What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 2, 2017

Last week’s economic reports were in short supply due to the Christmas holiday. Events reported included Case-Shiller home price indices, pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Consumer confidence was also released.

CaseShiller Readings Indicate No Slowdown in Home Price Gains

Case-Shiller’s October readings for its home price indices showed continued growth in home prices. In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, high demand for homes and slim supplies of homes for sale continued to fuel higher home prices.

According to Case-Shiller’s national home price index for October, home prices rose 5.60 percent on an annual basis as compared to September’s reading of 5.40 percent. The 20-city home price index rose to 5.10 percent from September’s reading of 5.00 percent. Case-Shiller’s 10-city index also gained 0.10 percent in October with a reading of 4.30 percent year-over-year.

Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon and Denver, Colorado had the highest year-over-year home price gains in October with readings of 10.70, 10.30 and 8.30 percent respectively. David M. Blitzer, Managing Director and Chairman of the S&P Indices Committee, said that “Home prices and the economy are both enjoying robust numbers,” but he also cautioned that rising mortgage rates and home prices growing faster than wages continue to pose obstacles for some home buyers. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise its federal funds rate in 2017, which is expected to prompt rising mortgage rates.

Mortgage Rates Mixed, Pending Home Sales Fall

Pending home sales fell 2.50 percent in November. Analysts said that post-election reaction helped to drive mortgage rates higher, which made homes less affordable for first-time and moderate-income buyers; Sellers and buyers may have postponed decisions to sell or buy as they waited for volatile post-election responses to ease.

According to the National Association of Realtors®, pending home sales fell to their lowest level in almost a year with an index reading of 107.30 in November. September’s reading was 110.00. The holiday season and rising mortgage rates were seen as contributing to fewer pending home sales.

Freddie Mac reported the ninth consecutive week that fixed rate mortgages rose. In the final mortgage rates survey for 2016, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage rose two basis points to 4.32 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was three basis points higher at 3.55 percent. 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rates averaged 3.30 percent, which was two basis points lower than the prior week. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all three mortgage types.

New jobless claims were lower last week with a reading of 265,000 new claims filed. Analysts had expected 270,000 new claims filed based on the prior week’s reading of 275,000 new claims filed.

In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, consumer sentiment was higher than expected in December with a reading of 113.70 as compared to expectations of 110.00 and November’s reading of 109.40.

Whats Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic reports include Labor Department releases on Non-Farm Payrolls, and the national unemployment rate. ADP payrolls and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released. Financial markets are closed today in observance of New Year’s Day.

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8608 E Mariposa Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$639,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,688 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769267
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION, This couldn't be better. High demand neighborhood with no HOA. Move in ready, freshly painted, lovely flooring, large bedrooms, facing north/south. Grassy area in backyard, RV Gate for all your toys. Close to Chaparral Park with lake, walking and bike paths dog park. Minutes to Scottsdale Fashion Square as well as Old Town Scottsdale, and EASY ACCESS to 101.

11846 N 93rd Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$639,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,192 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773400
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Discover the charm of this delightful 2-bedroom townhome in Scottsdale Vista! Starting with a 2-car garage & a lovely courtyard. The inviting interior features designer paint, tons of natural light, recessed lighting, and wood-look tile flooring. You'll LOVE the large living room with vaulted ceilings & sliding doors to the back! The impressive kitchen boasts SS appliances, granite counters/backsplash, a breakfast nook, and wood cabinetry w/crown molding. Cozy den for an office! Main bedroom has outdoor access & a private bathroom. Check out the private backyard with a covered patio to relax or enjoy BBQ! It also includes access to the Community pool behind, promising year-round enjoyment. PLUS! Conveniently close to schools, shopping, dining, & more. Easy access to 101 Fwy! Welcome home!

6181 S Granite Drive Chandler, AZ 85249

$639,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,008 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781646
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You'll love this 2 bed, 2 bath PLUS den home in the lovely 55+ gated Lone Tree Community! There's so many upgrades you won't want to miss! The great room area allows for relaxed living & easy entertaining with the upgraded kitchen open to the dining & family room. The kitchen offers 42 in painted gray cabinets, custom tile backsplash, granite counters, gas cooktop, reverse osmosis & stainless appliances. The kitchen also has pull-out drawers in cabinets for easy access & a large pantry. The main bedroom is a true retreat with a luxurious ensuite bath complete with dual vanity with upgraded quartz counters, vessel sinks, newer lighting & faucets & feature wall. The large walk-in closet is not to be missed! The guest bedroom is oversized & comfortably fits a king bed. It's split from from the master & is adjacent to the guest bath with upgraded vanity featuring a vessel sink, granite counter & upgraded lighting. The office/den could be a 3rd bedroom & offers plenty of space for your needs. Step out back & relax in your beautiful back yard with covered patio, nice landscaping & upgraded Shasta pool - a perfect place to cool off. This pool is heated & cooled & can be fully run from your phone app! The laundry is fabulous as it is oversized & offers loads of cabinets, a sink & quartz counters. Upgraded engineered hardwood flooring throughout all the common areas, plantation shutters throughout, two-tone paint & more! All this plus a 2-car garage complete with heated & cooled workshop area! Hurry to view this property - this won't last long!

1700 E Lakeside Drive Unit 58 Gilbert, AZ 85234

$639,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,517 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6753691
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Spacious home with courtyard entry in gated resort community of Val Vista Lakes! TWO PRIMARY SUITES plus another bedroom and LOFT! One primary suite w/remodeled bathroom downstairs and other primary suite w/ bathroom upstairs. 3rd bdrm is downstairs next to remodeled hall bath. Vaulted high ceilings as you enter with a spacious living area and views to the back patio. Luxury vinyl wood flooring throughout the downstairs, carpet on stairs and upstairs area. Fresh looking kitchen with white cabinetry & countertops, and farm sink with views to courtyard. Large eat in kitchen area too! This home is ideally located just steps away from the clubhouse and you can walk to the ramada and enjoy views of the lake! Living in Val Vista Lakes is resort style living with all the amenities it offers!

22520 E Rosa Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$639,000 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Spur Cross, Queen Creek
Open House
$639,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,139 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786228
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**Upgrades throughout** in A dream home in the highly sought-after Spur Cross subdivision! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence showcases an open floor plan with expansive living spaces and a breathtaking kitchen perfect for entertaining. Step outside to your private oasis featuring a custom pool equipped with the advanced QuickPure3 system and lush AstroTurf for low-maintenance beauty. The home boasts spacious, light-filled bedrooms, upgraded lighting, and custom finishes throughout. The epoxy-coated garage floor adds durability and style. Enjoy the community's top-notch amenities, including a pool and sports courts, all while being conveniently close to dining, shopping, and entertainment. This home embodies luxury, comfort, and convenience—don't miss out!

20654 E Avenida Del Valle -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$638,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,474 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781616
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6781616 January Completion! The Cambridge is a single-story floor plan at Ellsworth Ranch Landmark, offering 2,474 sq. ft. of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and an exercise/flex room. The welcoming porch greets you at the front of the house. Upon entering, the foyer leads you down a hallway with secondary bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms on one side and a laundry room on the other. Continuing straight, you'll arrive at the spacious, open kitchen, great room, and dining area—a space sure to capture your heart. Structural options include: alternate extended laundry with drop zone in lieu of tandem. This home sale includes a washer and dryer!

14205 W Mauna Loa Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$638,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
4,068 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722668
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
** Priced to sell - $19,100 price reduction ** Gorgeous corner lot home has everything you've been looking for! Enjoy a 3-car garage, stone accents, RV gate & a cozy front patio. Welcoming interior features wood-look tile flooring, bountiful natural light and pre-wired surround sound. Spacious living/dining room and great room are ready for entertaining. Fabulous kitchen includes recessed lighting, a plethora of white cabinets with crown molding, a walk-in pantry, SS appliances, stylish tile backsplash and a center island. Romantic grand suite boasts plush carpet, an impeccable ensuite with dual sinks and a large walk-in closet. The resort-style backyard will make you feel like you're on vacation everyday with a refreshing pool and rock waterfall. Tour it today!

18501 E Avenida Del Ray -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$638,500
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,513 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751012
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Your Dream Desert Retreat Awaits—and the seller is highly motivated to make it yours! Step into this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath sanctuary, ideally located in the peaceful, 55+ Rio Verde Country Club community. Enjoy beautiful, low-maintenance desert landscaping featuring seven mature palm trees and a delightful variety of fruit-bearing trees, including lemon, pink grapefruit, and orange. This gorgeous property combines elegance and practicality, offering you a slice of paradise with motivated sellers ready to welcome new owners. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to secure your place in this serene, sought-after community. Enjoy a bright and airy open layout adorned with brand-new premier laminate plank tile and freshly painted interiors and exteriors. The living and dining areas feature a charming beehive fireplace and a beautiful skylight that fills the space with natural light. The well-equipped kitchen, complete with oak cabinets for ample storage, also offers breathtaking views of Four Peaks, making it a delightful space for both cooking and entertaining. The home boasts two spacious master suites, providing luxurious comfort and privacy. The primary suite features plush Berber carpet, direct outdoor access to a private patio, and a spa-like bathroom with dual sinks, a jetted tub, and a walk-in closet. Throughout the home, you will find an abundance of closet space, ensuring every item has its place. Set on a spacious lot of over 15,200 sq. ft., this home is perfect for entertaining, surrounded by mature citrus trees and beautiful desert landscaping. Enjoy hosting on the open patio or dining al fresco by the outdoor fireplace, all while immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of nature. Act quickly, as this stunning home is priced to move and won't be on the market for long! Seize the opportunity to own this gem in the sought-after Rio Verde Country Club community, offering breathtaking views, exceptional comfort, and boundless charm. Here, you're not just purchasing a home; you're embracing a whole new lifestyle!

3285 E Phelps Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$638,500
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,485 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728325
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This charming single-level home offers 2,485 sq ft of comfortable living space. The split floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a den. The spacious master suite features an upgraded shower and tub, double sinks, a private toilet room, and a large walk-in closet. The kitchen, perfect for entertaining, boasts granite countertops, an island, and a generous walk-in pantry, all opening up to a welcoming great room. All windows have elegant white shutters. A tandem three-car garage provides ample storage space. Outside, the backyard has a built-in firepit, turf, and recently painted exterior and block walls. With North/South exposure, this home is perfectly positioned near freeway access, San Tan Mall, shopping, and a variety of restaurants.

4315 S 123rd Avenue Avondale, AZ 85323

$638,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,622 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6680632
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
10' ceilings, 8' doors and large, energy efficient windows allowing in an abundance of natural light highlight this gorgeous 4 bed, study, 3.5 bath open plan in Alamar. Enjoy trying new recipes in the gorgeous gourmet kitchen boasting painted 2-tone, shaker style cabinets, quartz countertops and GE stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop and large hood vent. Designer-selected finishes include upgraded tile flooring, carpet and pad, custom backsplash and accent lighting. Escape from a long day to the large owner's retreat boasting a tiled walk-in shower, soaking tub, and huge walk-in closet. Other features include 2-tone paint, 12' sliding glass door to the covered outdoor area and a large finished, turf backyard. 2x6 construction. Welcome home.

12324 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$638,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,624 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693670
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
10' ceilings, 8' doors and large, energy efficient windows allowing in an abundance of natural light highlight this gorgeous 4 bed, 3.5 bath open plan with enclosed study in Alamar. Enjoy trying new recipes in the gorgeous gourmet kitchen boasting painted 2-tone, shaker style cabinets, quartz countertops and GE stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop and large hood vent. Designer-selected finishes include upgraded tile flooring, carpet and pad, custom backsplashes, and accent lighting. Escape from a long day to the large owner's retreat boasting a tiled walk-in shower, soaking tub, and huge walk-in closet. Other features include 2-tone paint, 12' sliding glass door to the covered outdoor area and a large backyard. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; NEW HOME WARRANTY. Welcome Home.

895 S Accuracy Way Tonto Basin, AZ 85553

$638,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
3,000 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769352
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning custom home is a dream come true. The kitchen features two walk-in pantries and a modern-style island with bar stools. The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet, and there's a very spacious laundry room with extra storage cabinets. You'll love the cozy fireplace. The property also includes a 4-plus car garage with a built-in bar and AC. Additionally, the entire property is completely fenced and offers amazing mountain views!

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