What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 24, 2016

Last week’s economic releases included the National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Market Index along with reports on housing starts, building permits and sales of previously owned homes. Weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released.

NAHB: Builder Sentiment Dips amid High Demand for Homes

Home builder confidence in current housing market conditions dipped from September’s index reading of 65 to 63. September’s reading was the highest since the peak of the housing bubble. Any reading above 50 indicates a majority of builders surveyed are confident about housing market conditions. Building new homes is essential to relieving intense demand for homes against short supplies of homes for sale. Builders cited obstacles including low supplies of land for development and workforce shortages, but expressed confidence in overall economic conditions that affect construction and sales of new homes.

Housing Starts Fall, Building Permits Rise

According to the Commerce Department, the reading for housing starts was nine percent lower in September than for August. 1.047 million starts were reported in September on a seasonally adjusted annual basis; August’s reading showed 1.150 million starts. Monthly readings tend to fluctuate due to weather, labor and materials supplies. Single family starts provided good news with a higher annual rate of 783,000 starts; this was 8.10 percent higher than August’s reading.

More building permits were issued in September than for August. Overall, 1.225 million permits issued on an annual basis. August’s reading showed 1.152 million permits issued. Building permits for single-family homes rose to 783, 000 on an annual basis, an increase of 8.10 percent over August. September’s increase in single-family permits indicates that builders are shifting their efforts toward single-family construction instead of multi-family construction. This signifies confidence in homeownership and suggests stronger housing markets as renters become homebuyers.

Sales of PreviouslyOwned Homes Increase

The National Association of Realtors® reported that previously owned homes sold at a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 5.47 million sales in September as compared to a rate of 5.33 million sales in August. Pre-owned home sales rebounded after slowing in July and August. Home prices rose 5.60 percent year-over-year to an average of $234,200; this was the 55th consecutive month that home prices rose.

Sales of pre-owned home sales rose in all four regions rose year-over-year from 0.90 percent in the South to 5.80 percent in the Northeast. First-time buyers accounted for 34 percent of sales, which was the highest participation rate in four years.

Mortgage Rates Higher

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week. 30-year fixed rates were five basis points higher at 3.52 percent. 15-year fixed rates were three basis points higher at 2.79 percent. 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates rose three basis points to 2.85 percent. Discount points rose from 0.50 to 0.60 percent for fixed rate mortgages and were unchanged at -.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

New jobless claims were higher than expected at 260,000 claims; analysts expected 248,000 new claims to be filed based on the prior week’s reading of 247,000 new claims filed. Last week’s reading was the highest in six weeks, but analysts said that layoffs remain very low.

Whats Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes Case-Shiller home price data, readings on new and pending home sales along with reports on consumer confidence. Mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released on their regular weekly scheduled.

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8014 E Plata -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$619,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,532 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6732961
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Single story home on a corner lot that offers a split floor plan, with large open kitchen which features stunning soft glide cabinets, top of the line stainless appliances with built-in oven and microwave, large island, pendent lighting. The spacious master suite overlooks the backyard with a walk-­in closet that is truly larger than most bedrooms. RV Gate. Solar swimming pool panel owned. Located across the street from the park & walking trails & just minutes from the 60 & 202 fr-ways and San Tan Village.

3019 E Marilyn Road Phoenix, AZ 85032

$619,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,832 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733523
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in the highly sought-after neighborhood of Cimarron Ridge, this wonderful entertainment home offers the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. Enjoy the serene ambiance of a quiet cul-de-sac, complemented by a spacious yard. The property features a stunning Pebble Tec pool and spa, ideal for relaxation and entertaining. Don't miss the opportunity to own this gem in a prime central location!

19700 N 76th Street Unit 2028 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$619,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,843 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759796
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Immaculate open & bright South facing condo in the highly desirable gated Village at Grayhawk community. Upgraded features include travertine flooring, plantation shutters & more make this beautiful 2 bedroom+ den, 2 car garage residence stand out from the rest. Warm & inviting kitchen features breakfast bar, granite countertops, maple cabinetry, black stainless LG appliances, gas range & recessed lighting opens to dining/great room. Relax in large great room w/gas fireplace, built-in media & display niches. Spacious master retreat w/room for desk/workout equipment, dual sinks, separate shower & garden tub. Enjoy 3 beautiful heated pools & spas and 2 workout facilities. Convenient access to Loop 101 freeway, hiking and walking trails, world class golf, shopping and dining.

18117 W Tecoma Road Goodyear, AZ 85338

$619,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,838 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781120
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Energy-efficient SOLAR property in the master-planned community of Estrella! Sweet curb appeal, desert landscaping & Inside, a rotunda foyer leads you toward the semi-open den & great room, providing endless entertainment. Pre-wired surround sound, durable tile flooring, custom paint, & gorgeous light fixtures. The kitchen showcases a center island w/breakfast bar, a pantry, staggered cabinets, mosaic backsplash, SS appliances, & granite counters. Split main retreat features backyard access & an ensuite boasting a separate tub/shower, dual sink, & walk-in closet w/stacked laundry area. Both bedrooms have soft carpets! Entertainer's backyard offers built-in BBQ, fireplace, covered patio, putting green, pool & spa combo, & view fence. Plus, solar panels! This home is the one! MTN Views! - DEN / LAKERS billiards Room Can be easily transitioned to 3rd bdrm.

2734 W Montgomery Drive Chandler, AZ 85224

$619,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,009 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6756991
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come and see this freshly remodeled stunning home in Chandler. This 4 bed 2 bath 2 Car Garage home is move in ready!! Located just off the 101 and Warner you are just minutes away from the Chandler Mall with all the shopping and great restaurants. Home is located in the A rated Chandler School District. As you pull up to this stunning gem you will notice the freshly painted exterior and low maintenance front yard. Though the front door your welcomed by brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the main living areas and plush patterned carpet in the bedrooms. The soaring ceilings continue around the corner off the front room and into your brand new stunning kitchen. This fully remodeled kitchen boasts new white shaker cabinets, white quartz countertops, brand new stainless steel appliances and upgraded lighting. Just off the kitchen is the massive pantry / laundry room with custom shelves, mud room bench, white cabinets and butcher block top. Split floor plan has the Master suite off of the front room and it is GORGEOUS. Vaulted ceilings, dual vanity sink, large walk in closet and brand new custom tiled shower. Brand new windows and window coverings throughout the home. New water heater. New ceiling fans, door hardware, light and plumbing fixtures give this home a modern feel. Out back there is plenty of room to entertain with a freshly laid rolled sod yard with paver border, new sprinkler system and a large gazebo with fire pit that conveys. Don't miss out on this gem. Come and see it today!!

18607 W Oregon Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$619,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,691 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762312
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
****SELLER OFFERING $15,000 SELLER CONCESSION, WITH ACCEPTED OFFER***** This impressive single-level home in Litchfield Park boasts 2,691 square feet of living space on an expansive 11,051 square foot lot. Featuring a split floor plan with four oversized bedrooms, each with large walk-in closets, and 2.5 bathrooms. The home is designed for both comfort and functionality with vaulted ceilings and custom window treatments. The massive primary suite includes a remodeled bathroom with a stand-alone tub and a spacious walk-in closet. The 3-car tandem garage has vaulted ceilings for extra storage, plus added electrical outlets perfect for welders and power tools. An oversized RV gate provides paved RV parking with a power connection, ideal for boats, RVs, and UTVs. The remodeled gourmet kitchen is equipped with granite countertops and a large walk-in pantry. The backyard offers an extended patio, mature landscaping and a large storage shed. With close access to the 303 and I-10 freeways, this meticulously maintained home combines convenience with exceptional features for everyday living. Check this one out today!

15163 W Cameron Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$619,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,684 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775454
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home! Recently renovated and turn-key! 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a bonus loft + 3-car garage. New luxury vinyl flooring and tile floors throughout, formal living /dining room, kitchen with island, walk-in pantry, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, open to breakfast nook and family room overlooking covered patio, grassy backyard and pool w/ shark inlay. Upstairs to spacious loft for a 2nd family room! Primary suite w/sitting area, separate shower/tub and extra large closet and sleek renovated bathrooms. Added features include modern light fixtures and ceiling fans, surround sound, garage with attached cabinets and epoxy flooring. Enjoy community features of parks, greenbelts, playgrounds, sport court and sand volleyball court.

12129 N Finch Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$619,900 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Morningside At Lakeside Village Phase 2 Amd, Fountain Hills
Open House
New
$619,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,417 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788922
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Location, Location, Location! Premium tranquil & private lot backs to unique gorgeous natural common area. Spacious backyard & covered patio to enjoy outdoor living. Just steps to Community heated POOL & SPA. Quick walk to the World famous Fountain, Park & all that Town Center offers. Great Room offers vaulted ceiling & corner wood burning fireplace. Large Kitchen showcases Granite counters, tile backsplash, newer appliances, lower cabinets with pullouts and Eat-In area with lots of natural light. Bathrooms have been updated with walk-in tiled showers. Additional improvements include: New Roof 2022; New tile plank flooring & carpet (2022); New window treatment (2022); New fans & light fixtures; New interior paint; Garage epoxy flooring (2022). Act quick on this amazing move-in ready home

14219 W Artemisa Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$619,500
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,462 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6643180
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller may contribute $5,000 towards the buyer's closing cost. ***WHY-WAIT-TO BUILD*** This two-story home is a stunning property that offers a spacious and well-designed layout. With four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, this home provides ample space for a growing family or for those who enjoy having extra room. The Gormet eat-in Kitchen is a true design of a chef's delight, upgraded gas cooking range, beautiful quartz countertops, ample amount of 42-inch upgraded cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances. Plantation shutters throughout the first floor. Downstairs offers a large den/office or can be a playroom. The master bedroom is conveniently located downstairs, offering privacy and convenience. The master bathroom features upgraded cabinetry, separate garden tub, dual sinks, large walk-in shower, adding a touch of luxury to the space. The first floor of this stunning home features wood-like extensive flooring adding a touch of warmth and elegance to the space. Upstairs, you will find an enormous loft area that can be used as a playroom, another office, or entertainment area. Additional bedrooms upstairs plenty of space for family members or guests. This home is north-south, ensuring that you can enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to natural light and temperature control. Additionally, this home has been barely lived in and resembles a spec home, meaning it is in pristine condition and ready for its new owners to move in and make it their own. You will also have the best of both worlds located remarkably close to all the shopping in north Peoria as well as Surprise, minutes away from the best of both growing areas and schools.

2864 Timberline Road Pinetop, AZ 85935

$619,500
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,333 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751546
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
The Pinetop Country Club area is renowned for its serene landscapes and charming properties, and it seems you've found a gem with this detached townhouse. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a bonus room that can serve as a fifth bedroom or study, plus a loft, it offers ample space and versatility. The list of upgrades is impressive, including a premium lot, advanced A/C system with extra insulation, and a host of new installations like a water heater and washer dryer. The addition of a soft start on the A/C unit is a smart move to extend its lifespan. It's clear that meticulous care has been taken to maintain and enhance the property, from the practical servicing of all systems to the aesthetic addition of new trees and a railing on the back patio. ...READ MORE... The fact that it's sold fully furnished makes it an even more attractive turnkey solution for mountain living. The HOA's coverage of exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal adds to the worry-free experience. This condo truly stands out as one of the nicest in the subdivision. If you're looking for a retreat that combines luxury with the tranquility of mountain life, this property seems to tick all the boxes.

2445 W Rowel Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$619,380
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,964 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785167
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your NEW HOME at Aster in Union Park! This home offers 1,964 sq ft of living space with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The primary bedroom has dual walk-in closets and a private deck. The Design features are the Elevated A package of upgrades including 42'' flagstone cabinets, quartz countertop, custom backsplash, large island, GE Profile stainless steel appliances and gas range and 6x36 tile flooring. HOA includes Union Park Amenities, front yard landscaping. Union Park residents will enjoy the abundance of amenities that include, resort styled pool and lounge areas, a 5800 sq ft clubhouse, pickleball courts, basketball courts, 11 parks, playgrounds and walking paths. Easy access to 3 freeways within 10 minutes and 25 minutes to Airport.

22794 E Stacey Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$619,040
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,770 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739105
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Incredible Fall Move In Ready Home at the highly desired community of Harvest in Queen Creek. This beautiful plan offers 2753 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, loft, 3 full baths, and study on a large North back home site. Enjoy entertaining in your gourmet kitchen, with stunning pecan cabinets to the 10 ft ceiling, quartz countertops and quartz backsplash. Unwind in your owners retreat with the upgraded super shower offering tile to the ceiling. 2x6 constrution and new home warranty; SEE YOU SOON

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