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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3885 E Juanita Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,074 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750086
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully Remodeled Single-Level Home in Desirable Gilbert Location! This stunning single-level home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage in the quiet community of Carol Rae Ranch. Recently remodeled, the home showcases new wood tile floors, baseboards, carpet, fresh interior paint, updated hardware, and more. The kitchen boasts modern updates, including new quartz countertops, freshly painted cabinets, and stainless steel appliances, making it both stylish and functional. Conveniently located with quick access to State Routes 202 and 60, this home is near excellent schools, hiking and biking paths, shopping, dining, and all the amenities that make Gilbert such a sought-after location.

9571 W Fossil Creek Road Strawberry, AZ 85544

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,208 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6661672
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MASSIVE $25K PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! LOOKING FOR A HIGH-COUNTRY PROPERTY THAT WILL FIT THE WHOLE FAMILY, A FEW HORSES AND ROOM TO SPARE? THIS IS IT! THIS SPACIOUS 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM HOME SITS ON AN ACRE OF AMAZINGNESS. LOCATED IN STRAWBERRY AT AN ELEVATION OF 6000 FT. IN 2020 THE HOME HAD A COMPLETE TOP TO BOTTOM REMODEL INCLUDING A NEW KITCHEN, BATHS, FLOORING, FIXTURES ETC. THIS HOME HAS EASY YEAR-ROUND ACCESS WITH TONS OF FLAT PARKING, A HUGE YARD TO ENTERTAIN, FRONT AND REAR YARD FIREPITS AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE PONDEROSA FOREST FROM EVERY ANGLE. THIS CABIN COULD BE USED FOR FULL TIME LIVING, A SECOND HOME OR IT HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD AS A SUCCESSFUL AIRBNB. THE HORSE FACILITIES ARE SPLIT/FENCED FROM THE MAIN PROPERTY AND INCLUDE MULTIPLE TACK ROOMS AND COVERED HAY STORAGE.

11145 E Posada Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,775 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6660177
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful upgrades throughout with oversized lot. Back yard is an entertainers dream with paver walkways and seating area. Patio has roll down screen to enclose the porch. Kitchen cabinets upgraded with nice granite and tasteful colors. Furnished with desireable modern furniture. His & her closets and sinks in master bath. The owner will be taking golf cart, tools, work benches, fire pit out back and storage container out back. buyer to pay $2212.5 capital improvement fee

19234 N 268th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$575,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,341 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672585
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Impeccable turnkey oasis! NEW BUILD in May 2023! EXTENDED Refuge model offers 2 master bdrms + 3rd bdrm & den. An open floor plan seamlessly connects the kitchen to the breakfast room w/slider & Great Room featuring a tiled gas fireplace wall & a double slider leading to the extended travertine patio w/pergola, rolling shades on sliders, & gas bib. The extd master suite impresses with a tray ceiling, tiled shower, double sinks, & lg closet. Kitchen has granite counters & sink, tile backsplash, staggered cabinets w/pull-out drawers, SS appliances, gas stove, RO, & a walk-in pantry. Other features include landscaped yard, paver driveway, leaders & gutters w/French drain, water softener, tankless water heater, & laundry w/cabinets. LG. EXTENDED 2-car garage + A SEPARATE GOLF CART GARAGE!

4335 N Holly Drive Pine, AZ 85544

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,508 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6674878
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this gorgeous 3 bed, 2 bath, 1508 square foot cabin in lovely Pine, Arizona. Situated on a 15K lot, this property features a wraparound porch, mountain views, an enclosed yard, gorgeous wood vaulted ceilings, and plenty of space to spread out and watch all the wildlife this area boasts. Whether you love hiking or fishing or exploring the charming town of Pine just 100 miles north of Phoenix, this home has everything you need for a weekend getaway or a primary residence.

5689 S Mir Way Hereford, AZ 85615

$575,000
5 Beds
2 Baths
2,710 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6674101
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Big, Bold, and Beautiful with Gorgeous Mountain Views! Amazing 5 bed, 2 bath, custom home nestled on 2.289 acres in the Executive Acres community of Hereford, AZ. The primary bedroom features a generous walk-in closet and the lovely primary bathroom has a large, jetted tub, separate shower, and private water closet. The remaining 4 bedrooms are larger than average and the guest bath features dual sinks! The kitchen comes complete with updated appliances, two pantry closets and plant shelves between the kitchen and formal living room. Kitchen and baths have stunning tile work. Tile floors throughout, except for the primary closet which has carpet. Washer, dryer, and water softener will remain, (water softener is not currently hooked up for use). This property also has a private well with two (2) water storage tanks located in an oversized storage room within the home. There is a deep, 2+ car garage with 8' garage door, huge RV cover, and an additional carport. RV hook ups including septic connection, lots of space for your projects, and a finished shed give you ample space for all your projects. Home has a private well!

2301 E Binner Drive Chandler, AZ 85225

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,049 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774320
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Absolutely gorgeous 4 bedroom home with a 3-car garage in Dobson Place! Highly upgraded carpet in the living room, and LVP floors everywhere else! 4th bedroom has a closet and double French doors--makes the perfect home office! Lovely island kitchen with oversized cabinets, pendant lighting, stainless appliances! EXTENDED 3-car garage with 220! Private, grassy backyard. Terrific neighborhood with large grass park nearby--great schools (BASIS is right down the street), shopping close by, near the 202! Hurry to this one!

23500 W Galpin Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,240 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693853
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
** Motivated seller. Ranch style home on nearly an acre lot with beautiful mountain views on a quiet cul-de-sac! Irrigated lot with your own private well! No water shortages here! Home features granite counter tops in both Kitchen & bathrooms. Huge laundry room with plenty of storage, and a large game room/ workout room with brick fireplace. Come check out this property today and see all the space you can have for your animals, toys & more!! No HOA, possibilities are endless!!

2907 S Elm Street Tempe, AZ 85282

$575,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,863 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6738692
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Two Ensuite Bedrooms can be found in this 4BR/3Bath/2CG house, which was completely remodeled within the outside shell of the original structure and a room addition was added. Included in the remodeling was the addition of a master bedroom/bathroom, increasing the kitchen size with pantry, extending the family room, connectivity to the laundry room & a new 2 car garage. Within the original shell and room addition, the following were replaced: wall studs & drywall, water & sewer line, electrical wiring and AC ductwork & vents. The sewer service to & in the alley was replaced as well. This home is well worth a look! Follow the new flooring to a bright, open kitchen with beautiful raised panel cabinets, recessed lighting, breakfast bar & walk-in pantry. The private back yard feels like home!

26001 S Greencastle Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$575,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,122 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722629
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is the house you've been waiting for in the beautiful Cottonwood Palo Verde golf community phase II of Sun Lakes. The location is perfect, right between the walking paths of the multiple lake system and the clubhouse, tennis/pickle ball courts and pro shop. The popular Zuni model is move in ready from top to bottom, the price reflects the extensive comprehensive upgrades to all aspects of the home. New A/C in 2023, New Hot Water Heater 8/24, new roof and skylights 2023 (please see docs page) You enter through a beautiful pergola covered courtyard to enjoy your morning coffee. Vaulted ceilings greet you upon entering the bright open feeling throughout the living area. Two master suites provide privacy for guests and both bathrooms are updated and remodeled. The den is perfect for an office or additional entertaining area. Both the master and the den have access to the professionally landscaped backyard. The totally private and serene backyard oasis is perfect for entertaining under the pergola covered patios. Plant lovers will appreciate the greenery of the backyard along with the climate controlled commercial grade glass enclosed sunroom which also provides ample additional living space indoors while giving the feeling of being outside. This model also comes with an extended garage, and yes, it is Air Conditioned too, providing additional climate controlled storage. Along with the sunroom, the garage and storage area have been fully insulated. Not only has this house been completely remodeled, all systems have been updated from roof, windows, electrical, lighting, bathrooms, flooring, paint, kitchen, appliances, A/C, water heater, etc., and work has been completed by licensed contractors, all you have to do is move in and enjoy all this home and community has to offer. Right inside the new gate leading into the backyard is a pad with electrical to store and charge your golf cart. This home has ample storage throughout, is bright airy and pristine and absolutely move in ready with no detail ignored, a rare find. When talking about details of the home, even the air ducts have been cleaned, sterilized and sealed to provide a healthy comfortable living atmosphere with an air purifier, UV light, and surge protector installed on the AC unit, please see DOCS page. This home is not a flip and has been lovingly updated with quality in mind over a three year period of time.

7635 W Rock Springs Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$575,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,079 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6718396
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning single-level home is located in a highly desirable Rock Springs neighborhood, offering the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. The property features outstanding curb appeal with its beautifully landscaped front yard and an inviting entrance. As you step inside, you are greeted by an open room concept with an eat-in kitchen that boasts beautiful lighting, and in the kitchen you have granite countertops, an oversized sink, and a double wall oven with an electric cooktop. The kitchen also includes a spacious walk-in pantry and ample storage, making it a chef's dream. The oversized primary bedroom is a retreat in itself, complete with a large walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom that offers dual sinks, a separate tub and shower, and private water closet. Two large guest bedrooms come with extra tall closets and ceiling fans, providing comfort and convenience. The living areas are designed for both relaxation and entertainment, featuring tile flooring throughout, with plush carpeting in the bedrooms. The home extends its living space to the outdoors with an extended back patio featuring two ceiling fans, perfect for enjoying the Arizona weather. The backyard is a serene oasis with artificial turf, natural vegetation, and a dog run on the side yard. Additional features include a 2-car garage and a functional laundry room. This property is a true gem, offering a perfect combination of indoor luxury and outdoor tranquility.

9624 E Thunderbolt Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
1,934 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722619
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BETTER THAN NEW Single-Level 5 Bedrooms & 3 Full Baths! Professionally Landscaped Backyard has low maintenance synth Grass & Pavers! Wood-Plank tile throughout entire home. Carpeted Bedrooms. Gorgeous Kitchen has white Cabinets with dark hardware, an upgraded Gas Stove/Range, HUGE Breakfast Bar, Quartz Counters, BIG Pantry! Private Split Bedroom & Bathroom is perfect for an Office or Guests. High-end Lighting fixtures & Ceiling fans! Designer touches everywhere! 9+ foot & vaulted Ceilings. Garage overhead Storage Racks. Tankless water heater. N/S exposure. Water Softener. Cadence HOA amenities - multiple lap & play Pools with water slides, Tennis/Basketball/Volleyball/Bocce Sport Courts, Fitness & Community Centers, Playgrounds, Dog Park. Schools close by. Don't miss this one!

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