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this impressive Celeste home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered entry; a spacious study; a gourmet kitchen boasting 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a center island and a generous walk-in pantry; an inviting nook with center-meet patio doors; an elegant great room; a secluded primary suite offering an oversized walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; three secondary bedrooms; two additional baths; a central laundry and a relaxing covered patio. This home also showcases dramatic 10' ceilings, wood laminate flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, ceiling fan prewiring and extra windows in select rooms, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the walkway and driveway.

4010 S 178th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$565,588
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,639 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768888
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ready for quick move in! Welcome to the Juniper Floor Plan, a magnificent single-story haven meticulously designed to offer space, comfort, and versatility. Boasting an expansive 2639 square feet, this home provides a seamless fusion of elegance and practicality. Discover the allure of 4 beautifully appointed bedrooms, each offering a serene sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation. The Owners Suite stands out as a true retreat, featuring a walk-in closet that keeps your belongings organized and easily accessible. ALWAYS BUILT W/SPRAY FOAM INSULATION & TANKLESS WATER HEATER!!