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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3128 E Cheryl Drive Phoenix, AZ 85028

$624,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,195 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6734743
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Built in 2019, lock & leave, ready to move in, Mountain views & a convenient location to so much, what more could you ask for? Artisan Duette is a TH community (which lives & feels like SF home because of the construction) of 22 homes that are tucked away in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve neighborhood &close to the 51. This fabulous home features 4 bedroom (plus loft), 3 bathrooms & 2 car garage. 1bd/ba downstairs. Light & bright w/ 9' & 10' ceilings, 5'' baseboards, smooth textured walls, modern lighting etc. are just some of the upgrades. A chefs kitchen w/ tons of storage, SS appliances, pull out drawers in pantry, quartz counters & spacious island opening to the living areas. 10' sliding doors open to low maintenance covered patio & yard w/ private gate to dog park/greenbelt & pool Coffee spots, dining, pet stores, grocery, pharmacy, auto services, shopping etc...are within walking distance. The new PV Mall, Trader Joes, Costco etc... are nearby. You will want to live here!!

8638 E Palm Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$624,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,470 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737598
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Freshly updated and just a short drive to Old Town. Large open floor plan. The Farm House Modern style immediately makes you feel at home. Kitchen and laundry room appliances come included. Large pool surrounded by grass. Automatic irrigation. No HOA. Currently has tenants in place for the next 7 months, they are open to continuing lease or ending the lease early as well for an owner/ occupant buyer.

1002 E Pierson Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$624,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,631 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751474
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MAIN HOUSE 3 bedroom/2 bath. GUEST HOUSE 1 bedroom/1 bath with a seperate entrance and backyard. The MAIN HOUSE and the GUEST HOUSE are on seperate water meters and electric meters. You'll love the delightful interior of MAIN HOUSE enhanced with soothing paint tones, ceiling fans, beautiful wood-style flooring, & recessed lighting. The impeccable kitchen has sleek SS appliances, captivating quartz counters, matte black wood cabinetry, & a peninsula w/breakfast bar. Primary bedroom offers an immaculate ensuite w/dual sinks, a step-in glass shower, & a walk-in closet. . Take advantage of the updated GUEST HOUSE comes with a sizable living/dining room, a kitchenette, a bedroom, & a bathroom. Out the back, you have a covered patio & a pergola, which are excellent for relaxation.

200 Moons View Road Sedona, AZ 86351

$624,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,824 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6691061
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream retreat in the heart of the enchanting Sedona red rocks! This two bed two bath home with two car garage is nestled amidst the stunning landscapes and vibrant energy that Sedona is world renowned for. Enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed views of Sedona's iconic red rock formations from the comfort of your own home, or from the large fully enclosed Arizona bonus room. Nestled just off the 11th hole of the Oak Creek Country Club Golf Course, this traditional Sedona style home is located in a quiet Oak Creek neighborhood, yet close to all the amenities the Village of Oak Creek has to offer - hiking, biking, Oak Creek, shopping, golf and world class dining. Start your Sedona journey today!

10060 E Tumbleweed Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$624,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,953 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762798
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Popular London Model with 2 bed /2 bath, den, & stunning pool/backyard! One of the most extensive upgraded homes in Encore at Eastmark. High end 24x24 porcelain tile throughout home. Upgraded kitchen package with extended upper & lower cabinets. Upgraded tone toned quartz on island, countertops, and backsplash. No culture marble showers here! High end upgraded bathrooms with tile surrounds to ceiling, deco band, niche, and large sitting bench in oversized walk-in shower. Refreshed Kool deck and 2-stage pool pump in 2022. New exterior paint in 2024. Enormous multi slide back yard patio door with retractable screen. Extended covered patio with semi-custom BBQ grill/Firepit, and bar. Custom blinds in primary room, high end security screen door, as well as ring doorbell/cameras. LOOK see Custom cabinetry in the garage, spacious laundry, and mudroom. Amenities galore in Encore to keep you entertained year-round. A major appeal of this 55+ community is its luxurious clubhouse that offers residents a rich lineup of exclusive indoor and outdoor resort-style amenities for a vibrant and active lifestyle. The 15,000 square-foot Encore Club is the central hub of physical activity and social recreation. It features state-of-the-art facilities such as a fitness center with weights, a cardio room, as well as an aerobics and dance studio where residents can stay in shape without paying expensive gym membership fees. Homeowners can freshen up in the locker rooms and then meet up with friends in the internet café, billiards, or banquet room for some fun. The Encore Club also has a classroom, arts and crafts studio, and library, which is perfect for residents who want to learn or explore a new hobby. They can swim laps in the resort-style pool or relax in the adjacent spa. Residents who want more recreation or a challenging game can play on one of the sports courts provided, including tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball. An event lawn is the perfect place to attend a social function, and the playground is a great spot to spend time with the grandkids when they come to visit. The community is surrounded with parks and natural space as well as miles of meandering walking and biking trails that are ideal for leisurely strolls or brisk jogs. With so many top-notch amenities, residents are sure to stay busy and active throughout the week. In addition to these world-class amenities, the Encore Club also hosts a full calendar of social events, fitness classes, daily activities, social clubs, and special interest groups. An on-site activities director is also available to help plan, organize, and develop new activities, hobbies, trips, and events that allow residents of the community to explore new interests and bond with other like-minded adults. Encore at Eastmark is an active adult community that promotes a vibrant and welcoming lifestyle that retirees will love in Mesa, Arizona.

4078 E Catclaw Street Gilbert, AZ 85296

$624,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
1,951 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775699
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this beautiful single level home in Warner Meadow. As you enter the home through the entryway there's a secondary bedroom with a full size bathroom, which is a great option for overnight guests. Continuing on leads you straight into the kitchen with its beautiful countertops and ample cabinet space. This connects effortlessly into the dining room/great room through an open-concept layout. The primary bedroom is large with a luxurious bathroom, dual sinks and walk in closet. The cozy backyard boasts pavers and synthetic grass. This is a must see!!

11511 E Monte Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$624,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,241 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775940
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence in the 55+ Community of Sunland Springs Village! Inside, you'll find a spacious living room with soaring vaulted ceilings, a soothing palette, plantation shutters, and durable tile flooring. The eat-in kitchen comes with quartz counters, abundant new cabinets, a mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a large island with a breakfast bar for casual meals. The cozy main bedroom offers an ensuite with double sinks, a walk-in shower, and large walk in closet. Venture out onto the backyard, complete with a covered patio and a quaint shed for added storage. Make this gem yours now!

36646 N 21st Street Phoenix, AZ 85086

$624,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,232 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747023
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 2.5-acre property is worth a look if you're ready for a project. The 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has a pool, but it's going to need updating. Priced Accordingly. On the plus side, there's no HOA to deal with, so you're free to do whatever you want with the space. The property includes city water access, an oversized horse arena, stalls for up to 8 horses and a detached open-front building that could be used as a workshop or storage for RVs and other large vehicles. The home is a territorial-style build with expansive views, but it's far from perfect. While it's close to the freeway, shopping, and schools, be prepared to put in the effort to make this place your own and realize it's true potential!

1263 E Brookwood Court Phoenix, AZ 85048

$624,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,388 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6740181
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEW AC Unit 11/24 -Big price reduction. Beautiful 4 bedrooms plus loft 3 baths home .Private Gated Community. Step inside to a Dream Kitchen with gorgeous re finished white cabinets and upgraded countertops. Stainless steel appliances. kitchen island. Pantry Modern Light fixtures. Cozy great room with recess Lights. Neutral wood plank tile floors. Upstairs features Large Main Bedroom and Bath with separate Tub and shower large walking closet Dual Sinks 2nd & 3rd bedroom with walk in closet. Large open loft is great for playroom, Office or create your own custom space. Laundry Room with cabinets. One bedroom and baths downstairs for your guest or office. Shutters throughout the home. Modern ceiling fans. Low maintenance back yard with pavers and artificial turf area. HOA maintains front yard. Steps away from community pool. This area offers access to 202 freeway. YMCA. Shopping, Foothills Park. South Mountain Preserve for those who love to hike. Come take a Look.

27187 W Mohawk Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$624,900 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Sun City Festival Parcel G1 And H1, Buckeye
Open House
$624,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,452 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773872
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A STUNNING VERANDA Model offering an abundance of upgrades on an oversized 9,656 sq ft Walled PRIVATE lot!! This Artistically Appointed 2,452 sq ft home has a split 3-Bdrm Floorplan, 2.5 Bath, Den and Large Gathering Room! Designer Features include a Gourmet Kitchen w/ Upgraded Staggered Cabinets, Gleaming 'Indian Parana' Granite, Custom Backsplash, Center Island, Eating Bar, and newer S/S Appliances! Upgraded Kohler Light fixtures, Custom Paint and Window Coverings grace the home. Gathering Room includes Entertainment Center with Samsung 65'' TV. French Doors from guest bdrm to the patio! The 3-Car Garage includes custom built-in Cabinets & Work Bench. 2010 EZ-GO GOLF CART IS INCLUDED! Newer 5-Ton A/C and PAID SOLAR! Enjoy entertaining in this IMPRESSIVE PRIVATE Backyard with Pergola Covered Extended Patio, BUILT-IN Heaters, Magnificent Water Feature and ELEVATED Seating Area with Natural Gas Firepit! Too amenities to list!! If interior custom paint colors are not acceptable, the seller will consider repainting at the buyer's request. This floorplan is no longer offered. If you are looking for something EXCEPTIONAL, this is the home for you!

41216 N Prestancia Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$624,900 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Anthem Unit 38, Anthem
Open House
$624,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,082 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764616
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fall in love with this wonderfully upgraded and updated Telluride model in Anthem Country Club. Wonderful floor plan with multiple entertaining spaces. Enter the home from the front courtyard to a cozy living room and formal dining room. Kitchen has it all with tons of cabinets, beautiful granite counter tops and awesome island/breakfast bar. Main bath has been remodeled and is a must see and the secondary bath has granite counters and dual sinks. The family room off the kitchen and is where everyone hangs out and you can exit to the wonderfully landscaped backyard with built in BBQ and beautiful golf, mountain and sunset views awaiting you!! This home is the perfect size for full time living or locks and leave for the summer. Cozy up to the outdoor fireplace on an elevated patio to watch the magical AZ Sunset! WELCOME HOME! Anthem Country Club is home to two 18 hole championship golf courses with two restaurants, 2 work out rooms, 2 pools, tennis, pickle ball, bocce ball and lots of fun people!

13600 N Fountain Hills Boulevard Unit 903 Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$624,900 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in La Strada Condominium, Fountain Hills
Open House
$624,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,196 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6699821
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home nestled in the gated community of La Strada, offering not just a residence, but a lifestyle. This meticulously crafted abode boasts 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms spread across a spacious 2196 square feet. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by breathtaking mountain views that serve as the backdrop to your everyday life. The home exudes elegance and modernity with remodeled bathrooms and kitchen featuring updated cabinets, luxurious Quartz countertops and no-fingerprint stainless steel appliances that elevate your culinary experience. The 2-car epoxy floor garage not only provides ample space for your vehicles but also offers convenient storage solutions. Inside, the living space is adorned with updated flooring and an inviting electric fireplace, perfect for cozy... evenings with loved ones. The primary suite is a sanctuary unto itself, boasting a huge rain glass shower and no-slip oversized tile, along with meticulous organized closets featuring built-in storage solutions. For the connoisseur, a built-in wine refrigerator awaits, while the custom coffee bar ensures your mornings are off to a delightful start. The kitchen features a sleek graphite sink, adding a touch of sophistication to your culinary endeavors. Entertaining is a breeze with a powder room showcasing a custom driftwood countertop and vessel sink. Additionally, the she-shed offers versatile space that can be transformed into an office, fitness area, or craft space, catering to our every need. Beyond the confines of your home, the gated community of La Strada offers resort-style amenities, including a pool. Centrally located, you're just a short walk or drive away from shopping, restaurants, and the famous fountain, allowing you to indulge in the vibrant lifestyle this community has to offer.

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