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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15550 N Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard Unit 1009 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$625,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,656 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6726509

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One of the kind with tons of upgrades done just recently. Brand new flooring with water proof laminate, brand new kitchen with quartz countertops, LG appliances, newer AC unit only 3 years old, brand new windows in entire house just installed, one year old water heater, newer water softener and water osmosis, equipment. Not to mention prime Scottsdale location just east of Loop 101 on Frank Lloyd Blvd . Phoenix Open, Barret Jackson and TONS of shopping/dining at Kierland Commons/Scottsdale Quarter just down the street. Don't miss this opportunity this place offer to you.

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7467 E Pleasant Run -- Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$625,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,590 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766453

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your beautifully upgraded 2 bedroom master suite in the highly sought after community off Pleasant Run.The kitchen features new cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances with ample pantry space. The expansive greenroom boasts vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace. Relax on your private patio wile overlooking lush gardens.

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4120 E Donato Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$625,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,114 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774491

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the charm of this exceptional home situated on a desirable corner lot in a wonderful, gated community. Offering a split floor plan that ensures privacy and functionality, this home is perfect for modern living. The inviting great room, complete with a cozy gas fireplace, is bathed in natural light, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. The large kitchen is a chef's delight featuring an expansive island and a gas cooktop, ideal for both everyday meals as well as entertaining. The home also includes a versatile den, perfect for a home office or reading nook. Retreat to the spacious primary suite, boasting a luxurious bathroom for your personal sanctuary. Step outside to the patio courtyard with a firepit, an idyllic setting for relaxing evenings in a quiet neighborhood. Enjoy the added benefit of numerous amenities while taking advantage of the golf course, pool and spa, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center, and clubhouse. This home is a rare find, offering a blend of comfort, style, and community to help you live your best life!

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755 E Orchid Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$625,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752734

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PAID OFF SOLAR! Enjoy $50 summer electric bill with this energy efficient home. Ideal location minutes from DT Gilbert, top-rated schools, shopping in San Tan Vistas, and tons of local dining. Major upgrades include OWNED Solar, a newer roof(2022), and new quartz countertops(2024). The home offers a wonderful floorplan which is highlighted by 3 large bedrooms, multiple living spaces, den, and an enclosed AZ room. Find beautiful travertine tile in the main living spaces and plantation shutters through out the home. The large, chefs kitchen features new quartz countertops, gas range, central island, and ample storage The primary suite is spacious and is complimented by an ensuite featuring his and her vanaties, seperate shower & soaking tub, & a large walk-in closet. Both the front and backyard are on a automatic irrigation system for easy upkeep, leaving you more time to enjoy your green spaces. Don't miss an opportunity to make this yours.

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9165 W Stageline Road Payson, AZ 85541

Open House

$625,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,272 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768169

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your slice of country heaven, where wide-open spaces and peaceful living come together on 2.35 acres of pure bliss! This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spans 1,272 square feet, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Enter a cozy living area warmed by a classic Earth Stove fireplace, perfect for chilly nights after a day spent outdoors. The kitchen, filled with natural light, offers plenty of cabinetry and counter space for your culinary creations, all while overlooking the beautiful landscape. Generously-sized bedrooms provide a retreat for relaxation, with the primary suite featuring its own private bath for added convenience. Every inch of this home is designed for comfort, practicality, and a timeless country feel—Large Barn is a MUST see!! ideal for those who love the equestrian lifestyle and the serenity of country living!

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43317 N Whisper Court Anthem, AZ 85086

Open House

$624,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,168 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781323

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully renovated 4-bedroom plus office, 2.5-bathroom home, located in a quiet cul-de-sac effortlessly blends luxury and everyday convenience. The heart of the home is the fully remodeled kitchen, featuring elegant quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures, and an RO system. Each bathroom has been thoughtfully updated with custom sinks, toilets, fixtures, and stylish flooring. Designed for comfort, the home includes a newer AC, furnace, water heater, and water softener. Step outside to a sparkling pool with a built-in BBQ—perfect for entertaining. Inside, the updated stairwell adds to the home's appeal, while the exterior remains meticulously maintained. With scenic hiking trails nearby, this home offers more than just a place to live—it offers a lifestyle.

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20218 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$624,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6698296

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ease and Elegant design blend beautifully in this ranch-style Pomona plan at our Estates at Arroyo Seco in Buckeye. An inviting great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a dining nook and a gourmet kitchen showcasing 42'' white shaker cabinets with brushed nickel pulls, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, GE Plus stainless-steel appliances w/pyramid hood and 36'' gas cooktop, center island with an undermount stainless-steel sink. The impressive primary suite offers a walk-in closet and a private bath that includes dual vanities and a tiled deluxe walk-in shower with rain shower. Three additional bedrooms and two additional bathrooms, a central study and a laundry round out the floor plan, which includes a multi-slide door leading out to a covered patio, a 2-car garage, a 1-car side turn garage, paver driveway and walkway and front yard landscaping. This home also includes 10' ceilings, Two-Tone paint package, Pendant lighting at the kitchen island, 9 x 35 tile flooring throughout with carpet only in the bedrooms, ceiling fan pre-wires at all bedrooms, study, great room and patio, exterior coach lights, pre-plumb sink at the laundry room, garage service door at 2-car garage, gas stub at the patio and soft water loop pre-plumbed in the garage. Located on an 8760 square foot corner lot.

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4828 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$624,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686946

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two car tandem garage! Inside, a well-appointed Gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, Quartz counters Shaker cabinets and stainless-steel appliances is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access and center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom featuring Deluxe walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan. Select homes will include deluxe options in the primary bathroom and gourmet features in the kitchen.

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4738 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$624,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693066

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom, deluxe bathroom with separate shower and garden tub as well as ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

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10429 S 47th Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$624,995

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700668

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access with center meet back doors. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom deluxe walk in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a fourth bedroom will complete the plan.

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4735 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$624,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6707290

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy breakfast nook and an impressive kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home will be built with either a study and interior guest quarters. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included as well as a 3 car garage.

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10519 S 47th Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$624,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720455

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, black matte fixtures, and a walk-in pantry. The kitchen is flanked by a great room and a dining room with center meet doors opening to the covered patio. This home is finished with stone tile and carpeted bedrooms. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with large walk-in shower, dual sinks, and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room complete the plan.

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