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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17605 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$579,995
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,840 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772324
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning 2,840 sq. ft. Darius floorplan is a single-level home offers luxurious living with 10-ft ceilings, an open-concept floor plan, and a separate guest suite. The gourmet kitchen features quartz countertops, high-end finishes, and a spacious island—perfect for entertaining. With a 3-car garage, neutral color palette, and November completion.

17617 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$579,995
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,840 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772341
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This spacious 2,840 sq. ft. single-level ''Darius'' floorplan offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. With 10-ft ceilings, a 3-car garage, and a separate guest suite, there's room for everyone to feel at home. The gourmet kitchen features gas appliances, upgraded cabinets, quartz countertops, and a walk-in pantry—a chef's dream! The primary bath boasts a large drop-in tub, perfect for relaxing. Set for November completion, this home's neutral palette provides the perfect backdrop for your personal style.

29605 N 51st Street Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$579,995
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,697 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6767982
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Opportunity knocks! Here is your chance to own a move in ready home in the Tatum Ranch community of Cave Creek. This is a must see! The minute you walk through the door, you will be captivated and feel right at home! The kitchen will make your heart happy, updated cabinets and quartz counter tops. Tasteful colors throughout, new laminate and carpeting in the bedrooms, a split floor plan that is perfect for a family or guests. Enjoy the outdoors under a covered patio, backyard features mature landscaping and room to create your own oasis! This home is impeccable and is ready for you!

3028 E Friess Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$579,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,032 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755440
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
-HOA- GREAT LOCATION. This home is located in a highly desirable neighborhood that offers numerous amenities for its residents. 3 bedrooms 2 &1/2 baths and a loft that opens to a balcony with views of a spacious yard and pebble tec pool. The North/South exposure provides ample natural light, and the home boasts a large family room with a fireplace, separate living and dining areas, and a kitchen with big windows and NEW appliances! The balcony has recently been updated with a new coating. The backyard is perfect for play, with a grass area, covered patio, and a beautiful pebble tec pool. Conveniently located near the 51 and 101 freeways, this home has NO HOA and is a short walk from the highly acclaimed Great Hearts Public Charter School K-12.

20095 W San Juan Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$579,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,561 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775719
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
It's the stunning Cinnabar with 4 bedrooms + study, dining room, 3 full baths and 3 car garage. 8' gate for easy access to the backyard. Multi slide door that leads out the covered patio. Stainless steel gas appliances with 36'' cooktop, wall oven and canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Slate (Gray) cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers, pull out trash drawer. Himalaya white granite countertops in the kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Stainless steel single bowl undermount sink. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Baccarate 12x24 Astra tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. Dual sinks at bath 2. Soft water loop, garage service door, 8' tall garage door with two controls. Estimated completion Dec/Jan.

20233 W Catalina Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$579,990
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,224 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6655189
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
QUICK MOVE-IN!!! It's the stunning Crimson 3 bedrooms + flex space to use as you wish, 2.5 baths and a 3 car tandem garage. Large walk-in shower at owner's bath, Multi slide door that leads out to the extended covered patio which is perfect for entertaining. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel gas double oven with a 36'' cooktop and canopy hood. 42'' kitchen upper Espresso cabinets and Himalaya white granite countertops in kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Baccarat 12x24 tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms/closets. 5'' baseboards and door casing throughout. Dual sinks at bath 2. Stub out for future BBQ, garage service door, 8' tall garage doors, pre-plumb for soft water and so much more.

22685 E Saddle Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$579,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,506 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6740903
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**This is a TO-BE-BUILT LISTING, this home is ready for personalization and can be built on your choice of homesite. This is an advertisement of our base price for this elevation and lot premiums may apply** Welcome to Ashton Woods newest community in Queen Creek - Madera Marquis - which features outstanding community amenities and convenient access to the 24 freeway and shopping. The open concept Topaz plan is highly sought after and is the decorated model floorplan with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Options for structural upgrades include adding a butler's pantry, teen room, 12'' sliding glass door and so much more. This home includes an open concept kitchen with granite countertops, 42'' upper cabinets, and stainless steel appliances . Amazing spa like primary suite with dual vanities, ample linen storage and separate tub and shower. This floorplan is accompanied by an oversized den and sizable secondary bedrooms. This home comes standard with 10' ceilings, front yard landscaping, paver driveway, and much more! ~There is a minimum option spend requirement on new build homes, please reach out to the sales office for additional details.~

1376 W Golden Ore Pass Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$579,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,524 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770289
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Blossom Rock! The east valley's newest master planned community. With views of the Superstition Mountains and a wealth of amenities currently in the making including three community parks, dozens of neighborhood parks, a community school, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces all meant to serve as the backdrop of the calendar of signature events and annual celebrations currently being created.

32405 N 122nd Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$579,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,373 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748747
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6748747~January Completion! The Erikson floor plan at Mystic Discovery exemplifies open concept living and is perfect for entertaining on both floors! The first floor is the heart of the home, with an open main living area that holds a spacious gathering room with a casual dining area and an open kitchen. The designer kitchen features a large island and step-in pantry. A downstairs guest bedroom is located at the front of the home which is perfect for overnight guests. Upstairs, the owner's suite features a garden tub and shower and a spacious walk-in closet. A loft and two additional bedrooms and the laundry room round out this lovely home. Structural options include: paver front porch, 2' garage extension, super shower at owner's bath, and soft water loop.

17727 W Carol Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$579,990 - 4Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Zanjero Pass Phase 1, Waddell
Open House
$579,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,222 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772984
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This Gorgeous NEW home has so much to offer! Primary bedroom on the 1st floor 3,222 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, loft, media room, a 3 car tandem garage on a North/south corner lot! This home features 36'' burlap shaker cabinetry, 18x18 tile, a large kitchen island, quartz counter tops, and 9' ceilings throughout. It also includes a soft water loop, dual pane low-E windows, multi-zone thermostat, window coverings and a smart home system. The exterior features front desert landscaping, a covered patio and generous backyard. Conveniently located off the 303, this community is near Costco, Safeway, and shopping. **Finishes may vary from sample photos and virtual tour.

9423 E Steno Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$579,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,668 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6681193
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 2,668 sq ft Verbena floor plan home has plenty of space with 4 bedrooms, upstairs loft, 3 full bathrooms and 2 car garage. You'll love the convenience of a full bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. This home features the Harmony Signature palette, with 42'' white cabinets, quartz kitchen countertops, and subway tile kitchen backsplash. Stainless steel appliances (including the fridge) which makes this kitchen complete. This beautiful home will also come with a full size washer and dryer! Easy maintenance, luxurious wood plank tile is featured in all common areas with plush carpeted bedrooms and loft. Getting ready is easy with dual sinks and raised vanity in the primary suite bathroom, plus you'll love the space in your suite - large enough for a king-sized bed.

8021 W Northview Avenue Glendale, AZ 85303

$579,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,291 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6706511
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience Luxury living at its finest in this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled in the prestigious Orangewood Ranch community. Boasting a spacious three-car garage and mere minutes away from the Glendale arena, convenience meets elegance in this meticulously crafted residence. Step into a custom kitchen adorned with top-of-the-line appliances and a dazzling backsplash, perfect for culinary enthusiasts and entertainers alike. Admire the intricate decorative woodwork adorning the walls, adding a touch of sophistication to every room. Welcome to your dream home, where every detail exudes charm and refinement. Purchase this home the exclusive Rad program starting at 2% below current market rate call for more details.

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