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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10761 E Buckskin Trail Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$5,500,000
5 Beds
8 Baths
8,382 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757384
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*HUGE Price Adjustment! Absolutely Jewel of a house, now really priced to sell!!! No Way can this be duplicated for even close to this price. This contemporary Southwest masterpiece, designed by Tor Barstad and completed in late 2015, spans 8,382 square feet. Situated on a prime lot, the home boasts panoramic views capturing stunning sunsets, Pinnacle Peak, and dramatic boulder landscapes. The owners have meticulously refined every detail, from custom window treatments and mature landscaping to perfecting the outdoor living spaces and addressing all new home adjustments, ensuring that this house is the epitome of move-in ready. The residence features an expansive open floor plan that includes five bedrooms, an office, an exercise room, and a bonus room, with nearly all living space A highlight is the fully-equipped bakery adjacent to the kitchen, which also features an oversized bar, a large wine cabinet, and expansive pocket doors that enhance the flow between the great room and kitchen. The designer kitchen is a culinary dream, equipped with four ovens (including LaCornue Chateau and Viking), multiple Sub-Zero refrigerators and freezers, two Viking microwaves, dishwashers by Asko and Fischer & Paykel, two Scotsman icemakers, and a Wolf warming drawer. The home's interiors are both modern and inviting, with light finishes, limestone and wide-plank wood floors, granite and marble countertops, and custom details such as brick and wood ceiling treatments, bespoke plumbing fixtures, lighting, and a comprehensive house-wide audio/visual system. The backyard is an entertainer's paradise, featuring a large pool and spa, three fire elements, an outdoor BBQ center with a spacious island, multiple covered patios, and even an outdoor pool shower and bathroomall set against the backdrop of Troon's iconic rock formations. This private, guard-gated community is just moments from the Troon Country Club and only ten minutes from the Loop 101, blending exquisite privacy with convenience.

29646 N 109th Place Unit 128 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,500,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
6,541 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693328
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand New Construction! Just completed! Featuring timeless architecture with contemporary flair this new masterpiece by Red Moon Homes is the perfect getaway to the Sonoran Desert. Open & airy great room concept plan with sleek wet bar and grand fireplace. Main living spaces connect to expansive outdoor patios, refreshing pool/spa, BBQ, mountain views, and spectacular sunsets. Upstairs is a bonus room with full bathroom and view deck. The serene primary suite features a spa like bathroom and designer closet which connects to the laundry room. Split are two additional bedrooms & den/optional 4th bedroom all with ensuite bathrooms. Kitchen features top of the line appliances with an oversized island & connecting breakfast nook.

9877 E Miramonte Drive Unit 280 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,500,000
5 Beds
6.5 Baths
5,750 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6753464
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning Desert Mountain contemporary home on a terrific lot. Built by leading luxury home builder - Black Stone Custom Homes, this gem is located in the 2nd closest village to the front gate of the Desert Mountain community and an easy walk to the brand new Renegade Clubhouse and practice park. Less than one-year new, this home offers a great room floor plan, 5 suites, one of which is a detached casita, outstanding outdoor living space with two fireplaces, fire feature, 7 outdoor Infrateck ceiling heaters and 3.5 car air conditioned garage. Built with outdoor living in mind and to capture the Continental Mountains and sunset views, the retractable walls of glass allow the outdoors in. Some of the updated features include: 1) Crestron automation system throughout the entire home controlling music and lighting, 2) upgraded Awake windows featuring larger glass size, thinner profiles, heavy duty rollers for easy retractable open and close, enhanced R values, 3) entire home water purifying system, 4) additional full size refrigerator in pantry, 4) DCS 48 Evolution Built in Grill, and 5) automated shades throughout the home. This home was designed by one of the leading home designers in Desert Mountain - Graffin Design. See Document tab for Update list

10627 E Hedgehog Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,500,000 - 4Br/6Ba -  for Sale in Pinnacle Canyon At Troon North, Scottsdale
Open House
$5,500,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
5,873 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702937
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PINNACLE PEAK HILLSIDE CUSTOM RESORT HOME: Perched high on the mountain, backs to ''The Rocks'' and Four Seasons. The main house is 4917 sf with 360 degree views and features reclaimed solid wood floors, rustic beam ceilings & organic stones incorporated throughtout, Huge Chef's Kitchen with Double Sub Zero and Wolf apppliances. Kitchen is open to the dining area with two 10' tall vanishing patio doors. Primary bedroom has fireplace/private deck to the outside living areas. Two more bedrooms, lower level and very private den/office with expensive views. Extraordinary Guest House is over 900 square feet w/Bedroom, separate Living Room, Kitchen Area, W/D, & Full Bath. Complete home automation w/remote access to control temperature, lighting, alarm and pool & spa and Automated shades. Multiple fireplaces, patios & private balconies showcase panoramic views of boulder outcroppings, mountains & city lights to the north. Pool and spa with water fall features and slide. Outdoor covered kitchen BBQ. This is one of a kind custom Sante Fe with some contemporary flair, built on the side of the mountain with expansive unobstructed views. Multiple fireplaces, private balconies, Note the beautiful large organic stones were incorporated into the architecture with rustic beams and vegas, to create opulence and charm. The private resort-style outdoor living area features self-cleaning pebbletec pool, spa, two large waterfall features, outdoor shower, and fully covered outdoor living room. All furnishings are available on separate bill of sale. See the Matterport walk through to see the floorplan and walk through the rooms. Pinnacle Peak, Tom's Thumb, Granite Mt Visitors Center Hiking are hiking trails within walking distance. Scottsdale National Golf Course is minutes away. This feels like Hotel Arizona.

6443 E Malcomb Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,500,000 - 5Br/7Ba -  for Sale in Paradise Valley Estates 1 Amended, Paradise Valley
Open House
$5,500,000
5 Beds
6.5 Baths
7,275 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766015
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning single-level, 5-bedroom, 6.5-bath estate in the heart of Paradise Valley. Enjoy gorgeous Camelback Mountain views and an entertainer's backyard. Fully remodeled featuring high ceilings, spacious living areas, natural light, and state-of-the-art finishes throughout. Gourmet chef's kitchen, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, and island perfect for entertaining. Privately gated with an auto court and guest house. This estate is conveniently located just minutes from all of Paradise Valley's top resorts, golf, shopping and dining.

6431 N Lost Dutchman Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,499,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,964 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724747
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**HOME IS BEING SOLD TURN-KEY READY WITH DESIGNER FURNISHINGS** ENTERING THROUGH THE PRIVATE COURTYARD OF THE LAST REMAINING HOME IN THE COMMUNITY WILL BE THOUGHTFULLY LANDSCAPED FOR A WELCOMING ENTRANCE. THE IRON AND GLASS DOOR LEADS YOU INTO THE VAULTED GREAT ROOM WITH 2 STORY FIREPLACE WALL, CHEFS KITCHEN, WET BAR, AND DINING ROOM. THE KITCHEN AND WET BAR IS ADORNED WITH NUMEROUS SUB-ZERO, WOLF AND COVE APPLIANCES. THE INCREDIBLE ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN THE ALL THE FINISHES IN THIS HOME WERE CHOSEN BY CULLUM HOMES INTERIOR DESIGN TEAM. THE RETRACTABLE WALL OF GLASS AND 2-STORY CLERESTORY GLASS MAKE THIS HOME SO LIGHT AND BRIGHT. THE PRIMARY SUITE IS SO COMFORTABLE WITH VIEWS OVER THE BACK YARD FOUNTAIN AND ENTERTAINING AREA. A SMALL GUEST SUITE WITH OWN ENTRANCE, LAUNDRY, POWDER BATH, ELEVATOR AND 3 AIR-CONDITIONED GARAGES MAKE UP THE FIRST FLOOR. THE IMPRESSIVE STAIRCASE AND LARGE WINDOW TO THE UPSTAIRS LANDING OVERLOOKING THE ENTRANCE AND GREAT ROOM WAS THE VISION OF THE CULLUM ARCHITECT TEAM. THE GLASS OFFICE EN-SUITE HAS VIEWS TOWARD CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN. THE LARGE LOFT AREA WITH CUSTOM BUILT IN CABINETRY LEAD TO THE COVERED DECK WITH GREAT VIEWS OF MUMMY MOUNTAIN! 2 LARGE EN-SUITES WITH BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM FINISHES AND WALK OUT DECK WITH CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN VIEWS COMPLETE THE SECOND LEVEL. PLENTY OF STORAGE IN THIS 4-BEDROOM, 4 FULL BATHS, 1 POWDER BATH, OFFICE, GREAT ROOM, CHEF'S KITCHEN, DINING ROOM, WET BAR, LOFT AND 3 CAR AIR CONDITIONED GARAGE. THIS HOME IS LOCATED IN THE 24-HOUR GUARD GATED COMMUNITY OF THE VILLAGE AT MOUNTAIN SHADOWS WITH ITS PARK, COMMUNITY POOL AND ACCESS TO THE MOUNTAIN SHADOWS RESORT AND ALL ITS AMENITIES AT YOUR DOORSTEP. A GREAT LOCK AND LEAVE HOME FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

38152 N 109th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,495,000
5 Beds
6 Baths
6,169 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6641439
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Cutting edge new build by Red Moon Homes. Located in the exclusive North Scottsdale private community of Mirabel. Contemporary design, all on one level with an upstairs guest home reached by an impressive cantilevered lighted wood slab tread and steel beam U shaped lighted staircase. To die for spacious outdoor living to enjoy with modern pool with sizeable beach entry and adjacent spa, covered grilling, living and alfresco dining space. The cool and clean look of artificial turf is plentiful and easy to care for. Modern minimalist exterior with stucco, rough limestone stack stone details, multitudes of glass doors and windows, metal roof and facia with multiple vaulted roof lines. The flawless floor plan with an open, high ceilings, airy great room, dining, kitchen, wet bar and powder provide for daily living as well as festivities with many. The private split primary sanctuary with cutting edge finishes, spa like bath, massive designer closet and patio access will delight. The nearby ensuite barn door entry office provides an exemplary workspace or can serve as a 5th ensuite guest room. Close proximity to the decadent laundry with mitered window detail and to the beautifully finished 4 car spic and span garage space, entices all. For family and friends the two guest ensuites on the main level provide privacy and elegance, wonderful retreats, one with patio access. The upstairs guest home is not to be believed. The sitting space, ensuite bedroom, living space with powder and breakfast bar complete with sink and faucet enchant. The North and South balconies, through 4 paned glass wall systems bestow elevated panoramic views of mountains, city lights, sunsets and starry skies. Sophistication is viewed throughout with the finest of finishes - new sizeable porcelain tiles used on bath floors and walls, wide wood plank floors throughout, SubZero and Cove appliances, rift cut and lacquered slab cabinetry with lit toe kicks, fabulous top of the line exotic Quartz counter and vanity slabs and chrome and the new brass hardware. Mirabel's intimate community offers, golf, tennis, fitness and social endeavors. Come, live the Arizona desert lifestyle with comfort, opulence and functionality in this magnificent Red Moon Homes built Mirabel home.

38031 N 97th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,485,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
6,556 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6443503
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
DESERT MTN. MEMBERSHIP NOW AVAILABLE WITH CLUB APPROVAL, ASK FOR DETAILS. Brand New Mortensen Signature Home. Now Completed 5750 sq ft main house plus stand alone 806 sq ft Casita with a king size bedroom, kitchen, large bathroom, closet and living room. Main house includes a large flex room, great for a Game Room, Home Theater or a hobby of your choice. Great Room, Gourmet Kitchen, Home Office and Master Bedroom have stunning S/W sunset views that overlook your pebble tec pool and spa. Custom built in BBQ, landscaped front and rear with auto drip systems, pots and lighting all included. Unlimited options for your family and friends. Whole home furniture packages available.

10039 N Mcdowell View Trail Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$5,450,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
6,068 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750498
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Extravagant custom home to be built in the beautiful hillside community of Firerock. Building to start as early as mid November with an estimated completion time of late 2025 to early 2026. The design of this home accentuates the views of the McDowell Mountains to the North and Four Peaks to the East. This home features 4 bedrooms, a theater room, and a study on the main level. There is a very large bonus room on the garage level. An elevator that brings you from the garage to the main level. Kitchen looks out past an L-shaped slider for an indoor/outdoor living feel. The luxury pool and raised spa are the focal point of the kitchen view. Built in BBQ area, planter boxes and a raised grass/garden area finishes off this luscious outside living space.

8037 N 7th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021

$5,400,000
6 Beds
6 Baths
7,200 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774614
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Miami Meets Phoenix!! With a Fashion Glare to Contemporary Lifestyle! Welcome to (Nick-Named) FontaineBleau-New Construction 2024 Just Completed! A Must See to Experience the Quintessential Essence of Sophistication. Features A True Entertainers Style w/ Ease. Starting From Your Fingertips w/a Whole House Programable (RTI) Smart System Including Multiple iPad/Remotes( Lutron, Sonos & more), Full Wolf Appliance Package w/Custom 60inch Stainless Steel Hood, SubZero Frig/Freezer, 18ft Long H2O-Fall Granite Island, 48x48 Tile Floor from Italy, 21ft Enormous Tiled Fireplace, Floating Staircase, 5 Bosh a/c Units, Under-Mount Lighting, RO & Whole House Soft H2O Drinking System, Wine Cellar, 24ft Palm Trees, Resort Style Yrd, Sparking Blue Pool, w/Sunken Fireplace, Full BBQ, & Gazebo. Tons More!!

12232 N 65th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$5,389,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
6,637 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730125
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Cactus Corridor Luxurious Estate with Resort-Style Amenities Experience the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication with this exquisite transitional estate, nestled on nearly an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds in the coveted Cactus Corridor. Spanning 6,637 square feet, this home seamlessly blends elegance and functionality, offering a lifestyle of unparalleled comfort and style. Upon entering, you are greeted by a thoughtfully designed layout featuring five spacious bedrooms and five and a half opulent bathrooms. The master suite is a true sanctuary, complete with a luxurious bath and his-and-her walk-in closets, providing a serene retreat. Each of the additional bedrooms also boasts walk-in closets, ensuring ample storage and privacy for every member of the house

4568 S Banning Drive Gilbert, AZ 85297

$5,375,000
7 Beds
6.5 Baths
10,572 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702319
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE! Award winning builder, Luxury Living Homes presents this incredible 10,572 Sq Ft single level estate with 2 Guest Houses in the prestigious gated community, Weston Ranch! Winning multiple awards, this property is the home builder's personal residence and showcase home with architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. This 7 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom luxury estate offers an NBA indoor basketball court, 6 car garage, detached guest house and exquisite custom finishes throughout. The custom ceiling details, over 23 imported slabs/inlay marbles/tile work, incredible kid bedrooms with play areas that inspire young minds creativity, amazing outdoor spaces including pickle ball court/sport court, and multiple engineered pools within one large pool

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