What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 3, 2016

Last week’s economic releases included reports on new and pending home sales, S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and regularly scheduled weekly reporting on mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Readings on consumer sentiment and confidence were also released.

New and Pending Home Sales Lower as Peak Sales Season Winds Down

August readings for new and pending home sales were lower than for July; analysts said that slim supplies of available homes and rising home prices contributed to slower home sales. Peak home sales typically occur during spring and summer. Homebuyers with school-aged children prefer to be settled into a new home when school starts in August and September.

According to the Commerce Department, new home sales achieved their second highest reading since the Great Recession. Although lower than July’s reading, August sales of new homes reached 609,000 on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Analysts expected a reading of 600,000 new home sales based on July’s reading of 659.000 new homes sold. August’s reading was 20.60 percent higher year-over-year. High demand for homes appears to be kicking home builders into higher gear as they strive to ease slim inventories of available homes.

The impact of short inventories of available homes was reflected in August’s reading for pending home sales. Home sales awaiting closing fell in August from July’s reading of +1.20 percent in July to 2.40 percent in August. The National Association of Realtors® said that home sales are declining due to very limited inventories of available homes. Rapidly rising home prices and strict mortgage qualification requirements also contributed to slipping sales. After home buyers sign a purchase contract, they are at the mercy of changing mortgage rates their ability to qualify for a mortgage. Pending home sales supply an indication of future closings and mortgage loans.

According to the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for July, home price growth dipped from June’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.10 percent to 5.00 percent. Slim inventories of homes for sale and high demand were again cited as primary reasons for slower home price growth. While demand is high, slim supplies of available homes can cause would-be buyers to postpone their home search until more homes are on the market.

Mortgage Rates Fall, New Jobless Claims Rise

Mortgage rates fell across the board last week according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of rates. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell six basis points to 3.42 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was four basis points lower at 2.72 percent. 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages had an average rate of 1.81 percent, which was one basis point lower than the previous week’s reading Discount points were also lower and averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

New jobless claims rose last week to 254,000 claims, but new claims were lower than the expected reading of 259,000 new claims which was based on the prior week’s reading of 251,000 new jobless claims. New jobless claims have stayed below 270,000 new claims for three months for the first time since 1973.

In prepared testimony before the Financial Services Committee, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen discussed problems facing two major banks and said the Fed’s goal was managing its regulatory stance to support financial stability.

September’s Consumer Confidence Index reading rose to 104.1, which exceeded analysts’ estimated reading of 99.3 and August’s reading of 101.1.

What’s Next

Next week’s scheduled economic reports include readings on construction spending and several labor-related releases including ADP Payrolls, Non-Farm Payrolls and the National Unemployment Rates. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims are set for release as usual.

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3374 E Virgil Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$1,349,500
5 Beds
4 Baths
4,485 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6744459
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**Exquisite Golf Course Home at Seville Golf & Country Club on hole 14** Discover luxury living in this stunning 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom residence nestled within the exclusive Seville Golf & Country Club gated neighborhood of La Mirada. Boasting 4,485 sf, this home offers the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. Step into a newly renovated kitchen, complete with top-of-the-line appliances, built in refrigerator freezer with modern finishes. The spacious primary suite, along with updated bathroom and two walk-in closets, reflects attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. Entertain in style in the expansive backyard, featuring a sparkling pool, spa, and a charming Ramada with a built-in BBQ and outdoor fireplace, perfect for gatherings year-round. The fully finished basement includes a second kitchen, a family room, and a private gym with a built-in saunaideal for relaxation and entertaining. With a 3-car garage and a gated neighborhood offering privacy and security, this home is designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Enjoy breathtaking views of the pristine golf course right from your backyard, and experience the serene lifestyle that Seville Golf & Country Club has to offer. This is more than just a home; it's a lifestyle. Don't miss this rare opportunity!

5907 E Night Glow Circle Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,349,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,451 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776488
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
GORGEOUS & IMMACULATE HOME IN GATED SUBDIVISION OF LOS ALISOS!ALL ONE LEVEL, 3451 sft/4 BEDROOM PLUS OFFICE/3.5 BATH/EXTENDED 3CG W/BUILTINS /SOUTH FACING PEBBLETEC POOL!NEW ROOF 2023 & NEW EXTERIOR PAINT IN 2021 !N/S EXPOSURE;SOARING CEILINGS,OVERSIZED WINDOWS LENDS TO LOTS OF NATURAL LIGHT.COOKS KITCHEN W/LG ISLAND;GRANITE COUNTERTOPS;GAS COOKTOP;DOUBLE OVENS;EAT IN KITCHEN OVERLOOKS FR W/GAS FP;FORMAL DINING;SPLIT PRIMARY w/LG SITTING AREA & DOOR TO BACK PATIO/HIS-HERS CLOSETS-DUAL VANITES-HUGE DUAL SHOWER-JACUZZI TUB! OTHER BEDROOMS ARE SPLIT; SPACIOUS! SOUTH FACING ENTERTAINMENT PATIO W/COVERED PATIO; BUILT IN NATURAL GAS FP; LG FIREPIT AREA W/SEATING FOR PLENTY!STUNNING POOL (HEATED!),MATURE PLANTS & TREES! BORDERS COMMON AREA.EXTRA DEEP 3CG (21'10''LONG)W/BUILTINS & WORKSPACE!MORE!

23875 N 79th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$1,349,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,151 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783398
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This PERSONAL PARADISE in Peoria is CLOSE to EXCELLENT SCHOOLS, SHOPPING, FREEWAYS, and ENTERTAINMENT but STILL TUCKED AWAY in a PRIVATE and PEACEFUL LOCATION*KITCHEN has GRANITE at ABUNDANT COUNTER SPACE, neutral UPGRADED CABINETS, ISLAND, bay window, and EXTRA LARGE WALK-IN PANTRY*GREAT ROOM has FIREPLACE*FRONT ROOM can be office or sitting room*GREAT STORAGE*GUEST SUITE has FULL BATH and separate OUTDOOR EXIT*EXPANSIVE OWNER SUITE has SITTING ROOM (used as office) and FANTASIC BATH with WALK IN SHOWER and TUB with JETS*RASTA (IFC) BLOCK CONSTRUCTION*NEWER ROOF, SHUTTERS, SOFT WATER, GARAGE CABINETS and the list goes on*OASIS BACKYARD has FABULOUS DEEP PATIO, SOOTHING POOL, TURF, MOUNTAIN VIEWS, and room for RV PARKING*Come by and see why YOU WILL WANT TO CALL THIS PLACE YOUR ''HOME''

5740 E Red Bird Road Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,349,000 - 5Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Lengthy, Provided In Escrow. No Hoa Horse Privleges, Scottsdale
New
$1,349,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
3,555 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788720
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Two homes in one! Hard to find multi-generational home custom built in 2000. NO STEPS. Wide Hallways. No HOA, Horse Privileges. TWO kitchens, TWO laundry rooms, TWO Living rooms, TWO inside fireplaces, TWO Patios, TWO access doors to the 3-car garage! 1.06 Acres. Mountain Views. Layout: 3 bed/2 bath in main home, and 2 bed/2 bath in Casita. Prime Scottsdale 6 miles north of Desert Ridge at Loop 101 for quick access to downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor Airport. (2) 16 SEER Trane/York HVAC units & 60 gallon hot water heater installed May 2021. UPGRADED 3'' foam w/ transferable roof warranty. Freshly painted inside & out. 50 Amp RV hookup. PebbleTec pool, waterfall, new motor and filters. 16x12x10 Shed/Tack Room. Scottsdale City Water! 50 feet from entry to 6,600+ acres of open riding trails. Near Scottsdale Bible North, Desert Sun academy, Horseshoe Trails Elementary, Sonoran Trails Middle School, Saguaro Forrest Farm, Across from Jodi Scotts School of Horsemanship (Papago Stables North - a riding, training and boarding facility), 5.5 miles to Desert Ridge High Street restaurants and mall, 2 miles to Scottsdale Rd, 4.6 miles to AJs Plaza on Scottsdale Rd.

10302 S 16th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85041

$1,349,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,077 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6713642
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
INCREDABLE luxury home nestled on the side of South Mountain overlooking downtown Phoenix. Owners have spent the past two years returning the home to its original territorial style with new travertine flooring throughout, new interior paint, bath fixtures, door hardware, numerous upgraded lighting fixtures and the primary shower and garden tub remodeled. Great entertaining home from the huge dining and family rooms to the incredible chefs kitchen with GE Monogram appliances. Back yard is truly resort style with infinity edge pool, separate in ground spa, fire pit and outdoor kitchen. The rooftop deck offers incredible views from downtown phoenix to the South Mountains. Oversize 4 car garages for all your toys too.

1326 E Wier Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85040

$1,349,000
6 Beds
4 Baths
3,296 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763350
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Main house is 5 bedrooms, office with 3 bathrooms. Open floorplan to kitchen in main living area. Additionally includes an attached 1 bed, 1bath, office and kitchen apartment. Sale includes the additional 1.1 acre vacant lot 113-52-014. Zoned R3 allowing for up to 3 stories with close to 30 units on both lots combined along with the current house.

7731 E Manana Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,349,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
4,200 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6716693
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful Sonoran Hills home in north Scottsdale! This remodeled gem offers 4,200 sq ft of luxury living, blending modern elegance & timeless charm. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, including a huge downstairs ensuite bedroom. Large upstairs/office/ playroom/workout room includes custom built-ins plus 2 bedrooms w/jack&jill bath & oversized Master. Downstairs great room plus dining/iving & breakfast areas are very light w/bright/plantation shutters thoughout. Pool only 4 years old. Entertain in the formal dining room, enjoy casual meals in the sunny breakfast nook overlooking the sport court & pool. A Tesla charging station, 43G solar panels, an entire house humidifier in AC, the underlayment of the roof is new as was redone when the solar panels were installed, newer flooring throughout, inside just painted throughout. Have had 2 offers that didn't materialize so ignore days on market. Great location!! Great park nearby!

5431 E Olesen Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,348,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,831 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6721033
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in the charming town of Cave Creek, you don't want to miss this beautifully remodeled home with a resort style backyard. The home has an updated kitchen with a huge walk in pantry, all three bathrooms have been recently renovated and newer slate floors throughout. In addition, it has newer air conditioner units. The backyard is fully lighted with mature landscaping for a resort like feel. A huge deck overlooks the yard with a built-in grill and huge shade sails to give ample shade. The backyard is perfect for entertaining with a sparkling pool and spa, fire pit, and a chipping green and tee box for golfers. 2 front circular drives. No garage but plenty of room to add it. Situated on a quiet street, this 1.2 acre lot is steps away from schools, restaurants and shopping.

18626 E Picacho Road Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$1,347,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Tonto Verde Unit One, Rio Verde
New
$1,347,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,100 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788276
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning home in the gated golf community of Tonto Verde. A wall of glass will catch your eye as you enter this home to views of the Golf Course & Mazatzal Mtns. 3 ensuite Bedrooms, Den/Office, Formal Dining & Breakfast Rooms. Great room, open Kitchen w/Bar Seating. Granite Counters, Alder Wood Cabinets, Valances, Gas Fireplace, Large walk in Pantry, 50 bottle Wine Cooler, 8ft solid wood doors. spacious covered patio w/ BBQ & Fireplace. 2nd outdoor fireplace by the inground Spa. Most Furniture and Golf cart available out of Escrow. Tonto Verde Pass- Through Golf Membership is available to purchase and bypass the wait list.

1101 W Fairway Drive Mesa, AZ 85201

$1,347,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,646 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6721138
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**Seller offering $40,000 to be used towards buyer's closing costs Welcome to your dream home! This spectacular property offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and modern elegance. Recently undergoing a complete renovation, this stunning residence boasts breathtaking views and top-of-the-line upgrades, making it an ideal sanctuary for discerning buyers. As you step into this magnificent home, you are greeted by soaring 14-foot vaulted ceilings that open up to expansive views of Camelback and Mummy Mountain. The spacious living areas are highlighted by two cozy fireplaces, perfect for those cool desert evenings. Every detail of this home has been meticulously crafted, from the all-new flooring, framing, drywall, and paint. The entire house has has been spray foamed, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and comfort year-round. The heart of the home is its state-of-the-art kitchen, designed for both functionality and style, boasting all new GE Profile appliances, a butler, appliance vanity, and spacious pantry. With new electrical wiring, including a robust 400 amp panel, the kitchen is equipped to handle all your culinary adventures. The property also features new sewer lines, PEX water piping, and gas line piping, providing peace of mind for years to come. The primary suite highlights include a spa-like primary bath, gas fireplace, two Elfa walk-in closets with built-in storage cabinets, and more beautiful mountain views. The split layout offers ultimate privacy with two bedrooms sharing a Jack and Jill bathroom between them and an additional casita style bedroom bathroom with kitchenette and built-in desk. The den offers a quiet workspace with some original wall cabinets and views of Camelback Mountain. Step outside through your twenty foot infinity door to your private oasis, with sweeping views from South Mountain to Four Peaks, where the pool has been refinished with mini pebble tec and kool decking, flanked by double pergolas. The outdoor shower adds a touch of luxury, making it easy to rinse off after a refreshing swim. The expansive .60 acre lot offers endless possibilities, whether you dream of building a barndominium, a pickleball or tennis court, or simply enjoying the vast open space. The exterior of the home is just as impressive as the interior, with new stucco, encapsulated by an ornamental fence and ficus trees creating privacy and a green space. The large and elevated lot offers not only tremendous views but ample space for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or even constructing additional structures to suit your needs. This exceptional home is perfectly situated to take advantage of Mesa's natural beauty and vibrant community. Enjoy close proximity to top-rated schools, shopping, dining, recreational facilities, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and Old Town. Whether you are hosting a gathering with friends or enjoying a quiet evening with family, this home provides the ideal setting for every occasion.

7147 E Rancho Vista Drive Unit 5002 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$1,345,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,533 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772470
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Welcome home to the most exceptionally designed residence at Optima Camelview Village. Unit 5002 is 2 Bed + office premium skybridge unit with three sides of glass and panoramic views. Completely remodeled with high end finishes including Thermador appliances, custom millwork and stunning white oak floors throughout. Must see to appreciate the detail and craft of this unit. No expense spared! Among dramatic waterfalls, reflective pools and lush landscaping, the Camelview Village amenities include three swimming pools(indoor & outdoor), outdoor putting green, racquetball, basketball/pickleball court, fitness center with separate workout studios, plus a spa, sauna facilities and locker rooms, party room and concierge services. HOA includes water, sewer, trash, gas and cable.

9487 E Trailside View Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,345,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,775 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6692735
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to DC Ranch's premier & highly desired gated community, Terraces at Desert Parks Village! This exquisite and immaculately cared for home features a North/South exposure with a wonderful open floor plan, high ceilings, a private courtyard, 3 large bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3 car garage (with brand new opener w/camera) a heated pool and epitomizes luxury living with state-of-the-art enhancements and elegant finishes such as; refinished cabinetry throughout, newer Viking appliances, newer HVAC systems, new water heater, new water softener, newer water filtration system, tinted windows with new sun screens, Hunter Douglas fabric window coverings, retractable awnings, surround sound, home security system with cameras and much more! The gourmet kitchen boasts gorgeous Quartz counters, under & over counter lighting and an extended island creating the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee! This Monterey home neighborhood has wonderful parks and sidewalks, perfect for afternoon walks! This gem not only offers luxurious living spaces but also great proximity to the best of Scottsdale's amenities, including shopping, dining and outdoor activities. It represents a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and sophistication & will not disappoint the fussiest of buyers!

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