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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23142 E Thornton Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$597,500
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,960 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763042
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Why wait for a new build? This property offers a delightful curb appeal with a desert landscape. The interior boasts an open floor plan bathed in natural light with areas that flow together seamlessly, promoting a greater traffic flow. Tall Ceilings, recessed lighting, wood-plank tile flooring, and stylish light fixtures are attributes worth mentioning. The multi-sliding glass doors connect the indoors with the outdoors for easy entertaining. The kitchen showcases wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a gas cooktop, and an oversized island. The primary bedroom hosts a full ensuite with a large dual vanity, soaking tub, step-in shower, and a walk-in closet. The tandem garage features an epoxy floor and a paver driveway. The no-fuss backyard has a covered patio, pavers, and artificial turf, allowing you to relax in solitude while sipping your favorite beverage or hosting fun gatherings on the weekends. The choice is yours! This fantastic community offers parks & playgrounds, a splash pad, basketball & pickleball courts, a pool, and much more! Truly a resort-like living! Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Act now!

6202 E Mckellips Road Unit 299 Mesa, AZ 85215

$597,300
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,818 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6747158
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Golf Course Lot! Beautiful Tuscany Villas at Painted Mountain single family with no shared walls.18 in ceramic tile,neutral carpet,10 ft ceilings,great room floor plan,stainless steel appliances,maple cabinets,granite counters,kitchen island,recessed lights.Primary bed with bay window,separate tub & shower,cultured marble, w/in closet.Dining room bay window,breakfast nook.Exterior stone accents, stuccoed eaves, exterior fireplace, covered extended patio with pavers. Built in BBQ. Upgraded ceiling fans, inside laundry, HOA covers: roof, exterior, front landscaping, internet, cable and blanket insurance policy. Clubhouse, heated pool, 2 spas, pickle ball, fitness area and media room. Light & bright, close to everything, including 202 Loop and Superstition Springs Mall, this home has it all!

2625 S Bonarden Lane Tempe, AZ 85282

$597,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,669 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6703367
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Amazing opportunity to own this nicely updated 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on a corner lot with RV Gate. Step inside and you will find easy care wood like laminate flooring through out and designer baseboards. Clean and bright galley style kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, stainless appliances and bar style breakfast counter overlooking the cozy brick fireplace and family room. Large covered patio overlooks generously sized block fenced back yard with low maintenance desert landscaping. Prime location close to the Orbit Bus with easy access to ASU campus, dining, sporting events and night life! Fantastic central location!

8548 E Inca Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$597,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,753 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6781863
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Pride of ownership speaks volumes in this immaculately kept home on corner lot. Owner's attention and continuous care to Critical Cost Items such as HVAC (2018), Pool and Landscape will put new Buyer mind at ease. New Pebbletec pool surface, New Variable-speed pump, New control panel and filter system syncs w/New Hayward Omni-Logic Remote App. Enjoy days and evenings under your Covered Patio with Remote shades (3 sides), Built-in Grill, Firpit. Kitchen updated (2018) with All New Appliances, New leather-look granite on island/breakfast bar, Cabinet up-lights/under-cabinet lights on dimmer, lower cabinet pull-outs, soft-close doors/drawers. Hunter Douglas remote shades adjust to desired light. Queen-Murphy Bed in 2nd Guest BR (Conveys w/home). There's more! See full list-Doc-tab! There's an attraction to Mountain Bridge that brings community experiences to life where you will find resort style living at its finest. Community amenities (included in HOA): Pool, Tennis, Pickleball, Basketball, Fitness Center, Playground, Clubhouse, Walking and Biking Trails and more. Fantastic location surrounded by Great Schools, Restaurants and Shopping. Minutes to Usury Mountain Park, just 5 mins to Freeway, 15 minutes to Saguaro Lake, 20 Minutes to Sky Harbor Airport and Scottsdale.

41988 W Rosewood Lane Maricopa, AZ 85138

$597,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,325 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6773609
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Exquisite Waterfront home in the Award-Winning Active Community of Province. Over $95,000 in upgrades to this beauty! Tuscan-style gated courtyard; beautiful security screen door; fenced to the water; remote-operated sun screens to fully enclose a portion of the patio. Gorgeous custom landscaping with travertine patio, seating area by the water; solar lighting; upgraded PVC yard irrigation. This highly sought-after Redding model features a whole-home Wi-Fi mesh network; whole-home water filtration system; shutters thruout; beautiful engineered wood floors. Chef's kitchen is light and bright with an island; quartz countertops; pull-out drawers; under cabinet lighting; S/S appliances; gas cooktop and wall oven. The spacious living room picture window frames the amazing water views. Owner's suite is spacious and has a large closet, dual vanities in the bathroom. The garage features blown-in cellulose insulation above the garage; A/C system with heat; LED lighting; floor composite tiles; iron security door.

6340 W Saddlehorn Road Phoenix, AZ 85083

$597,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,578 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6722138
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, two-story home nestled in a tranquil community. Spanning 2,542 sqft, this residence boasts an inviting family room with an abundance of natural light, vaulted ceilings, and high ceilings throughout. The kitchen features a pantry, granite countertops, and custom white cabinets with soft-closing doors. Enjoy meals in the formal dining area or the eat-in kitchen. Open the 4-panel sliding glass doors and bring the outdoors in! Enjoy a refreshing dip in the large Pebble Tec volleyball pool in your private, landscaped backyard. Relax on the balcony or patio and take in the beautiful views. This is the perfect blend of style, function, and resort-like living!

812 W Cooley Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$597,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,051 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6750880
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully remodeled home in Cooper Ranch features a modern kitchen including new white shaker cabinets, white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a gas range, and a large island with a breakfast bar that opens up to the spacious family room that features high vaulted ceilings and built in modern shelving. The master bedroom has brand new windows and french door to the back patio. The master bathroom was also fully remodeled with a huge walk-in shower and new floating vanities. The 4th bedroom has double doors and built in storage- perfect for an office! The home has new flooring throughout, fresh paint inside and out, and an indoor laundry room, Don't miss the 3 car garage, private pool, paved, extended covered patio, and artificial turf in the back with no neighbors behind.

4955 E Indian School Road Unit 9 Phoenix, AZ 85018

$597,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,175 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771155
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
A little slice of the Mediterranean right in the heart of Arcadia...welcome to Arcadia Gardens! This 12-unit community offers a peaceful and tranquil lifestyle, with lush landscaping abound and a sparkling pool, it's just minutes from a litany of outstanding dining, shopping and entertainment experiences. This immaculate home is move-in ready and features an upgraded kitchen that boasts dark cherry wood cabinetry, SS appliance package, double ovens, a coffee bar w/ wine fridge, and quartz countertops. Large windows provide an abundance of natural light throughout. The upstairs features 2 en-suite bedrooms, with the back bedroom providing direct access, via spiral staircase, to the back patio. Up one more flight of stairs and you will find your very own private roof top deck appointed with Trex decking and synthetic grass. This is an absolute must-see, as there is no better place to unwind and soak in the radiant beauty of Camelback Mountain and beyond.

13330 W Milton Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$597,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,760 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700963
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
$10,000 DECORATING ALLOWANCE AT CLOSE OF ESCROW-your chance to enhance the DECORATING! LIKE NEW 2021-built 'Vibrant' with 9.25 kW SOLAR LEASE for huge savings, PLANTATION SHUTTERS & NO CARPET! Beautiful curb appeal & PAVERS on driveway & front porch. Many outstanding upgrades/features -GRANITE SLAB on kitchen counters & large island, stainless GE PROFILE appls w/5-burner GAS cooktop & GE French-door refrigerator, walk-in pantry. NEW 2024 LUXURY VINYL PLANK FLOORING in bedrooms & den; tile flooring in main areas. Large den. Inviting private backyard ideal for alfresco dining/entertaining has HUGE PAVER PATIO, faux grass, attractive landscaping, fenced including wall behind. Two-car garage w/EPOXY FLOOR & pedestrian door to EXTERIOR TRASH ENCLOSURE. SHORT DISTANCE to DOG PARK & MITA CLUB. Additionally, the primary suite has a large bedroom with no carpeting, double sinks, shower, toilet room & large walk-in closet. Guest bedroom with no carpeting & bath are split from primary suite providing privacy for you and your guests. POST TENSION SLAB. Gutters & downspouts. Extra area in garage can be used for storage, motorcycle, or golf cart. $2.40 IS THE AVERAGE FOR APS BILLS THE PAST 12 MONTHS! Gas line was installed for use in backyard. This home is located in award-winning gated, 55+ Trilogy at Vistancia with 5-star-resort style amenities at the 35,000 SF Kiva Club with indoor & outdoor pools, fitness center, day spa, cafe, billiards, meeting rooms, library, tennis courts, pickle ball, bocce ball, events & a plethora of activities to choose from. Outstanding Gary Panks-designed golf course is woven throughout the original part of the neighborhood. The Mita Club has additional outstanding community amenities. Easy access from Trilogy to the 303, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, Lake Pleasant & Paloma Park, Peoria's huge community park loaded with amenities.

25106 N 171st Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$596,976
5 Beds
4 Baths
3,185 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763334
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6763334 December Completion! This adaptable Victory floor plan at Asante offers an inviting open-concept layout, where the kitchen flows effortlessly into the great room, complemented by a nearby dining area. The primary suite is conveniently situated on the main level, complete with a spacious walk-in closet and a thoughtfully designed bath. The first floor also includes a full bathroom, a powder room, and a versatile flex space that can be tailored to your lifestyle. Upstairs, you'll find additional bedrooms, a full bath, ample storage, and a loft, perfect for extra living or entertaining space. Structural upgrades include: a paver front porch and walkway, a fifth bedroom with an en-suite fourth bath, 12' x 8' multi-slide door, soft water loop and a garage service door.

16172 W Alameda Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$596,330
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,671 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736644
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MOVE-IN READY, BRIGHT GREAT ROOM PLAN, QUICK CLOSE!! 4 BEDROOM PLUS LOFT, 3.5 BATH, 9'CEILINGS, GOURMET KITCHEN LAYOUT, UPGRADE CABINETS, GRANITE KITCHEN TOPS, SPA SHOWER, TILED 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 COURTS AND SO MUCH MORE.

5120 S Camellia Drive Chandler, AZ 85248

$596,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,983 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746984
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
COME SEE this spacious 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home in Chandler! It's beautifully remodeled and has many upgrades throughout. SELLER will pay $6,000 towards buyers closing costs with acceptable offer. Enjoy the large open living room. The kitchen features many upgrades. The gourmet kitchen offers a custom cabinet and a lot of counter space with stainless steel appliances included. This home has a large den which can also be used as a game room. The washer & dryer is included. The backyard has a large screened-in patio for your enjoyment.

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