What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 23, 2017

Economic news was impacted by the Martin Luther King holiday on Monday and the Presidential Inauguration on Friday. Readings released included reports on inflation, the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index and Commerce Department releases on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were released as scheduled.

Home Builder Confidence Dips as Inflation Ticks Upward

The National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dipped from December’s reading of 69 to 67. Ongoing challenges including a short supply of lots for development and inability to hire skilled labor were cited, but builders were also confident that market conditions will improve due to a pro-construction stance in the new administration’s policies.

Inflation rose by 0.10 percent to 0.30 percent in December against expectations that inflation would rise by 0.20 percent. November’s reading was also 0.20 percent. The Federal Reserve has long cited a goal for inflation to reach an annual rate of 2.00 percent; incremental month-to-month increases in inflation will help achieve the Fed’s benchmark. Core Consumer Price Index readings do not include volatile food and energy sectors and held steady with a reading of 0.20 percent, which matched expectations and November’s reading.

Housing Starts Increase as Building Permits Slip

According to the Commerce Department, housing starts rose to 1.226 million against an expected reading of 1.200 million housing starts and November’s reading of 1.292 million starts. Building new homes is a priority for home builders as housing markets have been hampered by a lack of available homes. High demand has driven up home prices in many areas and has caused a great deal of competition in highly desirable metro areas. This has permitted investors and other cash buyers to prevail in home sales where multiple offers were made.

Building permits were lower in December with a reading of 1.210 million permits issued as compared to 1.212 million permits issued in November. Winter weather and holidays likely contributed to the dip in permits issued.

Mortgage Rates Fall for Third Consecutive Week

Mortgage rates fell last week for the third consecutive week. 30-year fixed rate mortgages had an average rate of 4.09 percent as compared to the prior week’s reading of 4.12 percent. 15-year fixed mortgage rates averaged three basis points lower at 3.34 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable mortgage rate was two basis points lower at 3.21 percent. Discount points for fixed rate mortgages averaged 0.50 percent; average discount points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 0.40 percent.

New jobless claims fell sharply from 249,000 to 234,000 claims. Analysts had expected a reading of 245,000 new jobless claims. Analysts said that layoffs reached their lowest level since the 1970’s. Job security is an important consideration for prospective home buyers; stronger job markets will likely positively impact housing markets.

Whats Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic reports include readings on new and existing home sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released as usual.

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16455 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$567,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682617
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Townsend has a gorgeous open floor plan with Guest Suite and 10' ceilings! Large Gourmet Kitchen with Quartz Countertops. Owners Suite has a deluxe Master Bath with Walk-in rain shower. Home is on a large lot in a secluded neighborhood. Home comes with paver driveway/walk way to entry. and is complete with stone front exterior on house! A Must See!!!!

16399 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$567,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,506 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702001
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the essence of luxury in this home featuring an upgraded gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, 42-inch cabinets, & expansive walk-in pantry. The spacious design includes 10-foot ceilings, staggered wood-look tile, and multi-slide patio doors that enhance the open, airy feel. The Primary suite bathroom features an upgraded shower with an added secondary rain shower head. Practicality meets style with 8-foot garage doors & paver driveway, offering ample space for storage and vehicles.

16372 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$567,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6718700
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home features a must have Guest Suite as well as dramatic 10' ceilings throughout and a tray ceiling at entry; a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a spacious open great room with a multi-slide door; a beautiful primary suite with a generous walk-in closet. The walk-in shower features a rain shower head. This home offers stylish pavers at driveway/walkway.

935 Calle Azul -- Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$567,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,884 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722019
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 4bed 2bath 2 car garage home with a large lot large patio RV gate with amazing views. Must see property in Wickenburg AZ.

8718 N 180th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$567,250
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,548 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6715988
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss out on this beautiful Pulte home in a Great location! Easy access to the 303, I-10 and Luke Air Force Base. This home has an amazing floorplan with the master suite downstairs and 4 large bedrooms plus a huge loft upstairs. The nice sized lot backs to a greenbelt with mountain views from the backyard. You can take this all in while enjoying some quality time under the expansive covered patio. Some of the many wonderful features you will find inside include, granite countertops, an eat-in kitchen, tasteful neutral flooring and tons of storage space. The laundry room has ample space plus a utility sink. The 3 car garage features shelving and an epoxy floor. Come see it today. This one won't last.....

10221 S Bickwell Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$567,028
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,386 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739939
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience the difference at Laurel at Blossom Rock! This stunning single-story Laredo design is currently under construction and features a spacious open-concept floorplan. The heart of the home includes an inviting kitchen with an island, seamlessly connected to a bright great room that opens to a private, covered outdoor living space. With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a convenient drop zone right off the 3-car garage, this home offers both comfort and functionality. Plus, $49,000 in premium upgrades are already included, and special financing options are available. The home is expected to be completed by November. Living at Blossom Rock means embracing the outdoors with community parks, miles of scenic trails, beautiful lakes, and signature events. Nearby the Superstition Mountains.

2422 E Saint Anne Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85042

$567,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
2,599 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743335
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this spacious 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence blends comfort, and modern living in the sought-after Arbor Subdivision. The spacious open floor plan seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and a large island. The home boasts five generously sized bedrooms, with the primary suite offering dual sinks, dual walk-in closets, and an en-suite bathroom. Enjoy mountain views from the beautifully landscaped backyard with a large covered patio, turf, and pavers. Additional features include a loft, office, and two-car garage. Arbor Subdivision provides well-maintained common areas, parks, and walking trails. Check it out!

23852 N 167th Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$567,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,016 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781319
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning Family Home with Private Outdoor Oasis This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and luxury, with an inviting front patio that welcomes you into a well-designed living space. As you step inside, you'll immediately appreciate the open, airy feel of the home with its modern finishes and thoughtful layout. The heart of the home features a beautifully kitchen that flows seamlessly into a cozy living room, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The master suite is a true retreat, offering privacy and tranquility with its own ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. Step outside to your own private paradise. The backyard is an entertainer's dream, with a heated pool complete with a tranquil water feature, ideal for relaxing or hosting summer gatherings. Enjoy outdoor cooking and dining with the built-in BBQ area, and when the sun gets too bright, simply extend the retractable awning for shade and comfort. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a meal with family and friends, this outdoor space is perfect for creating lasting memories. With its ideal layout, stylish features, and amazing outdoor amenities, this home truly offers the best of both worlds indoor and outdoor luxury!

2398 W Arroyo Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$567,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,535 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6707047
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful single family home featured in popular community ''Morning Sun Farms' located in Queen Creek, AZ. This highly preferred [single level] home incorporates a subtle balance of contemporary finishes with a modern design. The home features 4 bedrooms, +Den/5th bedroom, 2.5 bath(s), 2,534 sq ft open concept floor plan, nicely appointed kitchen w/ granite countertops, large [eat-in] island, dual ovens, gas cooking, raised panel cabinetry, ss appliances, and walk-in pantry. Also, this home features large great room space, 9ft+ ceilings, tile flooring, modern plumbing/lighting fixtures [fans], dual pane [low-e] windows, 2'' wood faux blinds, designated dining space, and a dedicated master retreat featuring a spacious sleeping quarters, separate shower/tub, dual sinks, and large walk-in. closet. Lastly, the home features a 3-car tandem garage w/ new epoxy floors & built-in storage cabinets, and a private [resort style] backyard equipped with covered patio space, sparkling heated pool, built in BBQ [w/ dedicated gas line], mature landscaping, backyard wall raised for increased privacy, and separate RV gate --perfect for entertaining guests & family. Morning Sun Farms offers residents plenty of walking & bike paths, green spaces, and is just minutes away from great shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

441 S Dodge Drive Chandler, AZ 85225

$567,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,162 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736916
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fantastic location in the popular single level community in Kempton Crossing. Well maintained one owner 3BR 2BA plus large den, large kitchen with island and granite counter tops , breakfast nook, formal dining, formal living room and family room with gas fireplace, upgraded tile and wood flooring through out the home, Oversized lot with mature backyard and cover patio, 3 car garage, the home is one of a kind for the subdivision only one built, Kempton crossing is a unique community where all homes are single level with 7400 sqft minimum lot size, this home is the only one of its floor plan in the community, enjoy several nearby family parks with pickle ball courts, biking or walking along the canal and convenient close access to freeway and many stores.

34475 N Fortini Way Queen Creek, AZ 85144

$566,610
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,937 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748798
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
From AZ-24, take Ellsworth Rd, south. Make a right onto Thompson Pkwy. Turn left onto Tesota Way. The sales office will be on your right.

4901 W Hunter Trail San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$566,090
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,926 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778084
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Elite community with a lot of amenities! The perfect blend of functionality comes to life. This stunning home boasts 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, bonus space, office and walk-in closets, ensuring that there's room for everyone. The island takes center stage, serving as a social hub where family and friends can gather. Whether you're preparing a gourmet meal or enjoying a family breakfast, the kitchen is designed to be a culinary haven. dark cabinets, granite counter tops with a generous amount of wood look tile! Stepping outside, the 3-panel sliding glass door offers an additional living space that seamlessly extends the indoor experience. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

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