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.

What’s Your Home Worth?

Search for Your New Home

35508 N Tin Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$608,995
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,433 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784991
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*Home is still Under Construction* This beautiful home was crafted for the way you live. The foyer welcomes you with stunning views of the main living space and rear yard. The open-concept kitchen provides connectivity to the great room area with prime access to the outdoor patio. The backyard retreat is perfect for activities, complete with a stacking door system. The resort-style amenities in this community will make your family feel they're on vacation year-round. Come experience your dream home today!

1204 W Fever Tree Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$608,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,716 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6727454
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New incentive- With purchase price of $620K, sellers will pay off the solar lease! Giving buyers 10 yrs of ultra low utility billls! Sellers had $0 utility bills in summer!! Fall/spring were approx $20, winter btwn $20-$50. Come see this beautiful, highly upgraded 4 bed+ office, 2.5 bath, 3 car garage . Gourmet kitchen includes granite counters, oversized island, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, convection oven, & huge walk-in pantry. Primary bedroom features dual vanities, soaking tub, large shower & walk-in closet. Split floor plan with large secondary rooms and walk-in closets. Extra cabinets in laundry & garage. Grass, extended paved patio, and garden beds. Enjoy 2 community pools, splash pads, club house, playgrounds, pickle ball, basketball, sand volleyball, & frisbee golf course

7816 E Quartet Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$608,633
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,132 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787457
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6787457 February Completion! The Sapphire is a thoughtfully designed single-story home featuring 1,970 sq. ft. of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The foyer leads directly to an open dining area, kitchen, and great room, seamlessly connecting to the outdoor living space—perfect for entertaining. Whether you're cooking your favorite meals in the kitchen, relaxing in the great room with a book and coffee, or hosting friends and family, this home is made for creating lasting memories. The spacious primary suite offers a private retreat with a bathroom featuring double sinks and a walk-in closet. Welcome home! Structural options include: bedroom in place of tandem garage, study with doors in place of bedroom.

10044 E Tiburon Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$608,500
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,547 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751296
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
TURN KEY READY!! Nearly-new 5-bedroom, 3-bath home in Mesa's Cadence at Gateway community. Fully Furnished! Built in 2022 by Tri Pointe Homes and stayed in just a handful of times! This spacious residence features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a large island. Bright, open living areas flow seamlessly into a backyard oasis with custom BBQ and designer turf. The primary suite offers a spa-like bath with dual vanities, and walk-in shower. One of the biggest selling points is access to resort-style amenities, including one of the best community pools in the state, many parks, and trails.

960 E Mulberry Place -- Chandler, AZ 85286

$607,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,324 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6638691
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Charming 3 bedroom and 2 bath home in new Chandler community. Hamilton Landing includes 36 single level homes each with their own front porch, private driveway for 2 vehicles and a single car garage and a small, pet friendly rear yard. Each home has 10' flat ceilings, white cabinets, luxury vinyl plank flooring in every room, two tone paint, beautiful wood trim around windows and doors and granite/quartz countertops in the kitchen and baths. The community includes a dog park with a covered ramada. These homes will be ready for occupancy between March and June of 2024. All photos are of a similar home completed in a previous community.

20911 S 231st Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$606,490
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,524 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776293
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new phase!. Our beautiful Revolution plan features it's own guest suite and is conveniently located to all that Queen Creek has to offer. Minutes from the brand new Costco, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Market Place and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

4832 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$605,995
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,024 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6683740
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The single-story Dominic plan offers an open, inviting layout and ample living space. At the heart of the home is a spacious great room that flows into an impressive gourmet kitchen with a center island, quartz counter tops, dual pantries and a generous breakfast nook. A luxurious primary suite showcases an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with Deluxe walk-in shower, a covered patio invites relaxation, a study and a teen room, and a third side turn garage bay.

20419 W Mountain Sage Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$605,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,302 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6519611
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
2023 BRAND NEW HOME! This beautiful 4 bedroom / 2 bath is on 1.2 acres of land with NO HOA! The home features an open floorplan stainless-steel appliance, large pantry, a split double vanity in the primary master with additional closet space. Large, covered patio to enjoy the mountain views with plenty of space for your RV and toys on 1.2 acres! This lot provides endless opportunities for your own landscape/design. Please contact with any questions!

20411 W Mountain Sage Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$605,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,302 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6519609
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom Ranch home on 1.21 acres with beautiful mountain views, open kitchen, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. The home features 9-foot ceilings and a split floor plan. Horses are allowed, and there is no HOA. The property has access to a shared well.

20435 W Mountain Sage Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$605,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,302 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6468712
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Lovely Ranch home located on 1.21 acres and surrounded by beautiful Mountain Views. 4 bedroom and 2-bathroom, Split floorplan. Open kitchen, Granite counter tops, and stainless-steel appliances in kitchen . Enjoy Mountain Views and wide-open spaces from you kitchen table. 9 foot ceilings . Horses privileges. There is a shared well. NO HOA! Bring all the toys and horses.

20427 W Mountain Sage Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$605,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,302 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6468752
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Lovely Ranch home located on 1.21 acres and surrounded by beautiful Mountain Views. 4 bedroom and 2-bathroom, Split floorplan. Open kitchen, Granite counter tops, and stainless-steel appliances in kitchen . Enjoy Mountain Views and wide-open spaces from you kitchen table. 9 foot ceilings . Horses privileges. There is a shared well. NO HOA! Bring all the toys and horses.

302 W Oak Avenue Unit 2 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$605,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,098 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733260
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
TO BE BUILT...Welcome to modern living in the heart of Flagstaff - a collection of contemporary detached homes that redefine luxury and convenience. Nestled against the backdrop of the stunning mountains, step into a world where architectural brilliance meets nature's beauty. The community boasts a sleek and contemporary design that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings. Plentiful glass allows ample natural light to flood the interiors, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. Clean lines, high ceilings, and thoughtfully designed spaces provide an open and airy atmosphere making each home a sanctuary of modern sophistication. Wake up to the awe-inspiring sight of the mountains right outside your window (Select Lots Only).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.