What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 6, 2017

Last week’s economic news included several good signs for U.S. Labor Markets with higher than expected readings for private and public sector job creation. The Federal Reserve announced its decision not to raise the target federal funds range, and inflation rose. Mortgage rates held steady and pending home sales rose.

Private and Public Sector Jobs Post Unexpected Gains

ADP, which tracks private-sector job growth, showed a gain of 246,000 jobs in January against expectations of 168,000 new jobs and December’s reading of 151,000 private sector jobs created. Analysts said 208,000 of jobs added were service-related jobs. January’s Non-Farm Payrolls, which is issued by the Labor Department and includes private and public sector jobs, also posted higher than expected job gains with 227,000 new jobs in January as compared to 197,000 new jobs expected and December’s reading of 157,000 new jobs. Retail, construction, financial and restaurant industries led job growth. The jump in construction hiring could indicate that home builders will expand construction in an effort to ease short inventories of homes for sale.

The national unemployment rate rose to 4.70 percent in January and matched analysts’ expectations based on December’s reading of 4.60 percent. New jobless claims were lower than expected with a reading of 246,000 new claims against expectations of 254,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 260,000 initial jobless claims.

Mortgage Rates Little Changed; Pending Home Sales Up

Freddie Mac reported little change in mortgage rates last week. Interest rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages averaged 4.19 percent and were unchanged from the prior week. Rates for 15-year fixed rate mortgages rose by one basis point to 3.41 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose three basis points to 3.23 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

In related news, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee decided not to rate the Fed’s target rate that is currently 0.50 to 0.75 percent. Fed benchmarks for the economy include an unemployment rate of 5.00 percent or lower, but the annual growth inflation benchmark of 2.00 percent has not been met. January’s inflation rate rose by 0.10 percent above December’s reading of 0.0 percent.

Pending home sales increased in January with an increase of 1.60 percent; this exceeded December’s negative reading of -2.50 percent in December. Analysts said that the growth in pending home sales, which represents sales under contract that have not closed, reflects ongoing high demand for homes. Pending sales also suggest future volume for completed sales and mortgages.

Consumer confidence lagged in January to an index reading of 111.80 as compared to an expected reading of 112.90 and December’s reading of 113.30. December’s reading was the highest in 15 years. Analysts cited post-election uncertainty as contributing to consumer concerns.

Whats Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include weekly releases on mortgage rates and new jobless claims along with readings on job openings and consumer sentiment.

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26995 N 68th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,945,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,364 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6731621
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HORSE PROPERTY, nestled on a sprawling 1-acre lot with breathtaking mountain views from the observation deck and coveted horse privileges! This exquisite property features a spacious 4-car garage and a charming courtyard entry that sets the tone for luxury living. Step inside to discover a meticulously designed interior, including a formal dining room and a sophisticated living room, perfect for hosting gatherings. Remodel just completed-the home exudes modern elegance. The expansive family room, complete with fireplace, provides a cozy retreat for relaxing evenings. The state-of-the-art kitchen boasts a built-in refrigerator and an in-cabinet chilled water dispenser, making it a culinary haven. Horse corral with tack room and NO HOA round out this rare opportunity!

9301 E Desert Arroyos -- Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,940,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,061 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6740667
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully upgraded 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with den, playroom, and loft sits on a premium over-quarter-acre lot in the highly desirable Estates of DC Ranch. Surrounded by desert open space on two sides, this home offers unparalleled privacy and views. The chef's kitchen is a standout, featuring a large island, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a 5-burner gas cooktop, built-in refrigerator, warming drawer, upgraded cabinetry, a spacious walk-in pantry, and an eat-in dining area that opens to the family room. Enjoy upgraded tile flooring and hardwood floors in the downstairs office. Step outside to the resort-style backyard, complete with a fenced pool, built-in BBQ, and a lush grassy area. The 3-car tandem garage includes custom cabinets. This home is meticulously maintained and ready for its next chapter!

7471 E Sunnyvale Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$1,935,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,472 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745482
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The best of everything! Full 2023 renovation with on-trend design & finishes, guard-gated security, 3CG, & a premium lot steps from gym/Shops at Gainey Village. The 21' high great room is filled with natural light. European white oak floors & LED lighting throughout the home. Open concept kitchen features Azzurra Bay quartzite stone counters. Fisher & Paykel appliance package includes induction range & Alder cabinet front fridge/freezer. Main level offers ensuite bedroom & den/optional 5th BR. Large primary suite features luxurious bath w/ steam shower, soaking tub, dual vanities + makeup counter, custom WIC cabinetry. Rare, deep yard is private w/ turf, pool, BBQ & fruit trees. Amazing house that will appeal to lock-n-leave buyers & those looking for turn-key within 3C's school district.

351 N Sky View Street Flagstaff, AZ 86004

$1,935,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,891 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6680475
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Escape to your own secluded paradise nestled amidst 3 wooded acres, boasting breathtaking views of the majestic San Francisco Peaks. This contemporary masterpiece offers a luxurious retreat with just under 5,000 square feet of meticulously crafted living space. Step inside to discover two primary suites upstairs, an additional bedroom on the main level, and a chef's kitchen fit for culinary indulgence. Entertain in style with a separate eat-in area, formal dining room, and a spacious living room featuring a sleek wet bar, all while soaking in panoramic views through expansive windows. Experience unparalleled privacy with a gated entrance and tranquil enclosed courtyards, while the 3-car garage ensures convenience. Pamper yourself in the dedicated exercise room and unwind in the endless pool, or enjoy outdoor adventure in the dedicated dog park complete with ponds and rivers. Embrace a lifestyle of sophistication and serenity in this remarkable sanctuary, where every detail is thoughtfully designed to elevate your living experience amidst nature's splendor.

12314 E Black Rock Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,931,995
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,860 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767177
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*NEW CONSTRUCTION: SUMMER 2025 COMPLETION. Interior Finishes have been added!* Stunning Callum floor plan with Spanish Contemporary exterior under construction on a private home site! Gorgeous 14' ceilings, a casita with private entrance and 3 outdoor spaces are some of the reasons this plan is a top seller. Professionally designed, tasteful neutral color scheme. Additional upgrades include SS Wolf appliances, a double oven, 48'' Sub Zero Fridge & extended Kitchen island. The great room has a 72'' linear fireplace & a 16' multi-slide pocket door, perfect for cozy nights at home. This is the low-maintenance, LUXURY, lock & leave home you have been waiting for! Located in the stunning guard-gated community, Sereno Canyon. The ultimate resort lifestyle community in North Scottsdale by Toll Brothers. Come take a tour today!

39349 N 107th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,925,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,576 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773588
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This Bing Hu designed home is the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship in the highly sought after community of Desert Mountain. The entire home has been totally reimagined and recreated using the finest materials and finishes expertly crafted by AB Design Elements and Allhaus. Every detail has been thoughtfully customized to evoke a sense of warmth and style. The completely redesigned kitchen and great room invite gatherings with friends and family. The Primary Suite offers privacy and tranquility while being enveloped in lavish ambiance. A well-appointed guest suite will not disappoint. The outdoor living spaces offer spectacular views of the 7th hole of the Apache Golf Course complementing the expansive private patio with a heated spa, large gas fire pit and outdoor kitchen. Homebuyer may make application to join the Desert Mountain Club's Full Golf Membership Wait List (the Wait List). Homebuyer's Application for Membership must be approved and all Wait List requirements must be met to join the Wait List. While on the Wait List, homebuyer may be offered the opportunity to have club use privileges by obtaining a Full Lifestyle Membership or a Full Seven Golf Membership with the requirement to upgrade to a Full Golf Membership once it becomes available. Wait List times vary. Please contact the Desert Mountain Club for details.

3110 E Georgia Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

$1,925,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,600 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6775617
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome to this charming single-level home, nestled on the lake in the gated community of Village on the Lakes at the Biltmore. Completely renovated in 2015, this home was designed with attention to every detail. From the moment you approach, you're greeted by an inviting front courtyard with a beautiful outdoor seating area, complemented by travertine pavers that guide you to the front entrance. Inside, you'll find three spacious bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, soaring vaulted ceilings & numerous windows that enhance the home's open, airy feel. The kitchen features custom cabinetry, stunning Taj Mahal quartz countertops, premium KitchenAid appliances, and a dedicated bar and beverage fridge area, making it a dream for both cooking and entertaining. The primary bedroom is a retreat offering the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. Large sliding doors open to the backyard, allowing you to wake up to breathtaking views of the lake and golf course. The primary bathroom is equally impressive, with a double vanity, spacious walk-in shower, and his-and-hers closets. The backyard is an entertainer's paradise, boasting travertine pavers, a breathtaking ficus tree, a beautiful water feature, low-maintenance artificial grass and a cozy backyard fire-pit. With its private setting, the backyard delivers peace and serenity, framed by stunning views of both the lake and golf course. Additional features include a two-car garage and easy walking access to scenic green belts, upscale shopping, dining, and all the Biltmore area has to offer. This is more than just a homeit's a lifestyle defined by elegance, privacy, and some of the most breathtaking views available. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a true gem in the desert!

31550 N 70th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,925,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,876 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757631
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This property is the one you've been waiting for! It is located in magnificent North Scottsdale on 2.5 acres & has no HOA. It comes with a detached casita, an additional garage plus a RV garage. The property offers easy access to Scottsdale Road, the 101, and the towns of Cave Creek and Carefree. 70th St is paved & the extra large half-circle driveway has been redesigned and landscaped. One acre of land is still available for building, and the property is zoned for horses. The main home at 2968 sf features a family room w/ a built-in office, wet bar & wine room. The primary bedroom is very spacious with 12+ foot ceilings, another office, a sunny sitting room, jetted tub & an oversized walk-in closet. There are four newer HVAC systems. The detached casita is an additional 908 sf & can... serve as a perfect space for an extended family, a home business, an art studio, etc. An attached garage and an RV garage are large enough to fit a Class A coach. Plus, there is additional slab parking. The courtyard exudes a resort-like ambiance, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and entertainment. The rooftop observation deck offers breathtaking sunset views, while the propane fire pits create a warm and inviting atmosphere. With a covered patio equipped with misters and a BBQ area, it's an ideal setting for gatherings and enjoying the outdoor Arizona lifestyle. Nearby, you'll find some of the finest dining and shopping options in Scottsdale, with Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter just a short drive away. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Pinnacle Peak Park, offering hiking trails with stunning views. Additionally, top-rated schools and world-class golf courses are conveniently located in the area, making this property an ideal choice for a variety of lifestyles. This private and enchanting property is ready for you, your family, your toys, your home business, your art studio, your RV/coach, and your horses. Make it yours today! Professional photography is coming soon.

26005 N 107th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,925,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,720 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773941
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Resort-style living with sweeping Pinnacle Peak, sunset & city light views await you in Scottsdale's guard-gated Windy Walk community, adjacent to Troon Country Club. Every room offers its own unique ambiance with stunning views as the backdrop. The primary suite features a cozy fireplace and attached office (could be converted to a guest suite). The oversized guest suite also boasts a walk-in closet. While you may feel like you're on vacation here, the kitchen is ready for serious cooking with an oversized separate fridge & freezer, double ovens, gas stove & abundant storage. Outdoors, relax on expansive covered patios, unwind by the fireplace or pool, practice your putting, or host a barbecue-it's all here! Plus you're nearby the Four Seasons Hotel , Troon North Golf, hiking & more!

9853 N 48th Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$1,925,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,055 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6782914
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful, fully remodeled home in the unique Taliesin Architect (John Rattenbury studied from and worked with Frank Lloyd Wright ) designed Paradise Valley neighborhood. The home sits on an epic, near half acre lot, surrounded by mature trees, landscaping and beauty. The expansive driveway has an oversized carport that makes you feel as if you're checking into a boutique hotel. Everything is custom built, including a large glass pivot entry door, 9'' Oak engineered hardwood floors, Venetian Plaster master bath with Dutch Design Cabinetry and a steamist steam shower, huge tub with large glass windows and water that cascades down from the ceiling. Chef kitchen featuring Subzero Wolf Beverage Refrigerator, and much more. Excellent Schools, Very close to Shea & Tatum, grocery stores. Own/Agen

39220 N 30th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$1,900,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
3,800 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6731365
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream retreat, where luxury meets adventure! Nestled in a secluded, gated community, this custom estate home is a haven for RV and off-road enthusiasts. With a 4-car extended-length garage and an attached RV garage, you'll have ample space to store your vehicles and gear, ready for your next journey. Step through the elegant steel and glass doors into a world of opulence. The grand entrance features soaring 12-foot ceilings and an open great room with panoramic doors that invite the outdoors in. Cozy up by the electric fireplace or enjoy the seamless flow to the expansive pavered patio, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The chef's kitchen is a culinary masterpiece with a separate induction cook-top, wall oven, microwave, and a generous butler's pantry with sink The enormous island and matching cabinetry extend into the dining area, providing a stylish and functional space for meals and gatherings. Enjoy the seamless flow of 8-foot interior doors and wood-look plank tile throughout, enhancing the open and airy feel of the split floor plan. The primary bedroom is a retreat of its own, featuring a private exit to your personal patio and a luxurious bathroom with a large walk-in shower, large soaking tub, separate vanities, leading to a spacious closet with a dressing table that connects to the laundry room. For those who work or need extra space, there's an office/den and a convenient half bath for guests. The three guest bedrooms each come with a private en suite, ensuring comfort and privacy for all your visitors. Don't miss the additional amenities like the large, open and pavered patio with another full bathroom. As well as 400 AMP panel in the garage and the central vac system, adding convenience and efficiency to your home. This estate is more than just a home, it's a gateway to endless adventures and ultimate comfort. Make it yours and start living the life you've always dreamed of!

51414 W Pete Road Aguila, AZ 85320

$1,900,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
6,556 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6659027
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This magnificent Property offers Hacienda Style Architecture reminiscent of Spanish Living plus a 52' x 80' Hangar with Pilot's Lounge. Chef's Kitchen boasts Wolfe Range, Kol-Gard Commercial Refrigerator, Traditional & Baker's Islands, Conversation Counter & Separate walk-in Server's Pantry. Complete with Formal Dining Room, Great Room Dance Floor, Wet Bar, Spa, Atrium, multiple Fireplaces, Den & Office, it's ideal for personal Luxury or Entertaining. The spacious Primary Suite features multiple Bath areas, Large walk-in Closet & Sitting Room. Guest Rooms have Private Exits. Enjoy Outdoor Living on the Covered Patio. The 52' x 80' Hangar features Pilots' Lounge, Shop, Storage Room & Sunshade Port. Propane & Diesel Fuel Tanks plus RV parking add to the convenience of Airpark living. Property is on 5 acres with Private Well, Well House & Detached Garage in a Gated Airpark with HOA & CCR's. State Land across the street to the South. Community has a 3,906' paved, lighted runway, paved taxiways/streets & community center for great gatherings. See Document Tab for Additional Features. THIS IS AN ACTIVE AIRPARK. PLEASE YIELD TO PLANES. DO NOT CROSS, DRIVE OR WALK DOWN RUNWAY.

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