What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 30, 2017

Last week’s economic news included readings on new and existing home sales and mortgage rates. Also released were reports on new jobless claims and consumer sentiment.

New and Existing Home Sales Lower in December

According to the U.S. Commerce Department, sales of new homes fell to 536,000 sales on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. This reading was markedly lower than the expected rate of 595,000 sales and November’s reading of 598,000 sales. Analysts said that the drop in new home sales indicated that the housing sector is still experiencing a rocky recovery. December’s reading for new home sales was 10.4 percent lower than December’s adjusted reading of 598,000 sales. December’s reading was 0.40 percent lower year-over-year.

The median sale price of new homes was $322,500 in December, which was 4.30 percent higher than in November and 7.90 percent higher than in December 2015. The dip in sales has increased inventory of available homes to a reading of 5.80 months needed to sell all new homes presently available. Real estate pros typically consider a six-month supply of homes for sale a normal inventory.

In related news, sales of pre-owned homes were also lower in December. The National Association of Realtors® reported December sales at 5.49 million on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis; this reading was lower than expectations of 5.51 million sales and November’s reading of 5.65 million sales. The slower rate of sales may signal that home prices have topped out; there is also a very low inventory of available pre-owned homes for sale as compared to demand. Sales of pre-owned homes were 2.80 percent lower than November’s reading, which was the highest rate of existing home sales since 2007. Sales of pre-owned homes were 0.70 percent higher year-over-year.

Winter weather and holidays may have contributed to lower home sales in December, but higher prices, tough mortgage requirements and a low supply of available pre-owned homes were seen as obstacles to completed home sales for December.

Mortgage Rates Mixed, New Jobless Claims Rise

Freddie Mac reported higher fixed rates for mortgages last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose 10 basis points to 4.19 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose six basis points to 3.40 percent. The average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage fell by one basis point to 3.20 percent. Discount points for fixed rate and 5/1 mortgages averaged 0.40 percent.

New jobless claims exceeded expectations of 250,000 new claims with a reading of 259,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 237,000 new claims. Analysts said that volatility is common with new jobless claims in January. There were few layoffs reported and good news that the new jobless claims rate remained below the benchmark reading of 300,000 new claims for the 99th consecutive week. This milestone was last seen in 1970.

The four-week rolling average of new jobless claims fell by 2000 to an average of 245,900 new claims filed; this was the lowest reading since 1973.

Consumer sentiment rose to 98.5 which surpassed the expected reading of 98.2 percent and December’s reading of 98.1 percent.

Whats Ahead

Multiple readings on housing and labor related data will be released this week. Scheduled releases include pending home sales, Case-Shiller Housing Market Indices and construction spending. Reports on inflation and core inflation are due along with readings on non-farm payrolls, ADP payrolls and the national unemployment rate.

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6926 N 177th Place Waddell, AZ 85355

$1,425,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,300 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6705971
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new home, full of custom finishes! NO HOA. Irrigated backyard. This incredible home features an open floor plan with every detail thoughtfully designed. 1 acre lot and includes a detached oversized RV Garage. You do not want to miss this!

15055 N Meander Mountain Way Prescott, AZ 86305

$1,425,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,604 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751996
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Custom home in Prescott's exclusive Gated Golf community, Talking Rock Ranch, offering the lowest price per square foot in the area. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac with an east-facing backyard to enjoy the morning sun in a serene, private, forest-like setting. Newly remodeled great room with DaVinci island fireplace and freshly painted interior. Bright, open spaces with American Walnut wood flooring, featuring a split floor plan that includes an office and a formal dining room. Large primary suite with Reclaimed Red & White Oak floors. A perfect blend of comfort and luxury awaits! Talking Rock is an exclusive golf community providing members unparalleled hospitality. Amenities include award-winning Jay Morrish designed Golf Course, Fitness Barn, Ranch House Restaurant and Bar, Coop's Coffee House, Members Lounge, Racquet sports Courts, Dog Park, Community Garden, over 14 miles of hiking and biking trails and so much more!

42221 N Caledonia Way Anthem, AZ 85086

$1,425,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,545 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752002
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Resort style Arizona living can be yours with 2014 Ultra Paz finished heated Grecian style pool and spa with multiple water features, gas woks, fireplace and fire pit, Cantera decking front and back, 2 exterior pergolas, stacked stone outdoor fireplace, BBQ island & front of home, courtyard Arabesque fountain, wrought iron Cantera entry door, 2022 Trane HVAC systems & ductwork & solar panels. Pleasing light & bright interior w/great room custom bar, patio french doors, stacked stone wall w/linear fireplace, custom master entry doors, master bath free standing tub, kitchen remodel, wine refrigerator, double ovens, family room stacked stone fireplace, crown molding, custom lighting, interior paint and 2024 carpet.

8974 E Rusty Spur Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,425,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746787
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Complete renovation from top to bottom on this beautiful DC Ranch patio home! Nestled in a gated, grassy community, this home features all new hardwood flooring, bathroom flooring, plumbing fixtures, countertops, appliances, hardware, paint, and lighting. Kitchen walls have been opened up into dining room to offer a fresh new layout that is bright and inviting. Kitchen island reconfigured and extended a to beautiful & large waterfall island covered in stunning marble. Brand new refrigerator and custom & functional sink! 3rd bedroom is the casita; separate but connected to main home. Casita has small refrigerator, microwave, and sink and lovely bathroom. New artificial grass and plants in backyard.Views of McDowells & walking distance to Market Street shops & dining.

5012 E Blanche Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,425,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,437 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755414
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully updated two-story residence is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of modern comfort and versatile living spaces. Step inside to find the renovated interior with brand-new windows that fill each room with natural light. The new kitchen is a chef's delight, with new appliances, sleek cabinetry and stunning countertops - perfect for entertaining or everyday meals. The exterior is equally impressive with an oasis backyard complete with a sparkling pool. Whether you're lounging by the water or hosting a BBQ, this private retreat is your personal paradise.The garage has been transformed into a stylish work/home salon, ideal for those looking for a professional space without leaving home. Alternatively, it can be used as an additional downstairs bedroom.

6313 N 10th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85013

$1,425,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,680 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6725247
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SELLER OFFERING 5.75% FINANCING RATE FOR 30 DAYS. COME SEE THIS GORGEOUS NEW CONSTRUCTION - CHOOSE YOUR HOME NOW. Blue Sky Homes are 50% MORE energy efficient than a standard new build and Energy Star / Indoor AirPlus Certified for cost savings and a significantly healthier home for you and your family. WELCOME TO ARUMA at CASA AZUL - We are a Newly Constructed 12 home subdivision exuding state of the art smart home features, notable sustainability with the intent of encouraging community and serenity. This 4 bedroom , 3 1/2 bathroom homes offers upgrades and amenities you won't find from any other new home builder Aside from our custom interior design features and highly desirable family friendly floor plans, we proudly offer all of the following upgrades in all of our Casa Azul homes .. 16' Sliding Glass Doors / Vaulted Ceilings / Smart Home Control Center Tablet / Smart lock & Keyless Entry / Smart Thermostat / Smart Home Pre-wiring for Complete Home Synthesis / Quartz Countertops & Custom Cabinetry / Energy Star Appliances / Oversized Bathrooms & Bedrooms / Covered Back Patios / Lifestyle Features / Serene Backyards / Electric Vehicle Charging Outlet / ENERGY STAR Certified / Indoor AirPLUS Certified / 3rd Party Audited Energy & HERS Score Rating / Spray foam insulation / Insulated Garage & Attic / EPA Water sense Toilets, Faucets, & Showers / LED Lighting /Insulated Owner's Suite for Efficiency & Sound / No VOC paint / Low VOC Engineered Flooring. Centrally located and close to all of the best restaurants and schools Arizona has to offer ... welcome to your new home!

18233 W Palo Verde Court Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$1,425,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
3,733 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6699525
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your Desert Oasis! At the base of White Tank Mountains sits this premier home combining modern elegance with the highest standards of sophisticated living. Built with upgrades that represent the superior elements in today's trends. This 3700+ square foot cul -de-sac home is nestled over a 22,000 sq ft lot and crafted with the utmost attention to detail, this home showcases superior workmanship and timeless design elements throughout. The open-concept layout seamlessly connects the gourmet kitchen, dining area, and living room, creating a central center for everyday living. The chef's kitchen incorporates the kitchen island with seating for 8, stainless steel appliances, built-in microwave and wall oven, gas range, pantry and separate built-in wine fridge. The exquisite granite stone countertops complement this culinary masterpiece. This home offers vaulted ceilings, large glass slider door that invite abundant natural light and offers a panoramic view of the backyard, vaulted ceilings, and dramatic fireplace wall accents that flow harmoniously throughout the main living areas. This is a split floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 1 office, tv room and attached casita (or 4th bedroom)with its living area and bathroom. Relax in the master suite, spa-like bathroom and generous walk-in closet, dual sink vanities, oversized shower, freestanding bathtub that exudes resort ambiance. Step outside to your own private oasis where the sparkling pool and spa await you. The perfectly manicured low maintenance landscape surrounds the outdoor living spaces and creates a serene ambiance for entertainment and relaxation. Entertainers dream; custom pool and spa with expanded pool deck, covered patio, ramada with built-in BBQ, sink, wine fridge, fireplace, TV outlet, putting green and inground trampoline. The paver driveway leads you to the custom wrought iron gates directing you to the 6-car garage and boat parking. Don't miss the opportunity to own this elegant and modern real estate with all the amenities you could ever desire, this is not a home, it's a lifestyle.

6826 E Larkspur Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,425,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
2,657 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6699856
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nicely remodeled home offering 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and 2 car garage in the main house. There is a 1,150 sq.ft. detached garage built 2017, with a bathroom, plumbed for a shower if buyer wants to add a shower, garage could be converted to a guest house. There is parking for up to 7 Cars without lifts. This large lot offers a circle drive with a courtyard entry. Updated Kitchen, living room, family room and dinning room, walls have been removed for an open concept 2015 . Backyard offers a large diving pool remodeled 2015, lots of synthetic grass, fire pit area, 2 RV gates, the fences are stucco and painted, Citrus trees, Tangelo, Lemon Tangerine and AZ Sweet Oranges and a Tuff Shed that conveys. Views of the McDowell Mountains. Video Surveillance system, 11 Cameras to convey.

6324 N 10th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85013

$1,425,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,696 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733625
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SELLER OFFERING 5.75% FINANCING RATE FOR 30 DAYS. COME SEE THIS GORGEOUS NEW CONSTRUCTION - CHOOSE YOUR HOME NOW Blue Sky Homes are 50% MORE energy efficient than a standard new build and Energy Star / Indoor AirPlus Certified for cost savings and a significantly healthier home for you and your family. WELCOME TO TOLTEC at CASA AZUL - We are a Newly Constructed 12 home subdivision exuding state of the art smart home features, notable sustainability with the intent of encouraging community and serenity. This 4 bedroom , 3 1/2 bathroom homes offers upgrades and amenities you won't find from any other new home builder Aside from our custom interior design features and highly desirable family friendly floor plans, we proudly offer all of the following upgrades in all of our Casa Azul homes homes .. 16' Sliding Glass Doors / Vaulted Ceilings / Smart Home Control Center Tablet / Smart lock & Keyless Entry / Smart Thermostat / Smart Home Pre-wiring for Complete Home Synthesis / Quartz Countertops & Custom Cabinetry / Energy Star Appliances / Oversized Bathrooms & Bedrooms / Covered Back Patios / Lifestyle Features / Serene Backyards / Electric Vehicle Charging Outlet / ENERGY STAR Certified / Indoor AirPLUS Certified / 3rd Party Audited Energy & HERS Score Rating / Spray foam insulation / Insulated Garage & Attic / EPA Water sense Toilets, Faucets, & Showers / LED Lighting /Insulated Owner's Suite for Efficiency & Sound / No VOC paint / Low VOC Engineered Flooring. Centrally located and close to all of the best restaurants and schools Arizona has to offer ... welcome to your new home!

9768 E Balancing Rock Road Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,424,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,964 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6713491
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Indulge in luxury desert living in this beautifully remodeled home within the Golf Community of Balancing Rock at Troon North. Enjoy panoramic views of Pinnacle Peak & unique boulder outcroppings. With 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, every detail exudes elegance. The kitchen, now seamlessly integrated with the great room, boasts quartz countertops, newer cabinetry, & an induction cooktop. Entertain in the formal dining area or retreat to the separate office/den. The split master suite offers privacy, enhanced by plantation shutters, wood-like tile planks & leads into the ''spa like'' bath with an abundance of closet space.. Outside, a heated spool, built-in BBQ, and fireplace create a resort-style oasis. Experience the ultimate in desert living, embracing nature's beauty from your own backyard.

175 Quail Hollow Drive Unit 34 Sedona, AZ 86351

$1,424,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,100 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6706214
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
UP CLOSE MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS-NON HOA-VERY PRIVATE AND ENCLOSED GARDEN OF EDEN/BIRD SANCTUARY RETREAT -INCLUDED WITH THIS LISTING IS THE ADJACENT LOT 33, both totaling 1.2 ACRES. Lot 33 lends opportunity to build upon, to extend the gardens, or to add a pool. (Parcel 40532035). --This home was the featured garden during the Sedona Hummingbird Festival. -Every inch of beauty, the water feature, the exquisite variety of flowers, trees, and several seating/resting areas to relax and entertain is beyond your imagination. -The new and large windows capture mountain and garden views along with numerous interior and exterior upgrades. -This private and serene community is tucked away with local trails and a mere 3+ miles to desirable amenities: 3 public Golf Courses, Dining, Retail, Grocer, and numerous Hiking trails and Oak Creek. ***Please review the List of upgrades and additions such as the 4th bedroom with bathroom, New 2 car separate Garage, etc. in the Documents tab. -Come home adding joy and tranquility while sipping your cup of coffee or sharing a meal and wine with your guests YOUR OASIS AWAITS! Please note the additional room and bathroom are not permitted by County.

5543 E Olesen Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,415,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,038 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6659555
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ready for move-in! Contemporary NEXTGEN Builders home: 4BD +office/den, 3.5BA, high-quality luxury with many upgrades. See attached for included features. Oversized 2-Gar with attached 46' RV Gar with 12x14 RV door, on 1+ acre. No HOA, paver front sidewalk & driveway apron, large kitchen island, upgraded SubZero/Wolf appliance Pkg:, Gas Range, Microwave Drawer, 48'' Subzero Refrig, Quartz counter tops throughout. Many upgrades, all bedrooms have walk in closets. Owner's bath has large entry shower with standalone tub and double sinks. 8' doors throughout, nicely finished. Energy efficient Spray foam insulation, 2x6 framed and fully sheathed exterior, post tension foundation, Pictures are from recently completed model home. Buyer to verify all facts.

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