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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8014 E Plata -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$619,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,532 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6732961
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Single story home on a corner lot that offers a split floor plan, with large open kitchen which features stunning soft glide cabinets, top of the line stainless appliances with built-in oven and microwave, large island, pendent lighting. The spacious master suite overlooks the backyard with a walk-­in closet that is truly larger than most bedrooms. RV Gate. Solar swimming pool panel owned. Located across the street from the park & walking trails & just minutes from the 60 & 202 fr-ways and San Tan Village.

3019 E Marilyn Road Phoenix, AZ 85032

$619,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,832 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733523
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in the highly sought-after neighborhood of Cimarron Ridge, this wonderful entertainment home offers the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. Enjoy the serene ambiance of a quiet cul-de-sac, complemented by a spacious yard. The property features a stunning Pebble Tec pool and spa, ideal for relaxation and entertaining. Don't miss the opportunity to own this gem in a prime central location!

19700 N 76th Street Unit 2028 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$619,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,843 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759796
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Immaculate open & bright South facing condo in the highly desirable gated Village at Grayhawk community. Upgraded features include travertine flooring, plantation shutters & more make this beautiful 2 bedroom+ den, 2 car garage residence stand out from the rest. Warm & inviting kitchen features breakfast bar, granite countertops, maple cabinetry, black stainless LG appliances, gas range & recessed lighting opens to dining/great room. Relax in large great room w/gas fireplace, built-in media & display niches. Spacious master retreat w/room for desk/workout equipment, dual sinks, separate shower & garden tub. Enjoy 3 beautiful heated pools & spas and 2 workout facilities. Convenient access to Loop 101 freeway, hiking and walking trails, world class golf, shopping and dining.

18117 W Tecoma Road Goodyear, AZ 85338

$619,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,838 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781120
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Energy-efficient SOLAR property in the master-planned community of Estrella! Sweet curb appeal, desert landscaping & Inside, a rotunda foyer leads you toward the semi-open den & great room, providing endless entertainment. Pre-wired surround sound, durable tile flooring, custom paint, & gorgeous light fixtures. The kitchen showcases a center island w/breakfast bar, a pantry, staggered cabinets, mosaic backsplash, SS appliances, & granite counters. Split main retreat features backyard access & an ensuite boasting a separate tub/shower, dual sink, & walk-in closet w/stacked laundry area. Both bedrooms have soft carpets! Entertainer's backyard offers built-in BBQ, fireplace, covered patio, putting green, pool & spa combo, & view fence. Plus, solar panels! This home is the one! MTN Views! - DEN / LAKERS billiards Room Can be easily transitioned to 3rd bdrm.

2734 W Montgomery Drive Chandler, AZ 85224

$619,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,009 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6756991
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come and see this freshly remodeled stunning home in Chandler. This 4 bed 2 bath 2 Car Garage home is move in ready!! Located just off the 101 and Warner you are just minutes away from the Chandler Mall with all the shopping and great restaurants. Home is located in the A rated Chandler School District. As you pull up to this stunning gem you will notice the freshly painted exterior and low maintenance front yard. Though the front door your welcomed by brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the main living areas and plush patterned carpet in the bedrooms. The soaring ceilings continue around the corner off the front room and into your brand new stunning kitchen. This fully remodeled kitchen boasts new white shaker cabinets, white quartz countertops, brand new stainless steel appliances and upgraded lighting. Just off the kitchen is the massive pantry / laundry room with custom shelves, mud room bench, white cabinets and butcher block top. Split floor plan has the Master suite off of the front room and it is GORGEOUS. Vaulted ceilings, dual vanity sink, large walk in closet and brand new custom tiled shower. Brand new windows and window coverings throughout the home. New water heater. New ceiling fans, door hardware, light and plumbing fixtures give this home a modern feel. Out back there is plenty of room to entertain with a freshly laid rolled sod yard with paver border, new sprinkler system and a large gazebo with fire pit that conveys. Don't miss out on this gem. Come and see it today!!

18607 W Oregon Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$619,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,691 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762312
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
****SELLER OFFERING $15,000 SELLER CONCESSION, WITH ACCEPTED OFFER***** This impressive single-level home in Litchfield Park boasts 2,691 square feet of living space on an expansive 11,051 square foot lot. Featuring a split floor plan with four oversized bedrooms, each with large walk-in closets, and 2.5 bathrooms. The home is designed for both comfort and functionality with vaulted ceilings and custom window treatments. The massive primary suite includes a remodeled bathroom with a stand-alone tub and a spacious walk-in closet. The 3-car tandem garage has vaulted ceilings for extra storage, plus added electrical outlets perfect for welders and power tools. An oversized RV gate provides paved RV parking with a power connection, ideal for boats, RVs, and UTVs. The remodeled gourmet kitchen is equipped with granite countertops and a large walk-in pantry. The backyard offers an extended patio, mature landscaping and a large storage shed. With close access to the 303 and I-10 freeways, this meticulously maintained home combines convenience with exceptional features for everyday living. Check this one out today!

15163 W Cameron Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$619,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,684 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775454
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home! Recently renovated and turn-key! 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a bonus loft + 3-car garage. New luxury vinyl flooring and tile floors throughout, formal living /dining room, kitchen with island, walk-in pantry, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, open to breakfast nook and family room overlooking covered patio, grassy backyard and pool w/ shark inlay. Upstairs to spacious loft for a 2nd family room! Primary suite w/sitting area, separate shower/tub and extra large closet and sleek renovated bathrooms. Added features include modern light fixtures and ceiling fans, surround sound, garage with attached cabinets and epoxy flooring. Enjoy community features of parks, greenbelts, playgrounds, sport court and sand volleyball court.

12129 N Finch Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$619,900 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Morningside At Lakeside Village Phase 2 Amd, Fountain Hills
Open House
New
$619,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,417 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788922
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Location, Location, Location! Premium tranquil & private lot backs to unique gorgeous natural common area. Spacious backyard & covered patio to enjoy outdoor living. Just steps to Community heated POOL & SPA. Quick walk to the World famous Fountain, Park & all that Town Center offers. Great Room offers vaulted ceiling & corner wood burning fireplace. Large Kitchen showcases Granite counters, tile backsplash, newer appliances, lower cabinets with pullouts and Eat-In area with lots of natural light. Bathrooms have been updated with walk-in tiled showers. Additional improvements include: New Roof 2022; New tile plank flooring & carpet (2022); New window treatment (2022); New fans & light fixtures; New interior paint; Garage epoxy flooring (2022). Act quick on this amazing move-in ready home

14219 W Artemisa Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$619,500
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,462 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6643180
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller may contribute $5,000 towards the buyer's closing cost. ***WHY-WAIT-TO BUILD*** This two-story home is a stunning property that offers a spacious and well-designed layout. With four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, this home provides ample space for a growing family or for those who enjoy having extra room. The Gormet eat-in Kitchen is a true design of a chef's delight, upgraded gas cooking range, beautiful quartz countertops, ample amount of 42-inch upgraded cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances. Plantation shutters throughout the first floor. Downstairs offers a large den/office or can be a playroom. The master bedroom is conveniently located downstairs, offering privacy and convenience. The master bathroom features upgraded cabinetry, separate garden tub, dual sinks, large walk-in shower, adding a touch of luxury to the space. The first floor of this stunning home features wood-like extensive flooring adding a touch of warmth and elegance to the space. Upstairs, you will find an enormous loft area that can be used as a playroom, another office, or entertainment area. Additional bedrooms upstairs plenty of space for family members or guests. This home is north-south, ensuring that you can enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to natural light and temperature control. Additionally, this home has been barely lived in and resembles a spec home, meaning it is in pristine condition and ready for its new owners to move in and make it their own. You will also have the best of both worlds located remarkably close to all the shopping in north Peoria as well as Surprise, minutes away from the best of both growing areas and schools.

2864 Timberline Road Pinetop, AZ 85935

$619,500
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,333 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751546
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
The Pinetop Country Club area is renowned for its serene landscapes and charming properties, and it seems you've found a gem with this detached townhouse. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a bonus room that can serve as a fifth bedroom or study, plus a loft, it offers ample space and versatility. The list of upgrades is impressive, including a premium lot, advanced A/C system with extra insulation, and a host of new installations like a water heater and washer dryer. The addition of a soft start on the A/C unit is a smart move to extend its lifespan. It's clear that meticulous care has been taken to maintain and enhance the property, from the practical servicing of all systems to the aesthetic addition of new trees and a railing on the back patio. ...READ MORE... The fact that it's sold fully furnished makes it an even more attractive turnkey solution for mountain living. The HOA's coverage of exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal adds to the worry-free experience. This condo truly stands out as one of the nicest in the subdivision. If you're looking for a retreat that combines luxury with the tranquility of mountain life, this property seems to tick all the boxes.

2445 W Rowel Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$619,380
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,964 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785167
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your NEW HOME at Aster in Union Park! This home offers 1,964 sq ft of living space with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The primary bedroom has dual walk-in closets and a private deck. The Design features are the Elevated A package of upgrades including 42'' flagstone cabinets, quartz countertop, custom backsplash, large island, GE Profile stainless steel appliances and gas range and 6x36 tile flooring. HOA includes Union Park Amenities, front yard landscaping. Union Park residents will enjoy the abundance of amenities that include, resort styled pool and lounge areas, a 5800 sq ft clubhouse, pickleball courts, basketball courts, 11 parks, playgrounds and walking paths. Easy access to 3 freeways within 10 minutes and 25 minutes to Airport.

22794 E Stacey Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$619,040
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,770 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739105
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Incredible Fall Move In Ready Home at the highly desired community of Harvest in Queen Creek. This beautiful plan offers 2753 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, loft, 3 full baths, and study on a large North back home site. Enjoy entertaining in your gourmet kitchen, with stunning pecan cabinets to the 10 ft ceiling, quartz countertops and quartz backsplash. Unwind in your owners retreat with the upgraded super shower offering tile to the ceiling. 2x6 constrution and new home warranty; SEE YOU SOON

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