What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 26, 2016

Last week’s economic news included readings on consumer spending, core inflation new home sales and regularly scheduled readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

Consumer Spending Dips in November

Commerce Department reports on consumer spending in November indicated that consumer spending was lower in November with 0.20 percent growth as compared to October’s reading of 0.40 percent growth. November’s reading for core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, was flat as compared to expectations of 0.10 percent growth and October’s reading of 0.10 percent growth.

New Jobless Claims Rise to 6Month High

New jobless claims jumped to 275,000 last week as compared to an expected reading of 258,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 254,000 new claims. New claims typically rise during the holiday season due to school and other workplace closures.

There was good news as new jobless claims remained below the benchmark of 300,000 new claims for 94 consecutive weeks. This streak of new claims below 300,000 new claims is the longest since 1970. Increasing numbers of “contingent” workers contributed to volatility in employment; The Rand Corporation reported that 10.10 percent of the workforce was contingent workers in 2005; the percentage of contingent workers increased to 15.80 percent of the U.S. workforce in 2015.

Mortgage Rates, New Home Sales Rise

Freddie Mac reported a jump in mortgage rates last week; the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 14 basis points higher at 4.30 percent. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 15 basis points higher at 3.52 percent; the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose 13 basis points to 3.32 percent. Analysts said that the 10-year Treasury rate rose 10 basis points in response to the Fed raising its target funds rate. New home sales gained in November with a seasonally adjusted annualized reading of 582,000 sales as compared to 285,000 expected sales and October’s annual rate of 563,000 sales of new homes. This was the second highest reading for new home sales since early 2008. Builders will be watching mortgage rates and new home sales in the New Year to determine how rising mortgage rates will impact new home sales.

Whats Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic news includes Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports, pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. U.S. Financial markets are closed today in observance of the Christmas holiday.

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12940 N Northstar Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$639,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,502 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748159
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
High ceilings and plantation shutters give this 2-bedroom, 2.5 bath open-concept condo a spacious feel. You'll love the large screen porch with sun-blocking shades, patio, colorful landscaping, and beautiful view of the mountains beyond. The primary bedroom is spacious and both bedrooms feature an ensuite bath and walk-in closet. The kitchen and large laundry room/pantry provide plenty of storage. A gas fireplace separates living and dining areas. And the powder room is plus! Centrally located in the heart of Fountain Hills, The Enclave is a gated, dog-friendly community with a pool - walkable to ''everything downtown.''

22520 E Rosa Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$639,000 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Spur Cross, Queen Creek
Open House
$639,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,139 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786228
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**Upgrades throughout** in A dream home in the highly sought-after Spur Cross subdivision! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence showcases an open floor plan with expansive living spaces and a breathtaking kitchen perfect for entertaining. Step outside to your private oasis featuring a custom pool equipped with the advanced QuickPure3 system and lush AstroTurf for low-maintenance beauty. The home boasts spacious, light-filled bedrooms, upgraded lighting, and custom finishes throughout. The epoxy-coated garage floor adds durability and style. Enjoy the community's top-notch amenities, including a pool and sports courts, all while being conveniently close to dining, shopping, and entertainment. This home embodies luxury, comfort, and convenience—don't miss out!

20654 E Avenida Del Valle -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$638,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,474 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781616
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6781616 January Completion! The Cambridge is a single-story floor plan at Ellsworth Ranch Landmark, offering 2,474 sq. ft. of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and an exercise/flex room. The welcoming porch greets you at the front of the house. Upon entering, the foyer leads you down a hallway with secondary bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms on one side and a laundry room on the other. Continuing straight, you'll arrive at the spacious, open kitchen, great room, and dining area—a space sure to capture your heart. Structural options include: alternate extended laundry with drop zone in lieu of tandem. This home sale includes a washer and dryer!

14205 W Mauna Loa Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$638,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
4,068 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722668
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
** Priced to sell - $19,100 price reduction ** Gorgeous corner lot home has everything you've been looking for! Enjoy a 3-car garage, stone accents, RV gate & a cozy front patio. Welcoming interior features wood-look tile flooring, bountiful natural light and pre-wired surround sound. Spacious living/dining room and great room are ready for entertaining. Fabulous kitchen includes recessed lighting, a plethora of white cabinets with crown molding, a walk-in pantry, SS appliances, stylish tile backsplash and a center island. Romantic grand suite boasts plush carpet, an impeccable ensuite with dual sinks and a large walk-in closet. The resort-style backyard will make you feel like you're on vacation everyday with a refreshing pool and rock waterfall. Tour it today!

18501 E Avenida Del Ray -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$638,500
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,513 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751012
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Your Dream Desert Retreat Awaits—and the seller is highly motivated to make it yours! Step into this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath sanctuary, ideally located in the peaceful, 55+ Rio Verde Country Club community. Enjoy beautiful, low-maintenance desert landscaping featuring seven mature palm trees and a delightful variety of fruit-bearing trees, including lemon, pink grapefruit, and orange. This gorgeous property combines elegance and practicality, offering you a slice of paradise with motivated sellers ready to welcome new owners. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to secure your place in this serene, sought-after community. Enjoy a bright and airy open layout adorned with brand-new premier laminate plank tile and freshly painted interiors and exteriors. The living and dining areas feature a charming beehive fireplace and a beautiful skylight that fills the space with natural light. The well-equipped kitchen, complete with oak cabinets for ample storage, also offers breathtaking views of Four Peaks, making it a delightful space for both cooking and entertaining. The home boasts two spacious master suites, providing luxurious comfort and privacy. The primary suite features plush Berber carpet, direct outdoor access to a private patio, and a spa-like bathroom with dual sinks, a jetted tub, and a walk-in closet. Throughout the home, you will find an abundance of closet space, ensuring every item has its place. Set on a spacious lot of over 15,200 sq. ft., this home is perfect for entertaining, surrounded by mature citrus trees and beautiful desert landscaping. Enjoy hosting on the open patio or dining al fresco by the outdoor fireplace, all while immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of nature. Act quickly, as this stunning home is priced to move and won't be on the market for long! Seize the opportunity to own this gem in the sought-after Rio Verde Country Club community, offering breathtaking views, exceptional comfort, and boundless charm. Here, you're not just purchasing a home; you're embracing a whole new lifestyle!

3285 E Phelps Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$638,500
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,485 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728325
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This charming single-level home offers 2,485 sq ft of comfortable living space. The split floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a den. The spacious master suite features an upgraded shower and tub, double sinks, a private toilet room, and a large walk-in closet. The kitchen, perfect for entertaining, boasts granite countertops, an island, and a generous walk-in pantry, all opening up to a welcoming great room. All windows have elegant white shutters. A tandem three-car garage provides ample storage space. Outside, the backyard has a built-in firepit, turf, and recently painted exterior and block walls. With North/South exposure, this home is perfectly positioned near freeway access, San Tan Mall, shopping, and a variety of restaurants.

4315 S 123rd Avenue Avondale, AZ 85323

$638,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,622 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6680632
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
10' ceilings, 8' doors and large, energy efficient windows allowing in an abundance of natural light highlight this gorgeous 4 bed, study, 3.5 bath open plan in Alamar. Enjoy trying new recipes in the gorgeous gourmet kitchen boasting painted 2-tone, shaker style cabinets, quartz countertops and GE stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop and large hood vent. Designer-selected finishes include upgraded tile flooring, carpet and pad, custom backsplash and accent lighting. Escape from a long day to the large owner's retreat boasting a tiled walk-in shower, soaking tub, and huge walk-in closet. Other features include 2-tone paint, 12' sliding glass door to the covered outdoor area and a large finished, turf backyard. 2x6 construction. Welcome home.

12324 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$638,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,624 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693670
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
10' ceilings, 8' doors and large, energy efficient windows allowing in an abundance of natural light highlight this gorgeous 4 bed, 3.5 bath open plan with enclosed study in Alamar. Enjoy trying new recipes in the gorgeous gourmet kitchen boasting painted 2-tone, shaker style cabinets, quartz countertops and GE stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop and large hood vent. Designer-selected finishes include upgraded tile flooring, carpet and pad, custom backsplashes, and accent lighting. Escape from a long day to the large owner's retreat boasting a tiled walk-in shower, soaking tub, and huge walk-in closet. Other features include 2-tone paint, 12' sliding glass door to the covered outdoor area and a large backyard. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; NEW HOME WARRANTY. Welcome Home.

895 S Accuracy Way Tonto Basin, AZ 85553

$638,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
3,000 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769352
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning custom home is a dream come true. The kitchen features two walk-in pantries and a modern-style island with bar stools. The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet, and there's a very spacious laundry room with extra storage cabinets. You'll love the cozy fireplace. The property also includes a 4-plus car garage with a built-in bar and AC. Additionally, the entire property is completely fenced and offers amazing mountain views!

17550 S Thunder Ridge Drive Peeples Valley, AZ 86332

$638,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,582 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761342
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
YOU'LL FEEL LIKE YOU'RE LIVING ON VACATION! Gorgeous home in beautiful Peeples Valley, AZ on 4.8 acres with stunning, panoramic views. Tongue & groove ceiling, a wood burning fireplace and rough sawn wood beam add rustic charm while plentiful amenities bring modern conveniences. Split floor plan boasts an oversized owner's suite, secondary bedrooms w/ Jack & Jill bathroom & a much desired powder room for guests. Finished loft offers addt'l flex space, as does the separate garage room. Open Kitchen w/ abundant cabinets. French doors & windows provide fantastic natural light & picturesque views of the landscape. Loads of storage both in the home, as well as in the 39 x 39 garage. This garage is a standout! CLICK 'MORE INFO' for a list items which convey and additional important information! 3,000 gallon water storage is already plumbed for a 2nd tank and conveys. Chicken coop, raised garden beds convey. You'll be all set to launch your mini farming op! ** NEW SOLAR SYSTEM will be paid off at close of escrow. ** NO HOA! Agents, see back notes for full list of items which convey / don't convey. This home is truly turnkey and ready to go. Peeples Valley boasts blue skies, fresh mountain air and 4 mild seasons. Close to Prescott, Wickenburg and Phoenix. Agents live in area. ** Check out the video in slide 2 of the PHOTOS TAB. **

4220 N 32nd Street Unit 39 Phoenix, AZ 85018

$638,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,487 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741865
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Introducing the epitome of modern patio home living in the heart of Arcadia - welcome home to the Arcadian Phoenix. Nestled in the coveted 85018 area code, these modern townhomes redefine living with their spacious floor plans and an array of amenities. Step inside to discover a haven of elegance, boasting 10-foot ceilings on the main living floor and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The gourmet kitchen seamlessly merges with the inviting family room, creating the perfect setting for both everyday living and entertaining. Revel in the exquisite finishes, featuring stunning cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and timeless stainless steel appliances. Experience true architectural brilliance with the inclusion of a charming Juliet balcony

4616 E Peak View Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$638,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,743 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6762545
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous Ryland Home in desirable Tatum Ranch! This sought after floor plan has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, large living spaces and a 2-car garage. A feeling of spaciousness is created by the vaulted ceilings and lots of natural light. Travertine floors complement the main living areas. The open concept kitchen boasts a large island, a casual eating area, beautiful granite counters, tile backsplashes and stainless-steel appliances. Kitchen area flows seamlessly into the family room which has a built-in entertainment center. At the end of the day, one can retreat into the relaxing environment of the main bedroom with high ceilings, an all-tile walk-in shower, double vanity area and large closet. The nice-sized backyard is an oasis with an updated pool and north/south exposure. A must see!!!

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