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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3512 N Citrus Cove Mesa, AZ 85213

$575,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,294 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755101
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 5-Bedroom, 3-Bathroom Home in a Quiet, Gated Community! This gorgeous home has been fully updated & is move-in ready! It features fresh interior paint, brand new carpet, new water softener, new water heater & new AC system. Kitchen w/ upgraded cabinets, elegant granite countertops & a spacious island that opens seamlessly to the Dining & Great Room—perfect for entertaining! Enjoy the convenience of a full Bed and Bath on the 1st floor, ideal for guests or multigenerational living. Upstairs, you'll find a laundry room & a luxurious master suite w/ a large en suite bathroom & a large walk-in closet. The home is located in a peaceful neighborhood, offers walking paths, play areas & is just minutes from the Red Mountain 202 Freeway & 20 minutes away from Sky Harbor Airport!

9518 W Menadota Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$575,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,231 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755883
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PRICED TO SELL & MOTIVATED SELLER: Experience resort-style living in this immaculate move-in ready home situated in the desirable active adult community of Westbrook Village. Boasting 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a private pool, this well-appointed residence is perfect for those seeking a luxurious and low-maintenance lifestyle. Enjoy the open great room with soaring ceilings, perfect for entertaining, and the spacious eat-in kitchen designed with the chef in mind. The lavishly remodeled master bathroom and expansive walk-in shower are sure to impress. The beautifully landscaped front and backyards add to the home's excellent curb appeal. Westbrook community offers numerous amenities including rec. centers, golf courses, a restaurant, pools, tennis/pickleball courts, and much more. Located near an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options and just 20 minutes from the Westgate entertainment district, this home offers the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. UPGRADES: New Roof and AC both with warranties, Sunscreens, security door, 80gal water heater, exterior painted, kitchenAid dishwasher, refrigerator, handicap accessible and more!

3125 W Whitman Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,890 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758961
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
RARE CORNER LOT OPPORTUNITY in ANTHEM Parkside offers a unique lot in that it is adjacent to the grass common area AND no home in front. The N & S sun exposure makes this desirable for the hot summer months. The upgrades and meticulous condition this place has been kept in will provide an easy move in ready opportunity. 3 CAR garage, 6 person Dr. Wellness spa, water feature, built in BBQ with a view fence and so much more! The ultimate entertaining space for friends and family. THIS oasis extends its backyard presence into the MASTER bedroom with NEW Dual pane sliding glass Arcadia doors. If you are someone who appreciates attention to detail, consideration for lower sun exposure, and a more private lot while getting the amenities an HOA community has to offer this could be your match

18531 W Thistle Landing Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$575,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,593 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761534
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Tucked within the breathtaking Estrella Mountain Ranch, this Next Gen home seamlessly blends privacy, elegance, and modern living. Situated on a private lot with serene views of a peaceful common area, this home offers a rare opportunity for multigenerational living with two homes under one roof. Thoughtfully designed, this Lennar® Next Gen model includes a separate suite complete with its own entrance, kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom—ideal for extended family, guests, or even a private office. The possibilities are limitless! Located in the expansive 20,000-acre master-planned community of Estrella in Goodyear, residents are welcomed into a lifestyle defined by natural beauty and world-class amenities. Estrella features over 500 acres of parks and open space including 72 acres of lakes for boating and fishing. Residents enjoy exclusive access to the Starpointe Residents Club, two fitness centers, a refreshing water park, and miles of scenic hiking trails and bike paths. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis courts. For golf lovers, the nearby Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course at The Golf Club of Estrella is a dream come true. And for those seeking relaxation, Estrella's resort-inspired atmosphere, surrounded by the Sierra Estrella Mountains and the Sonoran Desert Valley, offers a peaceful retreat just 17 miles from downtown Phoenix. This home offers more than just a place to liveit opens the door to the unrivaled lifestyle Estrella Mountain Ranch is known for. This community truly has something for everyone.

2529 W Florentine Road Phoenix, AZ 85086

$575,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,483 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764475
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PRICED TO SELL! Fantastic opportunity to own this beautiful Tramonto home in sought after Desert Hills! This open concept home features a kitchen with custom cabinets, granite counters, breakfast bar, SS appliances that overlooks the great room and dining area. Two spacious master bedrooms. One with large jacuzzi tub and separate shower and the other boasts a private master retreat that's sure to please guests and family. 20x20 diagonally laid tile and newer carpet. Spacious den/office, 1/2 bath and laundry room downstairs. Tramonto community amenities include basketball courts, 2 community pools, jacuzzi, walking/bike trails and is close to excellent schools, restaurants, shopping, TSMC campus and the I-17.

3055 N Red Mountain Unit 107 Mesa, AZ 85207

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,571 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6759377
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream oasis in Las Sendas! This single-story home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a pool, all set against the beautiful desert landscape. Step inside to discover an inviting interior with soaring vaulted ceilings and elegant plantation shutters. The light-filled living room showcases an oversized sliding door that seamlessly connects to the outdoors, complemented by a cozy built-in electric fireplace—perfect for those cooler evenings. The eat-in kitchen offers crisp white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a convenient pantry. Retreat to the primary bedroom, where you'll find backyard access, stylish luxury vinyl plank flooring, a generous walk-in closet, and a private ensuite featuring dual sinks and (MORE) granite counters. Outside, you will find a private, low-maintenance backyard paradise with an extended patio and pergola, beautiful pavers, artificial turf, and a new sparkling pool, perffect for soaking up the sun and entertaining. As part of the Las Sendas Community, you'll have access to an array of fantastic amenities, including a heated pool and spa, splash pad, pickleball and tennis courts, hiking trails, playgrounds, a clubhouse, fitness center, and golf. You will love this home!

3402 W Zuni Brave Trail Phoenix, AZ 85086

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,645 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6723803
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
UNICORN!!! ASSUMABLE LOAN--OCCUPIED OR NON OWNER OCCUPIED! 3.25% - ASK FOR DETAILS! NO RENTAL RESTRICTIONS! This beautiful home is located near TSMC and is on a quiet corner lot, with the trifecta: Views, Privacy and Low Maintenance! This home is model sharp, turnkey, move-in ready! It has a fantastic and functional floor plan that is open concept with high ceilings! The living area is large with a gas fireplace! Tons of upgrades including super efficient new HVAC , ceiling fans, hot water heater, reverse osmosis system, water softener, washer and dryer, exterior and interior paint, light fixtures ( inside and out), irrigation system, timers, garage door opener etc. SEE DOCS FOR $50k++ IN UPGRADES! Spacious & bright garage with great storage! Tramonto has amazing community amenities with low cost HOA! There are Not one, but TWO recreation areas, including a heated lap pool near this home, complete with plenty of parking, bathrooms, showers, and lockers, as well as a secondary area situated on the side of a mountain and making for beautiful valleywide mountain AND city views, complete with pool, kiddie pool, hot tub, playground, volleyball and basketball courts, and tennis courts with lighting for evening play! Great shopping nearby including grocery stores and restaurants, & easy access to freeways for easy commute.

3705 E Toltec Court Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$575,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,595 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6662115
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful, spacious 5BD/3.5BA/3CG, 3595 sq ft home is located in Sierra Vista, AZ near Fort Huachuca, Canyon Vista Medical Center, shopping, and schools. This home has a stunning kitchen with granite countertops, two large living areas, travertine tile floors, and a spacious backyard! The home is all electric and includes a double oven, two a/c units, two septic tanks, and a spacious garage. This home is the definition of space and comfort! Call today!

11718 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$575,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,335 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6696442
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the highly sought after amenity rich Alamar community of Avondale, Arizona. This single level 2335sf David Weekley Home is show ready with 3 bedrooms, a double door office (optional 4th bed) and features highly upgraded entertaining areas inside and out including a spacious kitchen with great room and a professionally landscaped backyard with seating areas, growing trees & a covered patio to enjoy Arizona sunsets year round with no neighbors behind. No need to wait 10-12 months to build the popular Cedarcrest floor plan new when this extremely lightly lived in home is ready for you today with finished landscaping in the front, a 3 car garage & service door, and all of the upgraded selections you would choose in the design center including staggered cream cabinetry in the... kitchen, an ensuite bath in the master, neutral wood plank tile with 5'' baseboards and plush carpeting throughout, and the bonus of having all appliances, owned solar, and window coverings included. Spread over 1,150 acres, including dozens of parks, miles of trails, and expanses of recreation space including a neighborhood pool, dog parks, sport fields & courts, outdoor gathering venues, events & more right in your backyard, Alamar is more than a place to live. It's a lifestyle rooted in community and within walking distance to the new Lakin Prep Academy, the community continues to grow around your new home!

26210 N Hackberry Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,883 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6709192
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
STETSON HILLS in North Phoenix, this single-level, 4bd/2ba home offers numerous exceptional features. Enjoy mountain views from both front and backyard, along with a natural desert wash directly behind the residence and situated on a private dead end street. This home has undergone significant COSTLY UPDATES such as a 5-ton HVAC system with a 18 SEER rating, completely new duct work, underlayment fully replaced, luxury vinyl plank flooring, SS appliances, fresh neutral interior paint, new water heater, updated guest bathroom, interior hardware and fixtures updated, living room surround sound, ceiling fans, backyard pavers and gas firepit, turf, gravel replaced, new irrigation auto timer, patio sun shade. Additionally, a water softener system and R/O has been added to enhance the homeowners experience. Further, Stetson Hills offers hiking trails, shops, supermarkets, schools, communal playgrounds, lots of green spaces and walking paths, close to the freeway. Don't miss an opportunity to own a meticulously cared for home in this dynamic community.

27967 N Limestone Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$575,000
6 Beds
4 Baths
3,751 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6731914
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Priced BELOW appraised value. Recently appraised at $613K. Discover your dream home with a breathtaking backyard oasis, complete with picturesque mountain views and no rear neighbors, ensuring your privacy. This immaculate 6-bedroom, 4-full bath residence is set on a generous 1/3-acre lot. The outdoor haven features a dive pool, with vibrant LED color lighting, perfect for year-round enjoyment, thanks to the Jandy Pro Series heating and cooling pump. Relax under the pergola and take in the serene landscape. 2nd floor has 5 oversized beds & 3 full baths PLUS LOFT. Saves on utilities. Recent updates include remodeled bathrooms in 2023 and a kitchen remodel in 2024, including a secondary island install! This home is sure to be one you will love for years to come! Inside, the first floor offers a versatile layout with a bedroom and full bath, including a therapy tub/spa for ultimate relaxation. Entertain in the formal living and dining rooms, or gather in the cozy family room. The 2024 kitchen remodel featuring a double island and walk in pantry are a chef's delight. Conveniently, the laundry room is also located on this level. Ascend to the second floor, where you'll find five additional bedrooms, three full baths, and a loft area, providing ample space for family and guests. The oversized master suite is a true retreat, capable of accommodating any sized furniture, and offers stunning backyard and mountain views. The luxurious master bath features a walk-in shower, double sinks, and an expansive walk-in closet. This home has seen some recent upgrades including a 2024 kitchen remodel as well as 2023 Bathroom Remodels. Don't miss the opportunity to own this exceptional property, where luxury and comfort blend seamlessly with beautiful natural surroundings.

7231 W Lone Cactus Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,080 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6731707
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**MOTIVATED SELLER** Submit your offer! This meticulously maintained 4-bed, 2-bath home in the desirable Sierra Verde neighborhood, within Arrowhead Ranch, is ready for you to make it your own. Spacious bedrooms and ideal for entertaining. The kitchen & family room create a central hub, & the formal living and dining areas offer a touch of elegance. Large backyard with lush mature trees & oversized grassy area, perfect for barbecues, games, or simply relaxing under the Arizona sky. This home boasts a recently replaced AC unit (2023) and a newer water heater, ensuring worry-free comfort. A+ Schools, lakes, walking paths, close to 101, golf, restaurants, shopping & sports complexes. Don't miss your chance to own this gem in a sought-after neighborhood!

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