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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13600 N Fountain Hills Boulevard Unit 903 Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$624,900 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in La Strada Condominium, Fountain Hills
Open House
$624,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,196 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6699821
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home nestled in the gated community of La Strada, offering not just a residence, but a lifestyle. This meticulously crafted abode boasts 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms spread across a spacious 2196 square feet. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by breathtaking mountain views that serve as the backdrop to your everyday life. The home exudes elegance and modernity with remodeled bathrooms and kitchen featuring updated cabinets, luxurious Quartz countertops and no-fingerprint stainless steel appliances that elevate your culinary experience. The 2-car epoxy floor garage not only provides ample space for your vehicles but also offers convenient storage solutions. Inside, the living space is adorned with updated flooring and an inviting electric fireplace, perfect for cozy... evenings with loved ones. The primary suite is a sanctuary unto itself, boasting a huge rain glass shower and no-slip oversized tile, along with meticulous organized closets featuring built-in storage solutions. For the connoisseur, a built-in wine refrigerator awaits, while the custom coffee bar ensures your mornings are off to a delightful start. The kitchen features a sleek graphite sink, adding a touch of sophistication to your culinary endeavors. Entertaining is a breeze with a powder room showcasing a custom driftwood countertop and vessel sink. Additionally, the she-shed offers versatile space that can be transformed into an office, fitness area, or craft space, catering to our every need. Beyond the confines of your home, the gated community of La Strada offers resort-style amenities, including a pool. Centrally located, you're just a short walk or drive away from shopping, restaurants, and the famous fountain, allowing you to indulge in the vibrant lifestyle this community has to offer.

41216 N Prestancia Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$624,900 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Anthem Unit 38, Anthem
Open House
$624,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,082 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764616
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fall in love with this wonderfully upgraded and updated Telluride model in Anthem Country Club. Wonderful floor plan with multiple entertaining spaces. Enter the home from the front courtyard to a cozy living room and formal dining room. Kitchen has it all with tons of cabinets, beautiful granite counter tops and awesome island/breakfast bar. Main bath has been remodeled and is a must see and the secondary bath has granite counters and dual sinks. The family room off the kitchen and is where everyone hangs out and you can exit to the wonderfully landscaped backyard with built in BBQ and beautiful golf, mountain and sunset views awaiting you!! This home is the perfect size for full time living or locks and leave for the summer. Cozy up to the outdoor fireplace on an elevated patio to watch the magical AZ Sunset! WELCOME HOME! Anthem Country Club is home to two 18 hole championship golf courses with two restaurants, 2 work out rooms, 2 pools, tennis, pickle ball, bocce ball and lots of fun people!

4690 Sidekick Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$624,500
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,150 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748703
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in picturesque Wickenburg Ranch, on a corner lot, this exquisite home offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and serene desert living, with an open floor plan; featuring 2 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 well-appointed bathrooms, with sizeable den/office space. The upgraded kitchen has a large island with ample seating, state-of-the-art appliances, and extended counter space and cabinets. Custom shutters adorn the windows providing both privacy and an elegant touch to the home's interior. Indoor outdoor stereo speakers. A fully fenced yard where the backyard is perfect for both relaxation and entertaining with beautiful desert landscaping and a sparkling pool to create a tranquil retreat. This home is a true gem in Wickenburg Ranch, offering a lifestyle of comfort & convenience.

15221 N Clubgate Drive Unit 1023 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$624,500
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,401 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768194
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Open and bright floor plan with spacious great room with wood look flooring and freshly painted. Perfect for entertaining home with eat in kitchen overlooking the great room and easy access to the patio area surrounded by lovely landscaping. The Master Suite is spacious with a walk in closet. Oversized 2 car garage. The community pool, spa and exercise facility exudes a resort feeling to relax and enjoy. Walking distance to the Westin Resort and golf course, the high end shops and restaurants of Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. Living the life of Kierland, urban lifestyle and conveniences with a resort atmosphere.

2113 E Kempton Road Chandler, AZ 85225

$624,500
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,279 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772214
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Motivated Sellers! Right between Downtown Chandler and Gilbert, easy access to freeway, across the street from brand new state-of-the-art park for the kids! Perfect starter home, 2nd home, or investment! Single level, split floor-plan, with expansive open lay out! Low landscape backyard with large covered patio, enough grass for the kids and dogs, diving pool with new variable speed pump, and mature landscaping with orange tree make this the ideal backyard for all buyers! Brand new AC unit!

1467 County Rd 3140 -- Vernon, AZ 85940

$624,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,840 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750877
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOCATION, LOCATION, A Hunters Dream. gorgeous 5 acres border national forest with lots of ponderosa pines. QUIET area and great VIEWS from 2nd story, Kitchen for a chef- large cabinets (lights top & bottom), double ovens, freezer, and large pantry with electric outlets, Handicap accessible-doors & hallway. Enjoy the fresh air with Double hung windows. Grow your own vegetables in the greenhouse and use the chicken pen for your eggs. Also enjoy 7 apple trees, blackberries, rhubarb and so much more. Two car garage (fits 2 large trucks) or for your toys. No HOA. 20 degrees cooler than Phx. Act fast before this gem is gone. Want another 5 ac next to this? see MLS #6756610.

146 E Riviera Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$624,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,638 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6748461
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*Seller willing to offer concessions towards rate buy down or closing costs* Experience the refreshing vibes of Tempe in this gorgeous completely remodeled, move-in ready basement home! All new flooring and baseboards, new 5-ton HVAC, new roof, new white shaker kitchen cabinets with ample storage & under cab lighting, new quartz counters and backsplash, stainless gas range & hood, farmhouse sink w/touchless faucet, all updated lighting and fans throughout. Nest thermostat, all new interior/exterior paint, massive finished basement w/Galaxy Concrete coating. Bathrooms are remodeled w/modern tile, walk-in rain shower upstairs, new tub, new fixtures, new toilets and sinks! Step outside through the new French doors to an oversized backyard & sparkling blue pool w/ new variable speed pump. All new rock and turf too! Come experience this corner lot north/south facing next to the Tempe bike corridor and just 2 mi to the light rail. The neighborhood utilizes the Tempe Orbit shuttle that goes straight to ASU or the light rail! This home is walkable to nearby restaurants and breweries with immediate freeway access. Central location near water activities on Tempe Town Lake and Papago Mountain Bike Trails. This city intertwines laid-back vibes with an active lifestyle in a place where everyone is welcome and community is at the core!

30317 W Roosevelt Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$624,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,659 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730388
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home to this 3 bedroom, 2 baths, horse property nestled on an over 1-acre lot! Inside, you will be welcomed by the striking vaulted ceilings, tile flooring, Y neutral palette. The spacious great room enjoys plenty of windows & backyard access for a bright and airy entertaining experience. The eat-in kitchen features plenty of wood cabinets w/crown mouldings, SS appliances, granite counters, & a peninsula w/breakfast bar. Have a great night's sleep in the main bedroom boasting soft carpet & an ensuite w/dual sinks & a walk-in closet. The sizable backyard provides a relaxing covered patio storage shed, above-ground spa, corral & stalls for horses. Lighted riding arena with an RV plug. Do not miss this vast lot, perfect for all your projects or RV parking. Don't wait til its too late

170 W Midway Street Payson, AZ 85541

$624,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,150 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6718786
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A little over an acre with great panoramic views of the Rim. Wonderful house with plenty of storage space. Very cozy front room with vaulted ceilings and a great fireplace. Kitchen with walk-in pantry. Large rooms with plenty of storage. Spiral staircase off the front room leads to a loft space above.

3135 W Molly Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$624,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,985 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741058
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Priced below others in the area for quick sale, this highly upgraded home has a play pool, heated spa, built in bar in the living room with a wine chiller and a liquor cabinet for entertaining, formal dining convenient to the kitchen, easy to maintain, like new real wood floors throughout, and granite kitchen and bathroom counters. The Large Master bedroom is upstairs with a huge walk-in closet a master bath with a separate shower, jetted tub and a bidet. A spacious loft which could be converted into a bedroom. An office, half bath, with upgraded vanities and all living areas are down stairs. all bedrooms are upstairs. Has two AC units for lower utilities. Window shades, BBQ Island with Fridge and Fire pit Come and see. You will love it.

6718 N 59th Drive Glendale, AZ 85301

$624,000
6 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,624 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748306
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Motivated Seller!! NEW Built, NO HOA. Main house has 4 bedrooms with 2.5 baths and a guest house with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. The delightful kitchen includes refrigerator, dishwasher, range, a central island with a breakfast bar for casual dining, and granite countertops that extend to bathrooms. Highly desired Glendale area close to restaurants, shops and State Farm Stadium. Additionally it has an RV gate in the front AND the back next to the guest house.

3614 W Alyssa Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$624,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,744 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737844
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Become the proud owner of this gorgeous residence in Riordan Ranch! Fantastic curb appeal featuring great curb appeal, meticulously maintained landscape, and stunning mountain views. Discover an inviting living room with soaring ceilings, clerestory windows for ample natural light, and a blend of carpet and wood flooring. The great room has sliding doors leading to the backyard w/sparkling pool. The kitchen boasts granite counters, ample wood cabinetry with crown moulding, recessed lighting, SS appliances, a pantry, and a peninsula w/ a breakfast bar. Downstairs features a complete private Guest suite w/bedroom, den & bathroom perfect for in law, guests, nanny etc. Close to 1-17 & 303 & fabulous shopping, dining, movies, schools, medical, short hop to new TSMC plant. The backyard oasis is highlighted by a covered patio, a pristine lawn, and a refreshing pool for cooling down on hot summer days. Make this gem yours!

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