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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20622 W Colter Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$1,299,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,282 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752369
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Breathtaking GOLF COURSE MOUNTAIN & CITY VIEWS from this David Weekley Serendipity home! With 3 bdrms, 2 dens, 3.5 baths, you & your guests will have plenty of room to spread out, as each bedroom has its own bathroom. The large owner's suite features stunning views, luxurious shower and soaking tub, as well as access to the laundry room. The gourmet kitchen includes extra cabinets, and huge center island. The ''Walk-Through Pantry is spectacular! There is also a ''Command Center'' (tech area). The beautiful backyard has artificial turf & extended covered patio Wait... there's more.. the 2.5-car garage has a mini-split & overhead storage. There's an over $100K amount of options, upgrades, and updates in this home!!! Also leased solar reduces utility bills. Includes 1-year Home Warranty The addition of the hobby room, which is 12x24 adds another 124 square feet to the floorplan.

21616 N 37th Street Phoenix, AZ 85050

$1,299,000
6 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,302 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748243
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BIG REDUCTION TO SELL! $15,000 SELLER CREDIT FOR CARPETING & UPGRADES AVAILABLE! Own this 6 bed, 4.5 bath Amazon model in Fireside near the school! With a 4-car garage, heated pool, 4,302ft² & located on a premium view lot with no neighbors behind, this won't last long! The main floor includes your open concept great room, upgraded kitchen, formal dining room, den/bonus room, primary bedroom suite (which is epic!), powder bath, laundry, & a casita/mother-in-law suite with a private entrance & bathroom! Upstairs you'll find the additional 4 bedrooms (all with walk-in closets), a loft, tech space, & two more bathrooms! The back yard is filled with beautiful travertine, a heated (& cooled!) pool with smart equipment + controls, a pergola-covered outdoor kitchen + firepit , & view fencing without neighbors behind you! The front yard's desert landscape is maintained with an auto drip system, as is the courtyard! The home also features a TON of upgrades including but not limited to a new dishwasher (2024), AC (2022), solar system, RO water system, soft water system, new back turf (2022), misters on the patio, outdoor security system, new pendant lighting, in-ceiling surround sound speaker system, landscape lighting, and more! New Carpet installed (9/30) in the primary suite, too!

3802 E Piccadilly Road Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,299,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,553 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761839
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This Mid-century modern inspired single level home is quintessential Arcadia Lite! Located on an oversized, corner lot with electric RV gate, play pool & 2 car garage with EV charger. Beautiful curb appeal that welcomes you home in quiet pocket neighborhood. Bright and open, the kitchen features a big designer island and dry bar with clean, modern lines (calling your inner Art Collector for these walls!) Split floorplan with primary on one side and other 3 bedrooms on the other - kitchen/living space in between, makes it a great living flow with plenty of privacy for the primary. A new sparkling pool, putting green and lounge area make the outdoor living so functional and great for hosting.

4148 N Westview Drive Phoenix, AZ 85015

$1,299,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,523 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767459
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Remodeled home in Historic Bel Air neighborhood with 4 bed, 3 bath, 3,523 sq. ft. RV parking, with electric RV gate and 13k lot, Whole house has been updated. Updates include 2 master suites, quartz counters, new plumbing, new windows, electric RV gate, RV parking, new gates, new appliances, new flooring, new baseboards, new cabinets, new electrical, new Trane AC units, new roof, new paint, fire place, new insulation, new tile, new pavers, new pergola's, new fixtures, new toilets, new baseboards, new paint.

1105 N Indian Paintbrush Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$1,299,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,472 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6689974
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This amazing 4 bed, 4 bath multi-level home in Payson is now for sale! Enjoy the breathtaking golf course and panoramic mountain views from a recently remodeled and expanded deck. The home itself is nestled in the Community of Chaparral Pines and boasts a stunning façade, manicured landscape, and a 2 car garage w/paver driveway. Inside you will find a spacious living area w/elegant tile flooring, stylish light fixtures, abundant natural light, and neutral palette throughout. Hone your cooking skills in this gorgeous kitchen, comprised of wood cabinetry w/granite counters, SS appliances such as a wall oven & wine cooler, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. You'll love the primary bedroom, featuring soft carpet, private deck access, walk-in closet, and a lavish ensuite! Don't forget about the cozy den, perfect for an office! Also including a HUGE deck w/a built-in BBQ where you can enjoy a summer cookout w/friends and loved ones, this home is a dream come true! Don't let this incredible opportunity slip by!

8743 E San Victor Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$1,299,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,819 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6763640
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully remodeled home in McCormick Ranch backs onto a serene greenbelt and features an open, bright floor plan with soaring ceilings. The spacious layout includes formal living and dining areas, plus a family room with a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, luxury wet bar & dual master suites. Gourmet kitchen boasts brand new white quartz countertops, Wolf appliances, a Sub-Zero fridge, double ovens, two sinks, & breakfast bar. Both master suites have walk-in closets and backyard access. The backyard is a green oasis offering a built-in BBQ, pool & spa! The master bathroom is a freshly remodeled dream. Roof & AC replaced in recent years. Milgard windows, & garage w/ cabinets & epoxy floors. Bonus, 2 rentable community casitas! Move-in ready!

4850 E Poinsettia Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,299,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,902 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6738636
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home! This fully remodeled & expanded property is designed with modern comfort & luxury in mind. W/updates to the kitchen, Master suite, HVAC system, roof, windows, & the addition of spray foam insulation, it offers energy efficiency & a nearly new home. It also features an ADDED 2C garage, heated and cooled for your cars & toys. Recognized as the ''Best Home on the 85254 Tour,'' this stunning residence includes dual master suites, 3 spacious bathrooms, & an open-concept floor plan. The chef's kitchen is a true showpiece, perfectly situated to overlook a well landscaped backyard, complete with fruit trees, a gazebo, & maintenance-free synthetic grass. Pool Available too! Car enthusiasts will love the 4+garage, in the best neighborhood and A+scottsdale School distric Property upgrades: New 3-ton AC 2024 Roof 2020/2024 for addition New windows New Master Suite 19x19 New Master Bath 15x19 w/ soak tub, shower, toilet and bidet 2-Master Suites Foam insulation throughout 4+ Car garage cooled/heated Work room All new Electrical Wiring New Low voltage lighting Epoxy Garage floor New Pavered Driveway for 8 cars

2132 W Legends Way Anthem, AZ 85086

$1,299,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,950 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6726770
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
THE HOME YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! Nestled at the base of Daisy Mountain in Anthem Country Club is this stunning home, offering a blend of elegance and comfort. You will experience an immediate calming and peaceful feeling as you look to the mountains and desert behind you. As you approach the home, you will find the beautiful desert landscaping outside the private courtyard, offering another sanctuary type setting for your comfort and enjoyment. Upon entering this home your eyes will immediately be drawn to the views out the living and dining room windows. The foyer is stunning with a new Iron and glass door and travertine flooring. Updates galore in this 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home that also has an attached casita with powder room. The gourmet kitchen was updated with a new kitchen island, new granite counters, newly re-faced and beautifully stained cabinetry, and 2023 Subzero fridge, Bosch dishwasher, microwave and range hood. Adjacent to the kitchen is the cozy den/family room with stone surround fireplace and plenty of room to relax and enjoy family and friends. The master retreat features a walk in shower with new glass doors, refinished cabinets and granite counter tops at the vanities, and His & Her walk in closets with organizers. Wonderful views from the master bedroom where you can relax in front of the fireplace or head out the sliding door to the private covered patio. The other two bedrooms are en suite and upgraded with granite countertops, new Toto toilets, tub/shower combos and both have walk in closets. Finishing off the interior of the home is an office with built in cabinetry and a powder room nearby. The lot, which is over 17,000 square feet has a gazebo with fireplace, 2 soothing water features on remotes, artificial turf and lots of space to do whatever your heart desires. Looking for space for golf cart or ATV? The side gate can be changed to a double gate to allow for a secured parking space. Updates to this home include all new windows (42) and French door sliders (3) with Low E Glass, new frames, and a transferable lifetime warranty; 3 Trane AC units including new furnaces (2017);entire home replumbed with PEX in 2022, including all valves throughout the home. New exterior drip system installed with 4 zones, artificial turf and new trees/plantings. New smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with hard wire interconnect. New exterior paint is beautiful! See documents section for a full list of features and upgrades. Welcome to Anthem Country Club offering two 18 hole Greg Nash designed golf courses, 2 club houses with restaurants, bars, and pro shops. 2 work out facilities with tons of classes offered daily, 2 swimming pools, the Oasis Bar and Grill at the Persimmon pool, tennis courts, pickleball courts, bocce ball at The Back Yard at Persimmon, ball room at Ironwood to host large events. In addition to all of that, you also have access to the Anthem Parkside facilities that includes over 60 acres of parks, catch and release fishing pond, sand volleyball, water park, pool, pickleball, tennis, skate park, playgrounds and more!!! Welcome home!!!

19550 N Grayhawk Drive Unit 1127 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,299,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,834 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766674
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Discover this exquisitely remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome in the prestigious Grayhawk community, perfectly situated on the golf course. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully updated with the finest luxury finishes, offering a perfect blend of style and sophistication. Step into the spacious living area featuring a grand fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings, complemented by a custom wet bar and three wine fridges—a true entertainer's dream. The gourmet kitchen boasts Café appliances, quartzite countertops, and ample space for the most discerning chef. Retreat to the luxury master suite, complete with a spa-like bathroom featuring a sleek glass and tile shower, a serene soaking tub, and an expansive walk-in closet. The outdoor space is equally impressive, with brand-new landscaping, a tranquil fountain, and a hot tub ideal for unwinding after a long day. Whether enjoying the backyard oasis or taking in the golf course and mountain views, this home offers an unparalleled Scottsdale lifestyle. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to live in Grayhawk's finest. Schedule your private showing today!

12158 N 138th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$1,299,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,979 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6731048
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully remodeled home within the guard gated community of Scottsdale Mountain, features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a loft, an office and a host of modern upgrades, including engineered white oak hardwood throughout. The downstairs boasts high ceilings and beautifully remodeled kitchen, featuring new white oak and white cabinets, appliances and quartz countertops. Step into the family room with a dual sided fireplace with the living room on the opposite side. The backyard features a view fence over a beautiful wash, a newly resurfaced pebble tech pool and stunning mountain views at the base of the McDowell Mountains. The home boasts a large first floor master retreat and completely remodeled bathroom. Upstairs is a great place for the kids with an additional two bedrooms and a loft for games and entertainment. Lastly, the home received a new roof in 2022 and new Trane HVAC system in 2024. Don't miss this stunning remodel in the safe and secure guard gated community of Scottsdale Mountain adjacent to award winning schools!

8431 E Via De Encanto -- Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$1,299,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Sands Scottsdale 5, Scottsdale
Open House
$1,299,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,159 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778485
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This property is immaculate! Located in the desirable McCormick Ranch area, this 2,159 sq. ft. home offers spacious rooms and a thoughtful layout ideal for modern and open-concept living. The remodeled kitchen features quartz counters, white & navy shaker cabinets, an island & breakfast bar, Monogram propane gas stove, large great room with double sliding door, vaulted ceilings and a striking stone fireplace, wet bar & wine fridge. Outside, a large backyard awaits with a sparkling pebble sheen pool, covered patio, a newly installed travertine pool deck, Anderson windows/doors, and a paver courtyard in front, all on a huge 11,592 SF private lot. Beautifully landscaped yard. Conveniently located, minutes from shopping, parks, freeway access, and various dining options.

8507 S 9th Drive Unit 16 Phoenix, AZ 85041

$1,298,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,063 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6704445
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Introducing Heard Farm at South Mountain, a brand new community of 24 modern farmhouses with sophisticated architecture designed for healthy, sustainable living! Nestled in South Mountain with quick access to downtown Phoenix, Heard Farm seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living with fresh floor plans designed for the way you want to live.

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