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. 

15992 N Gil Balcome Street Surprise, AZ 85374

$554,990
5 Beds
2 Baths
1,955 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724780
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!! Stunning Fully Remodeled 5-Bedroom Home w/ Luxurious Features This remodeled, move-in-ready home boasts 5 bedrooms & 2 baths on an oversized lot backing to a serene Greenbelt. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry, chef's kitchen appliance package, pot filler, large granite sink, quartz countertops and an oversized island. Wood tile flooring t/o, 10 ft ceilings, upgraded paint, 5 1/2 in baseboards, new doors, and dual-pane windows provide style and efficiency. Luxury baths with dual sinks and floor to ceiling tile. Master Suite features a custom master closet. Laundry room with new GE washer/dryer and cabinetry storage. Outdoors, enjoy a landscaped yard, Pebble Tech Pool, 12x43 covered patio, 12ft RV Gate and 5 car driveway. Move in ready & waiting for you!

5054 N 183rd Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$554,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,275 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6765735
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home! Why choose this home over a new build? This exquisite property features an open-concept layout perfect for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen boasts high-end appliances, and the ensuite laundry room is conveniently attached to the primary bedroom closet. Enjoy over $20,000 in beautiful landscaping, ready for you from day one, while new builds often require additional landscaping investments.The luxurious primary suite includes dual sinks in the ensuite bathroom and a well-designed Jack and Jill bathroom for added convenience.With premium upgrades, plantation shutters, and a versatile extra room ideal for an office or bonus space, this home is move-in ready. The spacious three-car tandem garage offers plenty of storage. Don't miss the chance to make this yours!

242 S 165th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$554,990
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,229 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739790
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the stunning Crimson floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath. Large storage area in garage. 12'x8' sliding glass door off the extended covered patio. Stainless steel gas appliance package with a 30'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and canopy hood. Barnette Maple slate (Gray) cabinets throughout the home. AZT Della Terra quartz Linen countertops in kitchen and owner's bath. White single bowl undermount sink in kitchen. Satin nickel hardware. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Riverside Firenza 20x20 in all areas of the home except for beds/closets. Dual sinks in bath 2. Soft water loop, 8' tall garage door opener with two remotes and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

31381 N 130th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$554,990 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Village A At Vistancia Parcel F-6, Peoria
Open House
$554,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,958 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745460
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Kendrick features a quaint, covered front porch ideal for welcoming guests. Walk through the spacious foyer and gallery hall to the grand open concept dining and great room ideal for hosting and entertaining. A centralized laundry room makes access easy from any room in the home. While a dedicated office is perfect for students and hybrid workers. A back covered patio perfect for taking in the surrounding Peoria mountains and Southwest landscape is the cherry on top! Located in the highly desirable Vistancia masterplan, resident will enjoy access to the 3.5 mile Discovery Trail, and two state of the art recreation centers.

696 W Melody Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$554,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,976 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6768362
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
These descriptions are always so cheesy so we're going to give it to you straight, this is a really nice home, 1 1/2 miles from downtown Gilbert so you're able to ride your bike to the farmers market on Sat. or just hangout at one of the numerous restaurants, I know it was built in 1996, however, the HVAC was completely replaced in 2020, a brand new roof was installed in March of THIS YEAR! & the home has been completely remodeled, new kitchen, new flooring, new countertops, new primary & hall baths, additional can lighting as well as really cool pendant lighting in the kitchen & dining area, the corner lot is huge & private & the large Ficus tree is only available in a home of this age, this is a great home guys & worth your time to see, we definitely would if we were looking for a home!

21667 S 225th Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$554,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,832 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748269
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Motivated sellers here!!!!Sellers just replaced majority carpeting for tile!!!! This stunning 3-bedroom home with an office, separate tech center, and teen room features seller-owned solar installed in October 2021 for over $40k. Say goodbye to high summer electric bills without the hassle of a lease. Step inside to discover the modern elegance of wood plank tile flooring in the main living areas and baths, creating a warm and inviting ambiance throughout. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and ample storage space. The master suite is a very spacious and. complete with a luxurious ensuite bathroom featuring dual sinks, a soaking tub , and a separate shower. Two additional bedrooms offer plenty of space, while the office and tech center provide ideal spaces for remote work or study. Outside, the beautifully landscaped backyard is a tranquil retreat, featuring synthetic grass for easy maintenance and a covered patio for outdoor dining and relaxation. Why wait to build when you can move right into this almost new home? Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a home that is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Come check this out today and make this energy-efficient oasis your own!

1024 N Moccasin Trail Gilbert, AZ 85234

$554,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,063 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6731571
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Make your home in the heart of Gilbert! This beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath home on a premium lot is looking for only it's second owner. A newly painted exterior, manicured front yard, a 2-car garage with built-in cabinets, and a welcoming porch are just the beginning. Inside you will find large dining & living areas w/newly installed wood-look flooring in all the right places, vaulted ceilings w/skylight, and a neutral palette w/fresh interior paint. The kitchen is comprised of white cabinetry, ample counter space, a prep island, a large pantry, and recessed lighting. Enjoy brand-new stainless-steel Whirlpool appliances including a gas range. Soak in the sun or enjoy entertaining on cooler evenings with a backyard that includes a covered patio, extended seating areas w/pavers, a lovely gazebo, and mature citrus trees. Finally, end your busy day in the primary bedroom with a charming bay window, a walk-in closet, and a full bath with dual sink. Near every amenity the Valley has to offer, is it time for you to discover the joy of Gilbert living?

11064 E Reginald Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$554,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,112 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6718268
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This spacious and stunning home offers 3 bedrooms with 2 baths in the lovely Nova Vista neighborhood. Your family will love the large Bonus/Gaming Room close to the split bedrooms. The home offers a large kitchen that opens up to the family room and dining room making this great for entertaining! Enjoy the backyard under the covered patio, or out in the grass! Front and back yard are low maintenance with great appeal. It is located close to schools, shopping and easy access to Highway 202. Easy access, come see it today!

16572 W Lincoln Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$554,900
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,452 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6725169
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 2-story home in a prime, strategic location. Boasting a massive 3,452 sqft of living space. This residence is filled with natural light, creating an airy, bright, and cozy atmosphere. The kitchen is a chef's dream with a double wall oven, granite countertops, and a spacious island. Step outside to the covered patio overlooking a private play pool, pavers, a charming gazebo, and a meticulously maintained backyard with trees and shrubs. Enjoy easy access to the 303 and I-10, and the convenience of being within walking distance to schools and abundant shopping. The community also features beautiful parks, perfect for outdoor activities!

8448 E Cambridge Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$554,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,020 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6726694
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WOW! This home has recently been remodeled by a licensed contractor. The home features new front half of roof, fresh paint, new flooring, and updated fixtures throughout. Walk in to a spacious living room filled with natural light. The kitchen has been completely redone with new white cabinets, quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and new hardware. Both bedrooms boast new carpet, fresh paint, and new light fixtures. Both bathrooms have been updated with new vanities, counter tops, tiled showers, and fixtures. The backyard has a large covered patio and easy maintenance landscaping! No HOA!

15971 N 91st Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$554,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,310 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739323
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful Single Level Home Located in Desired Arrowhead Horizons area. This home features, a Formal Living & Dining Room w/Vaulted Ceilings, Open Kitchen w/Breakfast Bar, Appliances Included & Eat-In Dining Room w/4 Bedroom, 2 Bath. Spacious Family Room, Master Bedroom w/Walk-In Closet, Master Bathroom w/Dual Sinks & Separate Tub & Shower, Split Floor Plan, Wood Shutters Throughout, Covered Backyard Patio, Sparkling Swimming Pool, 2 Car Garage, RV Gate w/RV PARKING, NO HOA. Walking Distance to Desert Harbor Elementary & Within minutes to Centennial High School. Close to Loop 101, Arrowhead Mall and the Phoenix Cardinals Stadium and much, much more

2830 S Arroyo Court Chandler, AZ 85286

$554,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,833 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6740804
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully upgraded Clemente Ranch single-level home with bright and open floor plan. Large corner lot home located in a quiet cul-de-sac with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. No carpet! Hardwood floor in rooms! Brand new Quartz counter in kitchen and bathrooms. Newly finished cabinets. Updated lighting. Open spacious kitchen with separate formal and family room. Spacious backyard has an RV gate, extended driveway, covered patio, flagstone, and pebble tec pool, and ample space for your garden and perfect for entertaining. It's close to Intel, Chandler Mall, Wells Fargo, freeways, Ocotillo Village, etc. Perfect family-friendly neighborhood for your client! Walking distance from 2 children's parks: Chuparusa and Dobson Park!