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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24173 N 160th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$640,484
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,444 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765432
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MOVE IN READY, BRIGHT GREAT ROOM PLAN , QUICK CLOSE!! 5 BEDROOM PLUS LOFT, 4.5 BATH , 3 CAR GARAGE 9'CEILINGS, GOURMET KITCHEN LAYOUT, UPGRADE CABINETS , QUARTEZ KITCHEN TOPS, SPA SHOWER IN MASTER BATH, LUXURY VINYL FLOORING. 2'WHITE BLINDS, CEILING FANS, FRONT YARD LANSCAPING COMPLETED, ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOME, INDOOR AIR PLUS. A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE COMMUNITY POOL AREA, PICNIC AREA, TOT LOTS, BASKETBALL, PICKLE BALL COURTSAND SO MUCH MORE

17126 W Hackamore Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$640,244
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,665 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776842
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6776842 March Completion! Welcome to the Everglade at Asante Passage! Enter through the porch into a warm and inviting foyer. To one side, you'll find two bedrooms sharing a bathroom, while across the way lies a laundry room, an additional bedroom with its own bathroom, and access to the two-car garage. Move deeper into the home to uncover gorgeous open-concept living, where the great room seamlessly connects to a casual dining area, a kitchen with an island, and a covered outdoor space—perfect for entertaining. The private primary suite offers a serene retreat, complete with a spa-inspired bathroom and a spacious walk-in closet. Structural options include: paver front porch, 12'x8' sliding glass door, garage service door & study in lieu of bed 2.

3676 Gold Rush Court Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$640,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,959 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737439
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to 3676 Gold Rush Court! Located in a private corner of Wickenburg Ranch, this serene oasis features a stunning backyard with a calming water feature, mature plants and trees, a large stone rectangular fire pit, and dual glass walls in the great room and dining area. Remote-controlled shades with wind sensors and outdoor speakers enhance the ambiance, offering an exceptional outdoor living experience. This highly upgraded Nice floor plan boasts over $125,000 in original enhancements, with many additional improvements. These include new carpet in the bedrooms, ceiling fans throughout, new stainless steel appliances, a glass shower door in the guest bathroom, extended patio pavers, a raised garden area, and a block wall with wrought iron fencing. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with a wall oven and microwave, gas range, pullout shelves, a recycle center, granite countertops, and pendant lights. The extra-large laundry/smart space features a built-in sink, cabinets, and a desk. All window coverings operate both top-down and bottom-up for optimal comfort and lighting. The garage is complete with an epoxy floor, built-in cabinets, a brand-new garage door, outdoor lights, and a water softener. This home offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience in one of Wickenburg's most desirable neighborhoods, where every detail is designed to enhance your living experience.

134 W Crimson Sky Court Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$640,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,132 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743294
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Exquisite, updated Coyote Ranch home on .38 acre with side entry 3 car garage, sparkling pool, plus Casita with bathroom and heat/cooling. Expansive chef's kitchen with upscale appliances. Great room with a gas fireplace. Split primary suite for owner privacy. Drive thru gate with RV storage slab with full hookups. Outdoor kitchen, fire-pit, citrus trees. An easement along the north lot line ensures no structures behind. Beautifully decorated and maintained.

1023 W Ingram Street Mesa, AZ 85201

$640,000 - 5Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Riverview Village, Mesa
New
$640,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,816 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788487
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful single family home featured in the private community of Riverview Village located in Mesa, AZ. This home incorporates a subtle balance of contemporary finishes with a modern design while featuring 5 bedrooms and 3 full bath(s) in a 2,816 sq ft open concept floor plan. The upgraded kitchen offers granite countertops, large [eat-in] island, raised panel cabinetry, ss appliances, and pantry. Additional home features include 10ft+ ceilings, downstairs living areas, upstairs living space, wood plank tile flooring, modern plumbing/lighting fixtures [fans], dual pane [low-e] windows, 2'' blinds, designated dining space, and a dedicated master retreat featuring a spacious sleeping quarters, large shower, dual sinks, and walk-in closet. Lastly, the home features a 2-car garage, an..

1640 W Clarendon Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85015

$640,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,897 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782539
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in a quiet, central Phoenix neighborhood! This remodeled, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers an inviting open-concept, split-floorplan design with contemporary finishes. The huge kitchen, complete with stainless appliances including a wine fridge, gas cooktop, wall oven, and large island with breakfast bar, flows seamlessly into the dining and family room, perfect for gatherings. A double-sided gas fireplace opens to both the dining area as well as separate den or office The primary bedroom opens boasts a walk-in closet, ensuite bath with custom tile, and a separate Japanese soaking tub and opens to the pool area. The large backyard features a sparking pool and covered patio. Walking distance to Phoenix Christian, Clarendon Elementary, & St. Gregory's Elementary.

2276 W Periwinkle Way Chandler, AZ 85248

$640,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,961 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777924
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Single level home in Ocotillo near the Ocotillo golf course. Home was remodeled in 2020 with beautiful flooring, light fixtures, & baths. Corner lot with 3 car garage which includes wiring for EV charging. Inside you'll find beautiful wood like floowing throughout the home, bright and open formal dining & living space that continues into the family room / kitchen area. Beautiul granite counters, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, pendant lights, and an island. The family room has a fireplace. Large sliding glass door opens to a covered patio, pool and backyard space. Primary bedroom faces the backyard and the primary bath, has a separate tub, beautilful shower with separate toilet area. One of the secondary bedrooms could double as an office w/french doors, Solar panels

50910 W Long Rifle Road Aguila, AZ 85320

$640,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,386 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780527
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
This meticulously maintained, fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers both comfort and versatility, complete with an office space for all your work-from-home needs. Outdoors, enjoy the convenience of a full RV hookup, while the expansive 7.5-acre lot provides the perfect canvas for your dream horse pens and arena, designed exactly how you envision it. A container is included, ready to be transformed into a practical tack room or additional storage space. The property is securely enclosed with an 6-foot tall chain-link fence and features easily operable gates for seamless access. Surrounding the home, you'll find a variety of mature trees, including California-imported palms and a unique Australian Willow that maintains its lush foliage year-round, offering plenty of shade for the grand Arizona room. The room itself boasts vaulted beam ceilings and a ceiling fan, creating a relaxed, breezy atmosphere. An automatic drip irrigation system ensures easy maintenance, keeping the landscape beautiful with minimal effort. Additionally, the spacious two-car garage features a concrete floor and automatic doors, providing ample storage. Attached to the garage is a game/party room with a beautiful pool tableideal for entertaining, or easily converted into a guest casita. Don't miss the chance to unwind and take in breathtaking sunsets over the mountains from your new home!

7163 E Grass Land Drive Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

$640,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,811 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782324
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience luxury at StoneRidge w/ This Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom Open Floor plan home, Features elegant pecan color wood flooring thru-out, making this home a cozy setting for Entertaining . The Modern kitchen boasts convenience w/ like New KitchenAid appliances, ideal for gourmet cooking. Recent upgrades include a Brand New HVAC system and 40g Water Heater, ensuring comfort and efficiency. The backyard is fully paved for a low-maintenance outdoor living, The 3-car garage offers ample space for all Kinds of Storage and Vehicles . This is the ultimate blend of style and functionality with only a few blocks from the prestigious StoneRidge Golf Course Clubhouse. A MUST SEE!

255 E Thurber Road Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$640,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,864 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6674765
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your own slice of paradise in the heart of Wickenburg, Arizona! Perched atop a hill on nearly 2 acres of picturesque land, this stunning Santa Barbara style home offers unparalleled views of the Hassayampa River and the surrounding mountains. Step inside this recently remodeled oasis and prepare to be dazzled by its elegant charm and modern amenities. Brand new roof in 2024!! The spacious living areas feature vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, and wood fireplace, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. Beautiful tile floors and granite countertops add a touch of luxury to the open-concept kitchen, which boasts updated appliances and ample space for entertaining. With multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, including a separate guest quarters or hobby room, there's plenty of room for family and friends to relax and unwind. And when it's time to escape the Arizona heat, you'll love cooling off in the refreshing pool while taking in the breathtaking sunset views. But the beauty of this property doesn't end thereoutside, you'll discover desert landscaping and expansive outdoor living spaces perfect for enjoying the stunning 360-degree vistas. Whether you're lounging on the patio, gardening in the backyard, or tinkering in the workshop, every moment spent here is sure to be filled with tranquility and serenity.

3305 S Stanley Place Tempe, AZ 85282

$640,000
5 Beds
2 Baths
1,907 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786544
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**TURNKEY INVESTMENT PROPERTY**Discover this beautifully remodeled 5-bedroom, 2-bath property, ideal for homeowners or investors looking to capitalize on its prime location. Situated just minutes from ASU, this home features brand-new flooring and fresh, modern paint throughout, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. With its generous layout, this property offers ample space for families or students. Currently utilized as a successful airbnb, it boasts strong rental potential thanks to its proximity to ASU, local dining, shopping and entertainment options. Whether you are seeking a turnkey investment or a comfortable residence near the heart of Tempe, this property checks all the boxes.

3455 Turkey Track Road Pinetop, AZ 85935

$640,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Pinetop Lakes Mountain Homes, Pinetop
New
$640,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,924 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777423
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This sharp looking cabin in the woods is fully furnished with everything you need down to the coffee maker. If you are looking for an investment property, full time or part time living, this cabin is perfect for you! It's an open concept living area, so you won't miss out on anything while entertaining and vaulted ceiling. A nice size loft that is large enough for a game room, extra living room, workout area, or an extra sleeping area. The master bedroom is downstairs, perfect for comfort at the end of a long day. Both the front and back decks are covered and perfect for sipping on your morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. With the amenities of the clubhouse, pool, workout facility, tennis, hiking and more are here for you in the Pinetop Lakes Country Club.

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