What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 19, 2016

Housing news was boosted by the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, which posted its highest readings since July of 2002. In other news, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee voted to raise the federal funds rate and Fed Chair Janet Yellen gave a press conference. Mortgage rates rose and weekly jobless claims fell.

Home Builder Confidence Highest in 14 Years, Home Construction Lags

According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence in housing market conditions reached its highest rate since 2002 in December. The NAHB Housing Market Index reading topped out at 70 as compared to November’s reading of 63. Analysts said that December’s high reading resulted from a post-election bump in builder confidence. While high builder confidence could bode well for supplies of new homes, construction rates continued to lag strong economic indicators such as low unemployment and high demand for homes. While builders gained confidence in current and projected housing market conditions, they continued to face shortages of labor and buildable lots.

Fed Raises Rate

The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve announced it would raise the federal funds range by 0.25 percent to 0.50 to 0.75 percent. FOMC said strengthening job markets, lower unemployment and rising household spending supported the decision to raise the federal funds rate. Inflation, while below the Fed’s target of 2.00 percent, is gradually moving toward the Fed’s medium term goal. FOMC’s statement indicated that the Fed’s monetary policy would remain accommodative.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen held a press conference and cited “considerable progress” toward the Fed’s dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability as factors supporting the decision to raise the target federal funds range. Labor markets continue to improve; Chair Yellen said that the economy has added 180,000 jobs per month over the last three months. 15 million jobs have been added in the past seven years. Inflation is growing gradually, and the Fed expects to achieve its target inflation rate of 2.00 percent over the next two years.

Month-to-month consumer spending readings held steady at 0.20 percent growth. Core consumer price index data, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, rose from 0.10 percent to 0.20 percent in November.

Mortgage Rates, Weekly Jobless Claims

Mortgage rates were higher last week, but Freddie Mac said that its survey data was collected before FOMC raised the federal funds rate. Analysts at Freddie Mac suggested a wait-and see position on rate forecasts due to the changing political climate. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was three basis points higher at 4.16 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose one basis point to 2.37 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was two basis points higher at 3.19 percent. Average discount points for fixed rate mortgages held steady at 0.50 percent and dipped to 0.40 percent for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage.

New jobless claims were lower last week at 254,000 claims filed. Analysts had expected a reading of 250,000 new claims based on the prior week’s reading of 258,000 new claims filed. Volatility in weekly readings for new jobless claims can be expected due to seasonal hiring and layoffs.

What‘s Ahead

Next week’s economic releases include readings on new and previously-owned home sales, inflation and consumer sentiment. Readings for mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released.

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4514 N Kirkwood Avenue Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Open House

$650,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,560 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767302

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning Prescott Valley home featuring a desirable floor plan with a spacious Great Room, versatile Den/Dining Room, and 4 bedrooms, including a luxurious Master Suite. BRAND NEW ROOF in 2023 with a transferable warranty. The Master Suite offers private access to the rear patio, a relaxing garden tub, dual vanities, and an expansive walk-in shower. With 2.5 baths, three additional spacious guest rooms, and a fantastic location, this home has everything you need for comfort and convenience. Ideal for entertaining and everyday living, this is the perfect blend of style and functionality. Don't miss out!

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1251 S Honeysuckle Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

Open House

New

$650,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,872 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6789063

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Great location in Gilbert with single level 4BR/2BA almost 1900SF home, oversized lot, RV gate, pool and solar! Upgraded cabinets in kitchen and baths, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Newer two tone paint throughout. Vaulted ceilings make this home feel large and spacious. Private backyard with grass, outdoor kitchen and pool is perfect for relaxing and entertaining year round!

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17006 N 44th Place Phoenix, AZ 85032

Open House

$650,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,006 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782203

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful remodel completed in 2021 blends modern comfort and timeless design. This home features 3 bedrooms plus an office with room to convert to a 4th bedroom. Both bathrooms are fully renovated with custom cabinets, quartz countertops and light bright finishes. Hardwood floors throughout the rest of the home - no carpet! Oversized kitchen with ample storage, extended island to seat 6 plus. Brand new windows installed in 2021 and new A/C in 2020. Premier location for local public schools, shopping, dining, all you need. Minutes from the SR51.

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316xx N 171st Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$649,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,708 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780196

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW!! Coming soon is a 1708 sf 3 BR 2 BA with 2 car garage and a RV garage on 1 acre property. No HOA, Pavement access is under 1000 feet attached to maintained dirt road with recycled asphalt. Builder plans to break ground January 2025, completion May 2025. 3 homes to choose from. Enjoy the included front yard landscaping as you walk up to your new home. This desert contemporary homes entry has a large, covered patio perfect for watching those fall and spring sunsets on your porch swing. When entering the home, you will be greeted by a huge great room with vaulted ceilings that showcase the open concept living area to the kitchen and dining room. Spacious covered rear patio, great for relaxing or entertaining. Nice sized bedrooms for kids or office space. Cozy laundry room with utility closet. Carefully selected materials have been chosen to match the exterior theme of the homes and flow with the interior design. Boasting wood plank style tile flooring, marble tiled showers, soft close shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, satin nickel plumbing and lighting fixtures. Included GE appliances. Washer and dryer will be included with a full price offer. The building features include fully sheared plywood exterior, spray foam insulation, cathedralized attic insulation, Low E vinyl windows, Lenox 5 Ton 14 seer HVAC unit. Qualify for your own new construction loan and take $20,000 off the price or get $20,000 in upgrades. This home won't last long once built and completed. Get in now and pick your finishes.

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316xx N 171st Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$649,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,708 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778344

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW!! Don't miss this opportunity!! Being contructed soon is a 1700sqft, 3 Bed, 2 bath home with 2 car garage and an RV garage on 1 acre. No HOA! Pavement access is under 1000 feet attached to maintained dirt road with recycled asphalt. Builder plans to break ground January 2025, completion May 2025. 3 homes to choose from! Enjoy the included front yard landscaping as you walk up to your new home. This desert contemporary home's entry has a large, covered patio perfect for watching those beautiful Arizona sunsets on your porch swing. Upon entry, you will be greeted by a huge great room with vaulted ceilings which showcases open concept living to the kitchen and dining room. A spacious covered rear patio is great for relaxing or entertaining. Nice sized bedrooms for kids or office space. Practical laundry room with utility closet. Carefully selected materials have been chosen to match the exterior theme of the homes and flow with the interior design. Boasting tile wood plank flooring, marble tiled showers, soft close shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, satin nickel plumbing and lighting fixtures. Included GE appliances. Washer and dryer will be included with a full price offer. The building features include fully sheared plywood exterior, spray foam insulation, cathedralized attic insulation, Low E vinyl windows, Lenox 5 Ton 14 seer HVAC unit. Qualify for your own new construction loan and take $20,000 off the price or get $20,000 in upgrades. This home won't last long once built and completed. Get in now and pick your finishes!

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316xx N 171st Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$649,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,708 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780213

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW!! Coming soon is a 1708 sf 3 BR 2 BA with 2 car garage and a RV garage on 1 acre property. No HOA, Pavement access is under 1000 feet attached to maintained dirt road with recycled asphalt. Builder plans to break ground January 2025, completion May 2025. 3 homes to choose from. Enjoy the included front yard landscaping as you walk up to your new home. This desert contemporary homes entry has a large, covered patio perfect for watching those fall and spring sunsets on your porch swing. When entering the home, you will be greeted by a huge great room with vaulted ceilings that showcase the open concept living area to the kitchen and dining room. Spacious covered rear patio, great for relaxing or entertaining. Nice sized bedrooms for kids or office space. Cozy laundry room with utility closet. Carefully selected materials have been chosen to match the exterior theme of the homes and flow with the interior design. Boasting wood plank style tile flooring, marble tiled showers, soft close shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, satin nickel plumbing and lighting fixtures. Included GE appliances. Washer and dryer will be included with a full price offer. The building features include fully sheared plywood exterior, spray foam insulation, cathedralized attic insulation, Low E vinyl windows, Lenox 5 Ton 14 seer HVAC unit. Qualify for your own new construction loan and take $20,000 off the price or get $20,000 in upgrades. This home won't last long once built and completed. Get in now and pick your finishes.

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48336 N 27 Avenue New River, AZ 85087

$649,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,126 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751295

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 3 BD. plus Den, 2.5 BR. home with 2 car garage. Large open kitchen/great room with 10 foot ceiling. Premium cabinets, granite counter tops, huge kitchen island, stainless steel appliances, pantry, large master suite with a walk-in shower, dual vanities, access to the laundry room. Additional upgrades include, tile plank flooring, 8 foot doors, upgraded hardware/lighting, large laundry room, energy efficient 14 Seer HVAC, dual pane low-E windows and R-38 cathedral attic insulation. Upgrades made by the current owner: fence and side gates around backyard, landscape rock in front of the back yard, installing pavers, turf, security gate, epoxy in garage, solar panels, back splash in kitchen, cabinets and tool storage in the garage, storage shelves in laundry. No HOA.

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12854 S 189th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$649,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,250 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761627

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOUNTAIN VIEWS! This 2024-built home with a HUGE 3-car garage nestled on a SPACIOUS 1.26 acres is the one for you! Enter through the custom double doors to discover a roomy open floor plan that promotes a modern feel. Wood-look tile flooring, neutral palette, and stylish light fixtures are worth mentioning. Spotless kitchen is equipped with abundant white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, sleek quartz counters, and a center island with a breakfast bar. In the large main retreat, you will have an ensuite with dual sinks, garden tub, and a walk-in closet. Massive backyard with a covered patio and views that go on and on has enough room for a pool, a shop, or whatever you can imagine! Hurry! Your forever haven is ready to welcome you!

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1957 W Fawn Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$649,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,252 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763536

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream oasis at 1957 W Fawn Way. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and style. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a spacious open floor plan filled with natural light, ideal for both family gatherings and entertaining friends. The modern kitchen features stainless steel appliances, ample counter space, and a convenient breakfast bar. Retreat to the luxurious primary suite, complete with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, while the additional three bedrooms provide plenty of space for family or guests. Outside, you'll find your very own private swimming pool, perfect for cooling off during hot summer days or hosting weekend barbecues. The beautifully landscaped yard offers a serene atmosphere and ample room for outdoor activities. Located in a friendly neighborhood with easy access to local amenities, parks, and schools, this home seamlessly combines convenience and tranquility. Don't miss your chance to make this slice of paradise your own!

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11865 N 143rd Avenue Surprise, AZ 85379

$649,999

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,886 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770462

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MAGNIFICENT 5 BED/3.5 BATH/4 CAR DRIVE-THROUGH GARAGE LOCATED IN A GATED COMMUNITY: COPPER CANYON RANCH. Furniture can convey. Includes an additional den/office and bonus room. Situated on an oversized lot this home is loaded with custom features. Gently lived in, tastefully decorated, looks and shows like a model home. Custom cherry kitchen cabinets. Granite counter tops,double ovens,butlers pantry. Huge open floor plan with real wood flooring, 20 inch tile and plush thick carpeting. Outdoors is an entertainers featuring a large grass area and beautiful pool with custom water features. Heated negative edge spa with soothing therapy jets. This home is a 10....don't wait !!

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6285 E Broadway Avenue Apache Junction, AZ 85119

$649,999

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,186 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772527

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Want to spend your nights looking at the sunset & city lights and your days gazing at the Superstition Mountains? Well then this is your place! Updated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath single-level home, sitting on 1.1 acres at the base of the Superstition Mountains. And if you're looking for your own workshop and garage space for your toys --you won't be disappointed! An oversized, 6-car detached garage awaits with mini-split, ducted Torit Industrial Dust Collecting System, Extra LED lighting, 7 X 240 outlets, 2 X 50 amp & RV plugs. TONS of storage! Then, step inside to relax and be delighted by the lovely interior showcasing a great room with soaring vaulted ceilings, a soothing palette, attractive wood-look flooring, & cozy two-way fireplace. The family room has double French doors that lead to the backyard for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Cook delicious meals in the kitchen, equipped with granite counters, knotty alder cabinetry, SS appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for casual dining. You'll also find a versatile bonus room, perfect for an office or study. Huge covered patio in the back makes for great viewing. Make this yours today!

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1413 E Windsor Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85006

$649,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,734 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778809

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into the charm and modern comfort of this renovated 3-bed, 2-bath midtown gem! Just steps from the Coronado Historic District, this classic bungalow features a bright open layout, a stunning chef's kitchen, plus a cozy family room with a white brick fireplace. The laundry room/pantry is located next to kitchen. Renovations throughout include Quartz countertops, shaker cabinetry, stylish vanities, flooring, modern lighting, neutral paint, and ceiling fans. Relax in the spa-inspired primary suite with a large walk-in shower, soaking tub, beautifully tiled walls, and walk-in closet. Step outside to enjoy the large private yard, covered patio, and shaded gazebo area surrounded by artificial turf and horseshoe court. Gravel walkways, block fencing and mature shade trees make this low maintenance yard the perfect spot for relaxing, playtime, and entertaining!

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