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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2362 N Kachina Lane Chino Valley, AZ 86323

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,687 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764850

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on a spacious 1.5-acre lot in beautiful Chino Valley! Imagine unwinding on the large front porch, taking in breathtaking sunsets, or enjoying your morning coffee on the expansive back deck while watching the sunrise over stunning views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The home's prime location offers a scenic view of the Mignus Mountains & tree farm. Inside, you'll find a newly updated kitchen and bathrooms, adding modern comfort and style. The living room is bright and inviting with vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and abundant natural light. Two of the guest bedrooms feature unique storage lofts, perfect for added space and character. Brand new roof updated in 2023. Just 30 minutes from Prescott and close to Watson Lake, you can easily enjoy kayaking, fishing, and hiking the beautiful granite mountains. With ample room for animals, toys, or simply enjoying the mild four seasons, this property offers a blend of space, comfort, and rural charm. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity!

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1100 W 9th Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,588 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766519

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll love this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a rare two-car garage, located in the heart of Tempe! It features modern updates throughout, including a beautifully upgraded kitchen with ceiling-height cabinetry, Quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite offers a bonus space perfect for a home office or an extra room, plus a large Arizona room ideal for a second living area or game room. The home boasts energy-efficient windows, a brand new 2024 HVAC system, and stylish tile flooring in the main living areas. The large backyard includes a covered patio with elegant tile, a ceiling fan, and a refreshing diving pool to cool off in the Arizona heat. Whether you're looking for a primary residence or an investment property, this home is truly move-in ready! Just minutes from ASU, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and downtown Tempe's many amenities. Don't miss out on this one!

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6504 W Behrend Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,313 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765381

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in Ready! Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in desirable Arrowhead Subdivision. Features an open concept kitchen to great room, fresh interior paint, and a prime location in Glendale with easy access to the Loop 101. Ideal for comfortable living!

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640 N Nevada Way Gilbert, AZ 85233

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,847 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768547

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Cayman Square neighborhood of Gilbert. This home has some appealing features, including owned solar 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances white washer and dryer included. Master bedroom with an exit door to the backyard, master bathroom with an expanded shower, oversized second and third bedrooms. Separate formal dining, living room and family room. Whole house anti-scale water system, a fantastic feature for protecting plumbing and appliances from hard water buildup. 3-car garage with cabinets and oversized driveway. Backyard oasis a perfect space for relaxation, featuring an extended covered patio, artificial turf a gated private PebbleTec pool, palm trees giving you that tropical feeling! Convenient location: Close to freeways entertainment, and shopping, adding to the convenience of the property. This home will bring the new owner years of happiness and enjoyment!

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1607 W Shangri La Road Phoenix, AZ 85029

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,073 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771002

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home with a detached 4 car garage. 2 dwellings attached with 2 separate entrances. Total square footage of both dwellings is 2073. Guest home is 853sqft. Guest home is 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom and its own kitchen. Main home offers large laundry room/storage room, open eat in kitchen. Main living area has vaulted ceilings. Home has both an A/C , Heat and Evaporative system. 4 car detached garage is 30x21 with a front and back garage door and extra concrete in front and rear. Garage slab was poured extra thick for a car lift. Garage does have water, power, sewer, vacuum and cooling system. Property is completely fenced in on large corner lot. No HOA with amazing mountain views and hiking trails. Single family home but zoned for multi family use. Zoned R3.

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2233 Par Place Overgaard, AZ 85933

$550,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,895 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771427

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking to get out of the heat in the summer? Check this one out! This remodeled cabin in Overgaard, just 2 short hours from Phoenix. This 3 bedroom 3.5 bathroom, 2 Car Garage MULTI-GENERATIONAL property is perfect for full time living, or a weekend getaway. Home has been updated with new vinyl flooring throughout, white kitchen cabinetry, butcher block countertops, new fixtures & lighting throughout. On the main floor you will find an open concept living/dining area, fireplace, primary bedroom/bathroom, laundry room & powder room. Upstairs, is a huge loft/bedroom with a full bathroom. Go out your front door & downstairs, you will find a CASITA with its own separate entrance that features a full bedroom living room, kitchenette & full bathroom.

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4449 W Keating Circle Glendale, AZ 85308

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,038 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6744003

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Here is your chance to own a GORGEOUS home completely renovated in 2024. Located in Bellair, one of Glendale's most desirable communities, on a large premium Cul-de-sac lot (over 1/4 acre), this beautiful single-level home boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, & over 2000sf of living space. Updated with luxurious finishes - You will not find a more stylish home in a great neighborhood under $600k. Entering through a covered entry highlighted with large wooden double doors, you'll notice the brand new floors across this open floorplan. Your eye is drawn across the great room to the tastefully remodeled kitchen featuring stunning quartz countertops, marble backsplash, new stainless appliances and new cabinets. Roomy master suite has walk in closet and bathroom that exudes modern luxury... The bathroom is equipped with attractive subway tile, quartz counters, modern black hardware and bluetooth-enabled speakers. Down the hall you'll find three spacious guest rooms, with private closets, and sharing an upgraded guest bathroom featuring the same amenities as the master aside from the walk-in shower. The home also offers a cozy living room with wood-burning fireplace, and an open family room tucked in its own corner of the house. The home has a 2-car garage, plus RV gate on the side. A large covered patio with built-in storage overlooks the expansive backyard - graded and ready to be made into your private oasis. Incredible neighborhood with frequent community events - the home is situated within walking distance from the Golf Course and clubhouse, pool, and pickleball. Don't miss the opportunity to make this home your own!

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9620 W Ruth Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,279 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776552

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this great oppurtunity for this recently updated 3 bed plus den, 3 car garage home on oversized corner lot w/RV gate. Beautiful landscaped yard with private pool & your very own 3 hole putting course, extended covered patio with sunshades great for entertaining! Newly updated kitchen with all new appliances with induction range, island & walk in pantry, open to the family room plus additional open living/dining areas. Neutral finishes with beautiful new wood like LV plank & tile flooring, updated baths, wood blinds, & vaulted ceilings throughout, and no interior steps. Solar panels for effecient utility costs. Great family neighborhood with playground/park within walking distance to Peoria schools. Convenient to 101, near to all sports venues, shopping areas and restaurants

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23266 S 229th Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$550,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,311 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774566

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into a world of elegance and sophistication in this stunning, barely-lived-in home built in 2023. With 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this is one of the rare gems you won't find around the corner. Picture soaring ceilings that invite natural light to dance through the expansive living spaces, and a gigantic kitchen that opens seamlessly to the great room—ideal for gatherings or cozy family nights. The stunning white stone tiles pair beautifully with rich chestnut cabinets, creating a striking contrast with pristine white Cort countertops. It's a chef's paradise! The master suite feels like a penthouse retreat, offering ample space and luxury that truly elevates your living experience. Each detail is designed to impress, from the breathtaking finishes to the thoughtfully laid-out floor plan. Nestled on a premium cul-de-sac lot in a vibrant community, you'll enjoy endless amenities right at your doorstep. This is not just a home; it's a lifestyle statement. Don't let this one-of-a-kind opportunity slip away,schedule a showing today!

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4521 W Alabama Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,764 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779784

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 2 story home in San Tan Heights. Inside you'll find 4 bedrooms, a large loft, 2.5 bathrooms w/laundry upstairs w/the bedrooms Neutral paint, flooring & window coverings provide a clean pallet for decoration. The kitchen boasts maple cabinets, granite counters, stone backsplash, stainless steel appliances and often sought after gas stove. It opens to the family which makes it excellent for entertaining. The formal dining / living space can be utilized as that or a game room, sitting room or extra TV space. The resort style backyard has a covered patio, sparkling pool w/play step & water feature. Enjoy cooking or hosting friends at your own outdoor tiki bar. The rest of the yard is low maintenance w/rock & turf. Plenty of storage in the 4 car tandem garage. -3rd bay is tandem

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668 N Miller Street Mesa, AZ 85203

$550,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,065 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6700260

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't let looks deceive you this house is HUGE, 3065 square feet. Priced at the value of a three bedroom but has the space to be used as 4/5 bedroom. Has two seperate living areas which makes for awesome two family residence. IT's a steal at only $550,000 Granite counters in bathrooms and kitchens. tile in all the wet areas and brand new carpet. Turn key ready to move in!

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3487 W Red Bird Court Tucson, AZ 85745

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,017 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6714720

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience unparalleled desert luxury in this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom oasis, nestled in the serene foothills of Tucson's coveted Quail Ridge at Starr Pass. Surrounded by the opulent JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, this home combines Southwestern charm with modern elegance, offering the ultimate desert retreat. The open-concept design boasts a spacious living room with soaring ceilings and a cozy fireplace, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The chef's kitchen features granite countertops, a ceiling-height backsplash, GE Café stainless steel appliances, and a top-of-the-line Viking range. The master suite is a sanctuary with a walk-in closet and a lavish ensuite bathroom, complete with dual sinks, a soaking tub, and a separate shower. Enjoy year-round comfort with a whole-house soft water system and reverse osmosis water filtration. The family room, with its stunning Pinon Stone fireplace, adds a touch of warmth and elegance. Step outside to your private backyard paradise, featuring a covered patio, built-in BBQ, and an electric extending patio shade to keep you cool while joying the patio. Revel in breathtaking views of the Tucson Mountains and mesmerizing desert sunsets. Exterior roll-down shutters provide added security and energy efficiency. This home also includes a two-car garage, a dedicated laundry room, and energy-efficient features throughout. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and recreational areas, with easy access to I-10. Embrace the Tucson lifestyle in this stunning desert haven schedule your viewing today and make this dream home yours!

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