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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2515 W Minton Street Phoenix, AZ 85041

$599,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,795 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755439
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to $10 GRANT OF PNC BANK. Please check if your client qualifies. A fantastic single-level home with four beds and three full baths awaits you! Offering attractive curb appeal, a three-car garage & RV gate/parking. The double-door entrance leads to a charming interior with a w/carpeted living & dining room, luxurious light fixtures, beautiful pillars, archways throughout, & neutral palette. Well-maintained kitchen is equipped w/SS appliances, double refrigerators, cabinetry w/crown molding, granite counters, mosaic backsplash, walk-in pantry, & a center island w/breakfast bar. The main bedroom has a double-door entry and a spotless bathroom w/dual sinks, a separate tub, & walk-in closet. Host fun barbecues in this spacious backyard with a w/covered patio, pavers, & storage shed.

25398 S 227th Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$599,900
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,767 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762278
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully maintained home features a versatile layout with a second master bedroom downstairs alongside another bedroom, perfect for guests or extended family. Upstairs, there are three additional bedrooms, a cozy den, and a generously sized master suite. The homes centerpiece is a stunning oversized kitchen, seamlessly opening to the living area, ideal for entertaining and everyday living. Every inch of this home has been meticulously cared for, ensuring it is in pristine condition, ready for move-in, and perfect for both relaxation and hosting.

5249 E Hobart Street Mesa, AZ 85205

$599,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,397 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758446
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**1% Free Rate buydown for the 1st 12 months with preferred lender Craig Cusick, ** This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers 2,397 sq ft of spacious living. The impressive kitchen is perfect for any chef, featuring ample cabinets and generous counter space. Enjoy cozy evenings in the living room with a fireplace, ideal for entertaining. The primary bathroom offers a relaxing retreat with dual sinks, a walk-in closet, and a separate tub and shower. Step outside to your sparkling pool, the perfect spot to host your next gathering. Same floor plan just sold in September for $620,000. This is a great value. DO NOT miss out—make this stunning home yours today!

8129 W Ross Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$599,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,337 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759468
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This amazing fully upgraded home in the heart of Fletcher heights has one of the largest pie shaped private lots in the subdivision. This one offers brand new LVP flooring throughout the entire first level, upgraded stainless steel appliances in kitchen, new quartz countertops, built in custom fireplace in great room, upgraded light fixtures throughout, custom master shower/tub, upgraded bathrooms throughout, and so much more. 4 bedrooms and loft upstairs, large great room floor plan downstairs, and RV Gate with huge slab behind the gate. Take one look at the photos and get your buyers in the car. This home on this lot will go fast!

1252 E Brentrup Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$599,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,875 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772127
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Convenient Tempe location with abundant upgrades throughout. Quartz countertops, refinished cabinetry, remodeled bathroom, laundry and hallways. New flooring in entry, great room, baths, laundry and hallways. New roof (replaced in 2021). New micro-pebble pool surface (2020) and new filter. Pergola covered patio with mist system and electric fireplace in great room. American standard 4-ton heat pump (2019). Insulated front door, French door with dual pane glass, Milgard dual pane windows, owned 6.3KW Photovoltaic solar system. Large lot with private backyard oasis to enjoy!

9243 E Sector Drive Mesa, AZ 85212

$599,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,810 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774300
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FORMER MODEL HOME! Ready for Quick Move-In. 3 BR + study / 2.5 BA. Kitchen with island and ''Landen Maple'' Burlap cabinetry, white quartz countertops & white-grey herringbone kitchen backsplash with under cabinet lighting. Upgraded tile flooring in all living areas with upgraded carpet in bedrooms, hallways & closets! Dual vanity sinks in both full bathrooms. LED lighting and upgraded light fixtures throughout, smart switches, two-tone paint. This home also features a landscaped backyard with paver patio & washer, dryer, fridge & window treatments included!

16656 S 13th Street Phoenix, AZ 85048

$599,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,040 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780667
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful Foothills home on an oversized, cul-de-sac, end lot with numerous upgrades. Nice back/side yards with lots of green landscaping and a large swimming pool. Multiple upgrades including newer kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances (2016), laminate flooring upstairs (2016), hardwood staircase (2016), resurfaced pebble-tech pool with new filtration system (2021), new guest bath (2022), hot water heater (2022) and the master closet organizer (2023). High grade tile bathrooms with tub in master bath. Nice big loft is a great space for an office or bonus room. Move in ready!

10733 W Swayback Pass Peoria, AZ 85383

$599,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,282 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785066
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This deal is a steal! Price includes 20k for rate buy down and closing cost, and is still priced below comps. The floorplan is 50 ft wide, nicely upgraded, and features 3 beds, plus a den, 3 full baths, and a 3 car garge, located on a large premium lot. The back yard is finished with pavers, turf, and a large covered patio. The setbacks are large for privacy, and there is a double gate on the east side. Bring your offer today.

10847 E Forge Circle Mesa, AZ 85208

$599,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,092 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784548
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Do not miss this one in a kind home!! It features 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with a large RV gate. The master bedroom is downstairs and has its own staircase leading upstairs to a private loft that overlooks the pool. The main staircase leads to upstairs to 3 oversized bedrooms, full bathroom and a massive loft. The main floor features an upgraded kitchen with granite, a backsplash, stainless appliances and a huge pantry with coffee station and extra storage. It is an open concept with a breakfast nook looking to the pool and a formal dining that can be used as office or another living space. The backyard is an oasis with beautiful pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit and large ramada.

907 E Rose Lane Phoenix, AZ 85014

$599,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,553 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784429
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this charming, custom-remodeled home, in the heart of North Central. Completely transformed in 2016, this residence has impeccable upgrades, making it move-in ready. Step inside to beautiful flooring throughout, featuring a mix of carpet and wood tile. The home is bathed in natural light, thanks to the dual-paned windows. The heart of the home, the kitchen, is a chef's dream with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, new lighting, and custom Shaker-style cabinets. It opens to a spacious family room, complete with a cozy fireplace and dual doors leading to the expansive backyard. The primary suite features a large walk-in closet, a recently updated three-quarter bath, and an additional secondary closet for extra storage. The large backyard is perfect for entertaining, with plenty of grassy space, a fire pit, and a 10x8 standalone storage unit. Parking is a breeze with a two-car carport and additional slab parking for up to four cars. Located with easy access to top Valley schools, popular restaurants, and shopping, this home offers the perfect balance of convenience and charm. Don't miss your chance to live in a neighborhood that everyone loves to call home.

24686 N 175th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$599,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,192 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785461
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this 2022 platinum upgrade package (36k) Lennar built home situated on private lot due to drainage easement. You choose this home over a current Lennar build to capitalize on 150k of updates for almost the exact same cost as current models with-out. Professionally transformed basic ''builder grade'' lot into a magazine worthy masterpiece boasting a custom pool with sunbathing shelf, stunning travertine tile, waterfall feature, premium added lighting in both pool & landscaping, raised gas fire pit with pergola, outdoor kitchen/bar with built-in grill (never used), motorized sun shades, ceiling fan and built-in outdoor speakers & tv! (128k) Interior updates: 7 ceiling fans, pendant & cabinet lighting, epoxied garage floor, added built-ins, water softener and whole home audio 12k

1018 W Park Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$599,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,118 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786887
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Gilbert's most sought-after community! This stunning, competitively priced 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers peace of mind with a new AC, roof, and water heater, plus an owned water softener system. Perfectly situated on the largest corner lot in the neighborhood, the backyard is a paradise designed for making memories. Imagine summer days by the sparkling pool, evenings hosting friends under the stars, and plenty of space for kids and pets to play. The RV gate provides ample room for your toys and extra storage. Inside, you'll find spacious living areas and a thoughtful layout, ideal for raising your family and entertaining guests. Move in and start creating a lifetime of memories!

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