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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28847 N Royce Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$1,400,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,915 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782003
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare, turn-key & exceptional fully fenced, custom horse property nestled on an oversized 5-acre lot! Great curb appeal w/ stone accent details, desert landscape, low maintenance artificial turf, RV gate, 6 horse stalls, 4-car garage & private well. Open floor plan w/ plantation shutters, light & bright neutral palette, & tile in common areas. Designed for everyday living & entertaining featuring a formal dining & spacious great rooms w/surround sound! Gourmet kitchen boasts 42'' cabinets, SS appliances, granite counters, mosaic tile backsplash, & oversized island w/breakfast bar. Walk-in pantry & staggered cabinetry w/ ample storage. Enjoy the majesty & adventure of living w/ in 3 miles of San Tan Regional Park. Nearby shopping 2.5 miles away, QC Marketplace w/ in 20 minutes. The double doors open to the owner's suite, featuring a lavish bathroom with two walk-in closets, two vanities, a tiled step-in shower, & a soaking tub. Laundry room with a sink & cabinetry for added convenience. The HUGE backyard has been tastefully divided! Relax under the full-length covered patio & paver-Ramada while enjoying the unobstructed tranquil vistas. Beyond the fence, you have an expansive open space with a run-in shed for your horses. Bring your toys, trucks, RVs, & other animals - this property has plenty of space! Don't miss this fantastic opportunity!

9618 W Staghorn Road Peoria, AZ 85383

$1,400,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,768 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781096
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Simply Stunning! Trophy Home. For the discriminate home & lifestyle seeking owner desiring Uniques Finishes Unmatched by other homes. Situated on a premium lot in this gated community, this formidable first-class residence features rarely seen to never impeccable classic 'MasterCraft' spectacular finishes that could be described as a work of art. This lovely property also boasts premium cabinetry & unparalleled finishes throughout this residence. The bright open concept offers grandeur and luxury & is purely ideal for entertaining. Enjoy the resort-like backyard. Built by Maritage Homes, it is built smarter - it features energy efficiency & promotes a low HERS industry standard rating with sustained excellence. Claim this property as yours. Community playground, fitness stations, ramadas & trails. It's more than a residence, it's a lifestyle.

6325 E Monte Cristo Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,400,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,475 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745644
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Listed $50K below appraisal! Fantastic, freshly remodeled family home in the Kierland area. Back of the culdesac location, this large, open floor plan split level is perfect for the growing family. New flooring throughout, new bathroom designs, painted inside and out, and new lighting makes this home stand out. The large pool, covered patio, built in BBQ, & generous back and side yard are great for outdoor entertaining. Close to good schools, restaurants, and fantastic shopping. You won't want to miss this one!

10417 N 180th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$1,400,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,799 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730289
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream retreat! This exceptional 4 + bedroom 3 bathroom, single story residence is situated on a spacious 1 acre corner lot in the gated community of Cortessa Laureates Estates. This exceptional luxury home is perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and convenience, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a winter haven or a year-round sanctuary. Property Highlights: Breathtaking Indoor Design and Amenities: This 3,799 sq ft home features an exquisite design with custom tailored finishes and meticulous attention to detail.From the grand entrance to the spacious living areas, every inch of this home exudes sophistication and style. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring ample space for culinary creations. The master suite is a private retreat with a spa-like bathroom and a spacious walk-in closet. Multiple guest suites ensure that your visitors experience the same level of comfort and luxury. Outdoor Oasis: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the beautifully landscaped grounds. The expansive outdoor living space comes complete with a pristine pool - perfect for cooling off during warm Arizona days and an elevated spa for ultimate relaxation. After sunset, the ambiance easily transforms into a nighttime oasis with permanent gemstone and landscape lighting throughout; ensuring this homes appeal will shine no matter the occasion. Perfect for Entertaining: Host unforgettable gatherings and create cherished memories in a setting that combines elegance and warmth. The open-concept floor plan and seamless indoor-outdoor flow make this home ideal for entertaining. The oversized outdoor patio features a custom-built island with an outdoor kitchen. Enjoy alfresco dining under the stars or sipping wine gathered around the firepit with plenty of built in seating. Prime Location: Experience the best of Arizona living with easy access to everything you need. Situated in the coveted community of Cortessa Laureates Estates, this home offers proximity to Sterling Grove Golf Course and the White Tank Regional Park; perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts. Only 10 minutes from some of Arizona's most popular restaurants, shopping, and entertainment including Costco, Fat Cats Family Fun Center, Sprouts, OHSO Brewery, Barrio Queen, Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers, Firebirds Steak House, Cooper's Hawk Winery and much more. Easy highway access, only 15 minutes from the Seattle Mariners Spring Training Center, and 35 from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Turnkey Convenience: This property comes with an array of services already in place to ensure a worry-free lifestyle. Housekeeping, pool maintenance, and yard care teams that know the property inside and out, so you can focus on enjoying your time in paradise. Additionally, they will even go as far as starting your car while you're away, ensuring your battery stays charged and ready for your next adventure. Whether you're seeking a seasonal retreat or a permanent residence, this property offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and convenience. Book your private tour and discover unmatched beauty and luxury of this Arizona gem!

11411 E Gamble Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,400,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,800 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6757454
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Lock & leave perfection. Remodeled inside & out in transitional style, this property has everything you're looking for w/in-demand finishes. Wood-look tile floors offer a continuous character of nature in addition to the use of travertine stone & alder wood. Spacious window-filled great room features views of Pinnacle Peak plus a cozy fireplace & bar w/wine fridge. Large fireplaced dining room is equally view-oriented & opens to beautifully appointed kitchen. Grand owner's suite offers a luxurious retreat w/its gorgeous ensuite bath & closet-of-your-dreams. Three additional bedrooms & two full baths complete this versatile floor plan. Outside is deep patio w/pavers leading to gas firepit, sitting area & relaxing hot tub for enjoying stunning mtn views, sunsets & starlit skies.

33945 N 57th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,400,000 - 4Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Los Alisos, Scottsdale
Open House
$1,400,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,451 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777620
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in a highly sought-after, gated community in the Cave Creek/North Scottsdale area, this stunning property sits on a desirable corner lot, boasting breathtaking views of Black Mountain, sunsets, & a lush park nearby. This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home with an additional office space spans 3,451 sq ft on a 0.261-acre lot, thoughtfully reimagined inside & out to meet every modern comfort. High ceilings soar 12 ft, creating an open & airy feel throughout. Gas cooktop. Split floorplan features a master retreat complete w/a custom closet w/ceiling-high storage & a luxurious, spa-inspired bathroom showcasing dual rain shower heads. The spacious master suite includes a private sitting area w/a sliding door leading directly to your outdoor oasis. No stairs, NEW ROOF & AC's, STR available! .....to the serene backyard. The redesigned kitchen seamlessly connects with both the family and living rooms, making it ideal for entertaining. With a built-in bar, wine rack, and sink, it's perfectly set up to host any gathering. The family room is equipped with built-in media cabinetry, accommodating TVs of any size, and is wired for sound with built-in speakers indoors and on the patio. Step outside to find a beautiful pool, an inviting outdoor fireplace, a built-in grill, and a shaded pergola. Additional features include a low-maintenance backyard, an RV gate, and energy-efficient upgrades throughout, including premium plantation shutters, a luxurious silk carpet in all bedrooms, Sherwin Williams Cashmere paint, an epoxy-finished garage floor, and ample storage options. This home is crafted for comfort, convenience, and elevated style in one of the area's most desirable neighborhoods.

14072 E Desert Cove Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$1,400,000 - 4Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Paloma Paseo, Scottsdale
Open House
$1,400,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,705 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778417
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FABULOUS HOME WITH VIEWS in every direction situated on over 1/3 acre. Spacious primary suite with huge custom closet. Primary bath w/walk-in shower, double sinks & soaking tub. Kitchen, family room, living & dining rooms are bright & open with 20 foot plus ceiling. KITCHEN w/GAS COOKTOP, generous cabinets & counter space, NEWER 48'' SS KITCHEN AID REFRIGERATOR. granite counters, tile backsplash & FRENCH DOOR to BACKYARD RESORT! Inviting pool w/waterfalls, built-in BBQ & firepit and separate spa. BACKYARD overlooking NAOS. Upstairs loft and spacious office with built in desks and bookcases & French doors to balcony w/CITY & MOUNTAIN VIEWS 3 additional bedrooms upstairs 2 full baths. Plantation shutters, Trane A/C, extra ceiling insulation, 3.5 CAR GARAGE w/cabinet. Award winning Scottsdale schools including BASIS. Convenient to restaurants, shopping, parks, hiking trails, golf, Mayo Clinic & 101 Freeway and all that Scottsdale has to offer!

2128 E Catamaran Drive Gilbert, AZ 85234

$1,400,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Regatta At Val Vista Lakes Amd Lot 1-108, Gilbert
Open House
$1,400,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,998 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755991
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the epitome of lakeside luxury living in the heart of an active lifestyle community! This lakefront retreat offers an unparalleled blend of elegance, comfort, & convenience, making it the perfect home for those who crave both adventure & relaxation. Perfect as your next dream home or short term rental. Completely renovated from floor to ceiling using fine materials & a keen eye to design. Light & bright with soaring ceilings & an open floor plan with expansive views of the lake. The modern design greets you upon entry. Attention to detail made from the well equipped, gourmet kitchen to the serene owner's suite overlooking the lake. A new pool, private patio & dock create paradise at the backyard retreat. A list of features included under documents tab. Furniture is available.

5818 N Granite Reef Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$1,399,999
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,679 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6738142
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HUGE OPPORTUNITY! RARE FEATURES! MOVE-IN READY! This high-tech, modern luxury, marble-themed oasis was recently redone inside & out with no expense spared. Unique features include 2 master suites each with ensuite bathrooms, 4 walk in closets, corner lot, jetted tub, diving pool, many USB outlets/dimmers/fans, near dining/shops/entertainment, much free parking, storage rooms, & NO HOA! Enjoy elegance without compromise. The spacious redone kitchen features a massive breakfast bar & floor to ceiling marble-pattern quartz which surrounds new appliances. The bathrooms have been extensively remodeled to create a relaxing, luxury resort spa atmosphere. Great for families, entertaining, or rental. Ok to close quick or late. Most furniture/houseware available under separate bill of sale

15617 E Santa Maria Place Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,399,999
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,400 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6745242
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to an impeccably kept home situated on just under an acre in the serene North Heights of Fountain Hills. This true all one level home boasts incredible panoramic views backing to a preserved wash overlooking the McDowell mtn. Range. Enjoy entertaining with an open and inviting living space that flows seamlessly to a wonderful covered patio. Take pleasure in the many recent updates including a wonderful new media wall with a 100'' electric fireplace to set the mood. Enjoy your privacy with Hunter Douglas powered shades. Jump in to your amazing pool and appreciate the Baja shelf with umbrellas for extra coverage and gaze into some phenomenal sunsets. Pull into your beautiful full paver drive and turn right into a spacious 3 car garage with lots of cabinets for storage.

6502 E Wildcat Drive Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,399,999
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,322 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786707
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Your Arizona Dream Oasis! Get ready to fall in love with this charming, southwestern style home that's perfect for multigenerational living, your own work space, or lucrative rental income. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 baths, and a versatile bonus/game room, this bright, open floor plan is designed for both comfort and entertainment. Outdoor Paradise: Step into your own private resort! Relax by the stunning pool, enjoy the convenience of an outdoor shower, cozy up by the fire pit, or sip your morning coffee on the covered patio while soaking in the serene desert landscape. Charming Casita: Need more space? The separate casita is a gem with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a personal work studio—ideal for an office, creative haven, or extra living space. Nature's Beauty: Nestled on 1.37 acres of beautifully landscaped desert, this home offers tranquility and breathtaking views. Imagine waking up to vibrant sunrises and unwinding with picturesque sunsets. Equipped with a 2-car garage, covered carport, and freshly updated bathrooms, this home ensures convenience and modern living.

19727 E Vallejo Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$1,399,999
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,269 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695891
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Best Value in Whisper Ranch!! You'll love this home. Toll Brothers luxury at the finest. Welcome to your new home in the highly coveted Whitewing subdivision of Whisper Ranch. This stunning 3-bedroom 2.5-bath home with a 1 bedroom and full bath attached Casita is everything you will want in a luxurious home. As you enter the home, you will be greeted by an inviting foyer with lofty ceilings, elegant tile flooring throughout with tons of natural light. To the left of the entry way is a comfortable conversation area and office space. Chef's gourmet kitchen features a grand, yet graceful waterfall edge quartz center island, upgraded stainless steel appliances, true double oven, gas cook top, spacious walk-in pantry, stunning natural wood cabinetry The kitchen overlooks the open concept living area and dining area. Perfect space either entertaining or just relaxing. 3 Bonus rooms that are currently shown as an Office or formal sitting area, a work-out space and a Teen/Game room but could easily be utilized as an office space or converted into a 4th bedroom. The Serene Primary Suite is a spacious haven to escape to at any time of the day, over-sized walk-in closet. The spa like ensuite has double vanities, large walk-in shower, and large soaking tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. The 2 roomy guest bedrooms share a double vanity full bath. Home has upgraded lighting and ceiling fans throughout. Every room has upgraded solid doors. The casita is located off the courtyard and has its own separate entry featuring a living room, bedroom, full bathroom. There is a built-in doggie dog with small dog run on West side of home. The almost half-acre lot is blank slate for you to design your perfect Oasis, once the yard is completed your equity will increase!! The Whitewing at Whisper Ranch community offers amenities such as front and back entrance gated access, a Beautiful clubhouse perfect for entertaining and hosting events, outdoor gas fireplaces, BBQ areas to gather, a bocce ball court, a fenced in dog run, luscious green belts, and a children's play area/park. Just a couple minutes away from all Queen Creek has to offer, including the new Pecan Lake Entertainment Amusement Park that has a plethora of fun events, near excellent schools, restaurants, shopping, and serene trails to walk, hike and bike around the Sonoqui Wash. Listing comps at $1.5M!! Home is priced to reflect the need for landscaping & pool. Once Buyer completes their backyard oasis, the home's value will only increase.

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