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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20435 W Mountain Sage Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$605,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,302 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6468712

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Lovely Ranch home located on 1.21 acres and surrounded by beautiful Mountain Views. 4 bedroom and 2-bathroom, Split floorplan. Open kitchen, Granite counter tops, and stainless-steel appliances in kitchen . Enjoy Mountain Views and wide-open spaces from you kitchen table. 9 foot ceilings . Horses privileges. There is a shared well. NO HOA! Bring all the toys and horses.

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20427 W Mountain Sage Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$605,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,302 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6468752

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Lovely Ranch home located on 1.21 acres and surrounded by beautiful Mountain Views. 4 bedroom and 2-bathroom, Split floorplan. Open kitchen, Granite counter tops, and stainless-steel appliances in kitchen . Enjoy Mountain Views and wide-open spaces from you kitchen table. 9 foot ceilings . Horses privileges. There is a shared well. NO HOA! Bring all the toys and horses.

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20419 W Mountain Sage Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$605,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,302 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6519611

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

2023 BRAND NEW HOME! This beautiful 4 bedroom / 2 bath is on 1.2 acres of land with NO HOA! The home features an open floorplan stainless-steel appliance, large pantry, a split double vanity in the primary master with additional closet space. Large, covered patio to enjoy the mountain views with plenty of space for your RV and toys on 1.2 acres! This lot provides endless opportunities for your own landscape/design. Please contact with any questions!

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20411 W Mountain Sage Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$605,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,302 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6519609

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom Ranch home on 1.21 acres with beautiful mountain views, open kitchen, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. The home features 9-foot ceilings and a split floor plan. Horses are allowed, and there is no HOA. The property has access to a shared well.

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20298 E Mockingbird Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$605,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,320 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780519

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll love this beautiful home on a premium corner lot in Queen Creek Station that offers 3 bedrooms + study with double doors & 2.5 baths in 2320 SqFt. The open great room layout with a formal dining area was designed for entertaining and features wiring for surround sound and a built-in media wall with cabinets and shelving. The updated eat-in kitchen features granite countertops, tile backsplash, stainless appliances including a gas range, a large island with breakfast bar & pendant lighting, and butler's pantry with built-in desk and walk-in pantry. The large backyard offers a full-length covered patio with ceiling fan, extended paver patio, easy care artificial turf for kids and pets to play on, an above ground spa with pergola covering, and only single story neighbors. The primary bedroom has a tray ceiling, access to the backyard, and an en-suite bath with dual vanities, oversized shower, and roomy walk-in closet. Other features include laundry room cabinets, an oversized 2 car garage with service door to the backyard, an extended paver driveway for additional parking, and an RV gate. Fabulous amenities for the entire family at the Mary Lou Fulton Aquatic Center include a resort-style pool, playgrounds, picnic areas, sport courts, and walking trails.

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302 W Oak Avenue Unit 2 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$605,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,098 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6733260

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

TO BE BUILT...Welcome to modern living in the heart of Flagstaff - a collection of contemporary detached homes that redefine luxury and convenience. Nestled against the backdrop of the stunning mountains, step into a world where architectural brilliance meets nature's beauty. The community boasts a sleek and contemporary design that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings. Plentiful glass allows ample natural light to flood the interiors, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. Clean lines, high ceilings, and thoughtfully designed spaces provide an open and airy atmosphere making each home a sanctuary of modern sophistication. Wake up to the awe-inspiring sight of the mountains right outside your window (Select Lots Only).

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19882 N Crimson Ridge Way Surprise, AZ 85374

$605,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,273 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6780024

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**NEW ROOF**NEW WATER HEATER**NEW AC'S 2021**This REMODELED-MODIFIED Windrose floorplan has a new light & bright floorplan w/walls removed in the living area & kitchen for a spacious open great room that flows into an ALL new kitchen. Inside this split 2 Bedroom,2 Bath, w Den home, you will find NEW beautiful wood-look tile floors in the main living areas & baths w/new carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchen is open to the great room w/new cabinets,leathered quartzite countertops,SS appliances, a large island w/breakfast bar & dining area w/new built-in buffet cabinets. The great room is for entertaining w/a gas fireplace that has elongated tile floor to ceiling, a built-in cabinet w/leathered quartzite & a new dry bar cabinet w/wine fridge & leathered quartzite countertop.Floorplan in Photos You have large windows and two patio doors to the covered patio from the great room and dining area. Primary Bath has new leathered quartzite countertop, new cabinet, new walk-in shower, sinks, faucets & lights. 2nd Bath has new cabinet, leathered quartzite countertop, sink, mirror & vanity light. ALL NEW INTERIOR PAINT with new LED ceiling lighting and fans. Laundry room has NEW LG Washer and Dryer w/new ceiling light, sink, faucet & cabinet. 2 car garage has new interior paint - new water heater. Lush landscaping provides plenty of privacy for the covered patio. This home has a new roof w/15 yr warranty and 2 Trane Air Conditioners new in 2021 w/warranty until 9/28/2031. There is a Termite Warranty with Action Termite to February 3, 2025 (there have been no termites).

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20021 W Pasadena Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$605,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6753893

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is your chance to own a fantastic 3-bed, 2-bath horse property sits on an oversized lot! Its charm starts with a cozy front porch, 2 RV gates, & a 2-car garage w/extended driveway. Inviting interior features abundant natural light, high ceilings, a two-tone palette, and tile flooring w/soft carpet in bedrooms. You'll love the spacious open floor plan paired with French doors to the back! The impressive kitchen boasts SS appliances, granite counters, ample wood cabinetry, a pantry, recessed lighting, and an island w/breakfast bar. All bedrooms with walk-in closets! Main bedroom also has outdoor access and an ensuite with dual sinks & a separate tub/shower. HUGE! Unlimited potential can be explored in the backyard with a covered patio to relax. Enjoy beautiful mountain views! Just WOW!

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5652 N 188th Lane Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

New

$605,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,140 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787823

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Home, sweet home! This stunning residence in Zanjero Trails features a 3-car garage, eye-catching stone accents, and breathtaking mountain views. You're welcomed by a spacious great room with a soothing palette, recessed lighting, classic plantation shutters, and attractive wood-look flooring. The spotless kitchen comes with quartz counters, crisp white cabinetry with crown moulding, a stylish tile backsplash, SS appliances, a pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a den ideal for a workspace or lounge. The main bedroom offers plush carpeting, an ensuite with double sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture out onto the lovely backyard, which includes a covered patio, a charming ramada for al fresco dining, well-laid pavers, and pristine artificial turf. Make it yours!

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3831 W Lanham Drive New River, AZ 85087

$605,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,356 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761751

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW A/C AND CARPET This immaculate home boasts a host of desirable features, including a brand new A/C system and fresh carpeting. With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a separate dining area, and a den/office, this residence offers ample space for comfortable living and entertaining. As you walk up to the home, you're greeted by charming stone accents and a private courtyard, setting the tone for the inviting atmosphere within. The heart of the home is the stunning kitchen, designed with entertainers in mind. Granite counters, a spacious island with breakfast bar, and stylish tile backsplash complement the stainless steel appliances and wall oven. Plus, the kitchen is equipped with a large walk-in pantry and convenient sliding pullouts, ensuring storage and organization are effortless.French doors lead you to the beautifully landscaped backyard, featuring artificial turf for easy maintenance and additional space for outdoor enjoyment. The master bedroom is a serene retreat, boasting a bay window perfect for a cozy reading nook and a sizable walk-in closet. With its thoughtful design, modern amenities, and prime location near Great Hearts Academy, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Don't miss your chance to make this dream home yours! CARPET INSTALLED AFTER PICS TAKEN. *Most bedrooms have new carpet and it all matches.

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1311 S Ponderosa Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$605,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,731 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738445

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Higley Park is Gilbert living at its finest. Your Children get the best education, a community splash pad and swimming pool. You get the finest in restaurants, nightlife, shopping at Epicenter and the San Tan Mall. All of this in a safe clean centrally located community with great highway access and an easy commute to anywhere. This home has a unique floorplan downstairs where the 2 smaller rooms have been turned into one great room that makes the home feel much larger. Recent upgrades include. All new backyard with synthetic grass 2023, Interior paint and carpet 2023, Travertine in Master bath 2023, New light fixtures and ceiling fans 2023, new hot water heater 2021, 2 new high end A.C. units 2020.

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29277 N 70th Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$605,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,172 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754671

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful 4-bed, 3-bath home in the sought-after Sonoran Mountain Ranch! Great curb appeal with a split 3-car garage, stone accent details, & a manicured desert landscape. You'll love the desirable open layout paired with plantation shutters, abundant natural light, tall ceilings, designer paint, and tile flooring w/plush carpet in bedrooms. The gourmet kitchen features granite counters, staggered Cherry cabinetry, a pantry, recessed & pendant lighting, a prep island w/breakfast bar, and SS appliances w/cooktop gas. Enter the main bedroom to find an ensuite that boasts dual sinks, a large walk-in closet, & a shower w/dry-off area. The charming backyard is the best spot for relaxing or entertaining, offering a paver-covered patio & artificial turf! What a GEM!

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