What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 19, 2016

Last week’s economic news included reports on retail sales, inflation, and weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

Retail Sales Slip as Consumer Prices Inch Up

Retail sales dipped into negative territory in August with a reading of -0.30 percent as compared to expectations of -0.10 percent and July’s reading of +0.10 percent. Retail sales excluding auto sales were better at +0.30 percent. Analysts expected a reading of +0.20 percent based on July’s reading of -0.40 percent. August’s negative reading for retail sales was the first negative report since March.

Inflation fared better than retail sales with August’s Consumer Price Index reading at 0.20 percent. Analysts expected a reading of 0.10 percent; July’s reading was flat. Core Consumer Price Index readings for August are less volatile, as the Core CPI does not include readings for food and energy costs. August’s Core CPI reading was 0.30 percent. A reading of 0.20 percent was expected; July’s reading was 0.10 percent. It appears that inflation is creeping upward, but remains well below the Fed’s target reading of 2.0 percent.

Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Rise

Freddie Mac reported higher mortgage rates across the board last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose six basis points to 3.50 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose one basis point to 2.76 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose one basis point to an average of 2.82 percent. Average discount points were 0.50 for 30 and 15-year fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Low mortgage rates have helped home buyers, especially first-time and moderate income buyers, meet affordability challenges. Home prices have risen due to low numbers of available homes and high demand for homes. If mortgage rates continue to rise, fewer buyers will be able to qualify for mortgages and or afford asking prices for available homes.

Next week’s meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee is expected to bring news of a Fed decision on raising the target federal funds rate. If the Fed raises its rate, consumer interest rates for mortgages, vehicles and other goods can be expected to increase as well.

Whats Ahead

This week’s economic news includes the NAHB Housing Market Index, Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued and a Fed Statement at the conclusion of its Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Wednesday. Fed Chair Janet Yellen is also slated to give a press conference after the FOMC statement. The National Association of Realtors will also release a report on sales of previously owned homes.

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3114 W Donatello Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$650,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,380 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693186
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Location! Location! Location! Welcome to the neighborhood. This freshly painted (interior and exterior), two-story haven boasts 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a spacious loft, and a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Oversized driveway with pavers. No neighbors directly across the street. Enjoy the natural desert views instead! Dive into community pools, enjoy a multi-acre park, or serve it up on the tennis courts and spike it at sand volleyball. Several tot lots are scattered throughout the community and you can join a pick-up basketball game as well. Schools, shops, and dining just minutes away, plus easy I-17 access, nearby hiking and biking trails...and Lake Pleasant a mere 25 minutes away! Welcome to the incomparable Arizona lifestyle!

3131 N Central Avenue Unit 3018 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$650,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,419 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6621435
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
*Construction Completed* 5% BUYER INCENTIVE! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom + den condo is one of the larger two bedroom floor plans and offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Spacious balcony to capture the amazing views while outside as well. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

14367 W Ventura Street Surprise, AZ 85379

$650,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,391 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743761
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this exceptional RV garage home in the gated community of W Ranch. This open floorplan offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, featuring a versatile flex space den and a split floor plan for ultimate privacy. This home is designed for both comfort and functionality. The chef's kitchen stands out with its stainless-steel gas stove, double ovens, and quartz countertops, complemented by a stylish backsplash and tall cabinets that provide an abundance of storage, including a walk-in pantry and a Reverse osmosis system to keep your water fresh. Enjoy the elegance of luxury vinyl flooring throughout, along with vaulted ceilings that enhance the spacious feel of the home. Step outside to your private oasis, complete with a built-in BBQ and a brick patio featuring a ceiling fan and exterior sunshade for added comfort. The easy-to-maintain yard is enhanced with artificial grass, mature trees, and a cozy fire pit, making relaxation effortless. With electrical hookups ready for a hot tub, this outdoor space is perfect for both entertaining and unwinding. Car enthusiasts and RV owners will appreciate the RV garage, featuring epoxy flooring, an additional 220 line for additional refrigerators, Freezers, or tools, a 50-amp plug for RVs, and an RV dump connected directly to the sewer. The driveway is beautifully paved with bricks, extending behind the RV gate for added convenience. The expansive master suite is a true retreat, boasting a luxurious tiled walk-in shower, dual sinks, and a spacious walk-in closet. Additional features of this exceptional home include owned solar panels and numerous other upgrades like a water softener system and more. This property is a rare find, offering a perfect blend of luxury, and modern amenities conveniently located in the heart of SURPRISE. Don't miss the opportunity to make this your new home!

1514 E Estrid Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$650,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,245 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747440
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
2024 Remodel Loaded with Upgrades and New A/C Unit, Picturesque Corner lot with Stunning Mountain Views, Mature landscaping, Living/Dining room features Vaulted ceilings, Clerestory windows, Plantation Shutters, & Elegant Wood-look flooring. The Cozy Family room has an inviting Fireplace for relaxing evenings. The Kitchen comes with a breakfast nook, Quartz counters, Abundant White cabinetry, a Subway tile Backsplash, SS appliances, a pantry, & an Island/Breakfast bar. The versatile den is ideal for an office, study, or a 3rd bedroom. The sizeable main bedroom offers plush carpeting, an ensuite with dual vanities, soaking tub, & walk-in closet. The serene backyard oasis includes a covered patio, stylish pavers & a lawn. Make it yours!

20272 E Hummingbird Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$650,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,039 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6717146
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home that spans a spacious 3,039 square feet. Perfectly positioned in a friendly neighborhood, backing up to a peaceful walkway, 6+ miles of walking trails throughout the neighborhood, this residence combines the best of tranquil living and modern conveniences. As you step inside, you are greeted by a stunning great room, highlighted by custom-built ins and abundant natural light. The kitchen is a chef's delight with upgraded quartz countertops, an oversized island perfect for meal preparation and entertaining, and ample storage options. This home not only offers four generous bedrooms but also includes a dedicated office, ideal for remote work or study. Backyard has a RV Gate, water feature, fruit trees and a gazebo.

7409 E Pleasant Run Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$650,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,688 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6735895
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your perfect gem! This townhome in the desirable McCormick Ranch community, ideal for investors and offered as a short sale. This home boasts a rare main-floor master suite, large windows that flood the space with natural light, and a private patio for serene outdoor living. With only one shared wall, this corner lot offers extra privacy and easy access to the lush greenbelt. The spacious upstairs loft and two additional bedrooms provide flexible living areas. Located in the Pleasant Run subdivision, you'll enjoy top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and recreation nearby. This property is ready for your personal touches to transform it into your dream residence. Don't miss this incredible opportunity at an unbeatable price!

937 E Amelia Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85014

$650,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,768 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722847
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful remodeled home near the Phoenix Country club! Great floor plan with two master suites, an additional bedroom and three bathrooms. Kitchen has quartz countertops, all new stainless steel appliances, waterfall island, gorgeous backsplash and designer accents. Beautiful tile throughout home, no carpets! Fully landscaped front and backyard, with new pavers, double RV gate and a detached garage in the back. Covered patio to relax in the backyard. Beautiful light fixtures throughout and new electrical panel! Easy access to high ways, schools and shopping. Must see home!

3823 N 8th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$650,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,838 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6614730
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
If you're looking for a short term rental, it's equipped and ready to go. This home is also ideal for the investor that caters to traveling nurses. Minutes away from Phoenix Children's Hospital. The main home has three bedrooms, two baths. With a very private studio apartment one bedroom with a kitchenette along with separate entrance. The property has been remodeled extensively new roof, new windows, fresh paint along with completely remodeled kitchen and bathroom. Flooring in the main house just completely redone with new Sub floor and vinyl plank flooring. Garage set up as a huge game room that can easily be converted back to a double car g Owner to give a credit or paint the themed rooms.

77 E Missouri Avenue Unit 34 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$650,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,575 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6706905
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Delightful townhouse ready to move in! This 3-bedroom home offers an attached 2-car garage and a gated entryway. Access through the double hardwood doors into an impressive foyer filled with natural light. Discover spacious living areas, beautiful wood floors, coffered ceilings, and plantation shutters throughout. Fall in love with the large open design that allows a greater traffic flow, enjoy a cozy ambiance with the wood-burning fireplace, and host endless feats on the lovely dining. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, oak cabinetry, granite countertops & backsplash, wall ovens, and a sizable breakfast room. Prepare to be amazed by the massive main retreat, which includes a sitting area & a private balcony with spectacular views of the lake & the community. The lavish ensuite is comprised of a jetted tub, two vanities, and two walk-in closets. The secondary bedrooms also enjoy private bathrooms, adding comfort for family & guests. The oversized bonus room on the main floor is perfect for an entertainment area. The covered patio with faux cobblestone is ideal for enjoying your favorite beverage. This fantastic guarded community offers a heated pool & a spa. A true gem with an excellent location in Uptown Phoenix! Must see!

4901 E Winchcomb Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$650,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,657 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719792
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This charming home has been impeccably maintained & updated by its original owner. Walls were taken down, windows, doors & the roof replaced, & the feeling you get is light, bright & airy throughout. The new HVAC was installed 7/21 & the evaporative cooler in 3/24. You'll love the newer kitchen with its white shaker cabinetry & granite countertops, all open to the spacious great room with plenty of room for family gatherings or entertaining your friends. The spacious backyard sanctuary offers lush landscape, privacy, a large covered patio, & a storage shed. One of the 2 secondary bedrooms has a full-size Murphy bed as well as built-in bookshelves making a perfect den. With an updated hall bath & the entire interior just freshly painted, this home is ready and waiting for you!

11257 N 37th Street Phoenix, AZ 85028

$650,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,489 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724212
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with an office and a bonus room feels brand new. It features a recently updated roof, hardwood flooring, and remodeled bathrooms. The modern kitchen includes a breakfast bar, custom countertops and cabinets, and new stainless-steel appliances. The property also boasts a family room, great room, dining room, and a Pebble Tech pool. Located just half a block from schools, parks, and baseball fields, it's perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy the best of Arizona living. Situated on a corner lot in a cul-de-sac in Phoenix, this single-level home is close to shopping, dining, freeways, and more.

12622 N 58th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85304

$650,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
4,059 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724205
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this 5-bed, 3-bath gem nestled in a friendly community, offering 4,059 sq ft of spacious living. The upgraded kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with modern amenities. The master suite features a luxurious, renovated bath, setting the tone for ultimate relaxation. Fresh paint elevates the interior, giving it a new, vibrant look. Step outside to a low-maintenance backyard, complete with a massive workshop for the DIY enthusiast. The 3-car garage boasts custom cabinets, plus an RV gate for added convenience. Situated in the highly-rated Peoria Unified School District and minutes from 101 & I-17 freeways, shopping, and dining. Don't miss this exceptional home!

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