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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3731 E Mitchell Drive Phoenix, AZ 85018

$565,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,635 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768183
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THIS 3BD 2.5BA COMPLETELY REMODELED TOWN HOME IN THE HEART OF ARCADIA LITE! Private, gated community. All tile throughout on the main floor; great room, dining room & large kitchen w/pantry Stainless steel appliances & powder bathroom downstairs. Wood-like, laminate flooring up the stairs & throughout the 2ndfloor. Large primary suite w/private balcony, full primary bath w/separate tub. shower & walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms upstairs each w/walk-in closets & Jack-n-Jill bathroom set up. Ceiling fans in great room & all bedrooms. Laundry room conveniently located on the 2nd floor-washer and dryer included! Two-car attached garage, large rear private patio. Located at the end of the Culdesac street. YOU HAVE TO SEE TO THIS ONE TO BELIEVE IT! & PRICED TO SELL!

9829 E Talon Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$565,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,968 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772594
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to 9829 E Talon Ave, a wonderfully designed 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, PLUS a den, nestled within the beautiful community of Cadence. This inviting residence features an open-concept layout, perfect for entertaining. New carpets were installed in March! Enjoy the modern kitchen with sleek appliances and ample counter space, while the spacious living area leads to a private backyard oasis, ideal for relaxing or hosting gatherings. The primary suite offers a tranquil retreat with an en-suite bathroom. Conveniently located near parks, shopping, and top-rated schools, this home is a must-see. Don't miss your chance to own this gem in Mesa!

8374 W Palo Verde Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

$565,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
3,704 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776559
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Enormous opportunity for this BIG home in a gated neighborhood. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms with the master conveniently located on the main floor. Beautifully updated master bathroom with separate tub and shower, private toilet room and large master closet. First floor has newer luxury vinyl flooring. Breakfast island in the kitchen plus dining area. Adjacent family room allows for maximum entertainment options with an exit to the large covered patio. Upstairs, you'll find a large loft area, 4 bedrooms ( some with walk in closets), 2 full baths and storage closets. Updates include: windows, tankless heater, appliances. Over sized triple garage can accommodate a full size SUV.

31020 N 42nd Way Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$565,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,857 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6732311
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Great opportunity to live in Tatum Ranch at the right price! Barely lived in home has been lovingly maintained over the years, just bring your remodeling ideas! Open and inviting floorplan with elevated entrance. Separate formal living room perfect for his or her space, media room, or kids area. Open great room with kitchen island and large family room area complete with built-ins. Split floorplan with two bedrooms, bathroom, and laundry room separate from master bedroom with large bathroom and walk-in closet. Enter your backyard complete with sparkling pool and water feature, mature landscaping, and automatic watering system. Pool resurfaced 2024 and new variable speed pump installed 2023. Two car garage with extra shelving for storage. Tatum Ranch is a perfect community for those looking to live a little outside the hustle and bustle of Phoenix, but still enjoy plenty of close amenities such as restaurants, shopping, golf courses, and hiking. Desert living at its finest!

12947 W Fossil Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$565,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,798 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6737283
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
$20,000 PRICE REDUCTION on this PRISTINE & PERFECT SIDUS Model home. Tile Flooring Throughout, No Carpet. Kitchen Boasts UPGRADED STAGGERED CABINETS, CROWN MOLDING, ROLL OUT SHELVES, UNDER CABINET LIGHTING, STAINLESS APPLIANCES & ENGINEERED STONE COUNTER TOPS, with TILE BACKSPLASH. Large Smart Room with an ABUNDANCE OF CABINETS for EXTRA STORAGE, W/D, 2 Desk Work Areas & LARGE PANTRY. Open Living area features WALL OF GLASS SLIDER that opens to Tiled & Paver Private Patio with a Raised Planter Bed for your Herb Garden or Flowers, & NEW Synthetic Grass. MURPHY BED in Den. Master BR w Bay window for Seating. Step into Master Bath w TILE SHOWER & DUAL VANITIES. This Lightly Lived Home Features Everything You Need, including Mature Landscaping for added PRIVACY & Extended Garage & MORE!

6208 W Grandview Road Glendale, AZ 85306

$565,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,330 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6755708
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Bring the family and the pets! Beautiful 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2-car home in Glendale's Brandywyne community! Park like backyard with refinished pool, RV gate, fire pit and sitting areas. Bright and open with large bay windows front and back and tile flooring throughout! Kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless appliances and a walk in pantry. Large living areas with high ceilings, classic brick fireplace and access to covered patio and landscaped backyard with your own private pool with removable fencing! Primary bedroom located upstairs is complete with large tub, dual vanity, and walk-in closet! New A/C, upgraded electrical panel and upgraded insulation. recent hot water heater and energy efficient solar panels with a very affordable lease... Yes... You can afford to crank that AC!

16472 W Shangri La Road Surprise, AZ 85388

$565,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,348 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6765097
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is perfectly situated near shopping and entertainment centers, making it an ideal primary residence or investment property. With a den and great room, this home offers a spacious floor plan for your comfort. Currently operating as an Airbnb, the furniture is available by separate bill of sale. The split primary bedroom features a full ensuite bathroom, while the interior is filled with natural light from large Dual Pane Low-E windows. The kitchen boasts a walk-in pantry, granite countertops, a breakfast bar, and plenty of cabinet space. Step through the sliding glass door to a covered patio that overlooks a beautifully landscaped backyard with a heated pool and an above-ground heated spa - perfect for year-round relaxation!

927 W Horseshoe Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$565,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,104 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781236
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nice Tri-Level home in desirable location. New flooring, fresh paint. Large kitchen with plenty of storage and beautiful bay windows. Cozy fireplace in family room. Large back yard that features a refreshing pool.

6202 E Mckellips Road Unit 42 Mesa, AZ 85215

$565,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,587 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762857
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in the gorgeous, gated community of Tuscany Villas! This beautiful detached home comes **FURNISHED** and offers a prime location right on the **golf course,** perfect for enjoying peaceful mornings or sunset views. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, a personal vacation getaway, or a lock-and-leave option, this property delivers versatility and luxury. Inside, you'll find an open kitchen, granite countertops and high-quality furnishings throughout. Recent updates include a new HVAC system and water heater. Please see documents tab regarding items that do not convey as well as HOA information.

4550 E Corral Road Phoenix, AZ 85044

$565,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,796 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742076
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Why drive to your next hike? Live nestled among the 16,000 acres of South Mountain Park (trailhead access around corner). Homes seldom come to market in this neighborhood, especially a single story, Great Room concept one. Enjoy engineered hardwood floors through out most of the house & brand new carpet in the secondary bedrooms. Dual pane windows make summer a whole lot easier to handle. Once we cool off, the two-way wood burning fireplace gives your nest an ambience you never knew you ''needed.'' Outside, the front courtyard is the perfect party patio. Use the Tuff Shed for extra storage or hobbies. With electiricity & a loft the possbilties are endless! There's no HOA. Parking an RV or boat on your concrete slab space is A-ok here. A nest perfect for those who love the great outdoors!

16085 W Alameda Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$565,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,019 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772867
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The seller is offering a 3% concession. This beautiful, move-in-ready home features a gourmet kitchen with upgraded cabinetry, a stylish backsplash, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a walk-in pantry. The spacious great room opens to a backyard that is ready for you to create your ideal outdoor oasis. Bedrooms #2 and #3 share a guest bathroom and are separated from the primary bedroom for added privacy. Enjoy shutters and ceiling fans throughout, and soft water system. The community provides exceptional amenities, including an aquatic center, pickleball, sand volleyball, bocce ball, playgrounds, trails, zip lines, and frisbee golf! Special financing incentives are available on this property through SIRVA Mortgage.

17514 N Horseshoe Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

$565,000 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Sun City Grand - The Pinnacle, Surprise
Open House
$565,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,298 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747590
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS HOMES IN THE PRESTIGIOUS 'PINNACLE' AREA OF THE GRAND * SOLAR LEASE HAS BEEN PREPAID TILL 2032 SO NO MONTHLY EXPENSE. (SAVE 1,000S ) YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS ONE !!! EXCEPTIONAL UPGRADES GALORE*FAUX STONE FRONT*STUNNING 18 INCH PORCELAIN TILE*MAGNIFICENT GRANITE COUNTER TOPS & BACKSPLASH * EXQUISITE CUSTOM DESIGNED CHERRY WOOD KITCH CABS, LIBRARY, DEN, MEDIA CENTER * SURROND SOUND* SMOOTH TOP RANGE * 2 OVENS-CONVEN&CONVEC * * GORGEOUS PVT BCKYD W/HUGE PATIO-W/BI BBQ,& SPECTACULAR WTRFALL*3 CAR GAR WITH SERVICE DOOR AND UTILITY SINK*LOW E WINDOWS* ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED. BEDROOMS HAVE NEW CARPET. PERFECT HOME FOR ENTERTAINING. ACROSS FROM GOLF COURSE AND WATER VIEW. The Grand is a 45+ master planned golf course community Sun City Grand, an active adult community in Surprise, Arizona, offers a variety of amenities including: Four 18-hole golf courses Two fitness centers Two resort-style pools Two outdoor lap pools One indoor pool Tennis courts Pickleball courts Bocce ball courts

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