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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

3780 S Ashley Place Chandler, AZ 85286

$614,999
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,188 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743456
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Home, sweet home! This beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath residence now on the market is for you! Great curb appeal, a low-maintance front yard, and a 2 car garage are just the beginning! Discover spacious dining & living areas w/vaulted ceilings, soft carpet in all the right places, and custom palette throughout. The kitchen is equipped w/ample cabinet & counter space, a pantry, built-in appliances, recessed lighting, a prep island, a breakfast nook w/a lovely bay window, and a peninsula w/a breakfast bar. End your busy day in the primary bedroom, boasting a walk-in closet and a full ensuite w/dual sinks. Finally, the wonderful backyard includes a covered patio, extended seating area, artificial turf, and a sparkling blue pool perfect for the warm summer days! What are you waiting for? Act now!

2640 S Southwind Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$614,999
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,260 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747537
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
***MOTIVATED SELLER!!!*** A beautifully maintained gem in the heart of Gilbert, AZ. This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, nestled in a serene and family-friendly neighborhood. Freshly painted inside and out, the home is just waiting for you to move in! Check out the HUGE master bathroom with an oversized shower boasting 2 showerheads. Multiple living spaces and 4 bedrooms will give your family plenty of space to spread out! And don't forget the pool! With a fountain to keep it cool on these hot summer days! Added bonus... No neighbors behind you and only one directly next to you. Additional highlights of this home include a convenient 2-car garage, a dedicated laundry room, and easy access to nearby parks, shopping, and top-rated schools.

20965 E Raven Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$614,999
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,538 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752914
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home in the sought-after Queen Creek, Arizona market is truly a gem! It boasts a spacious open kitchen and living area, perfect for entertaining guests. The kitchen features sleek quartz countertops, and the tile floors add a touch of elegance. The master bathroom is a retreat with a large, luxurious shower. The backyard is an entertainer's dream, with low-maintenance turf and desert landscaping, complemented by a covered patio and a charming gazebo. Ideal for both relaxation and hosting gatherings, this home offers both comfort and style.

20266 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$614,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6717191
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
8760 sqft lot- Gourmet kitchen, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, white cabinets w/extension at nook, pendant lights at island, stainless steel appliances w/pyramid hood & gas cooktop - Multi-slide door at great room - Drop-in tub at primary bath - Pre-plumb locations at laundry room, soft water loop, gas to patio - 9 x 35 tile floors throughout except for carpet in bedrooms - Satin nickel fixtures throughout - Ceiling fan pre-wires at bedrooms, patio and great room - 10-foot ceilings - Two-tone paint - Garage service door

10429 S 47th Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$614,995
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700668
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access with center meet back doors. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom deluxe walk in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a fourth bedroom will complete the plan.

4735 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$614,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,630 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6707290
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy breakfast nook and an impressive kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home will be built with either a study and interior guest quarters. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included as well as a 3 car garage.

10519 S 47th Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$614,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6720455
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, black matte fixtures, and a walk-in pantry. The kitchen is flanked by a great room and a dining room with center meet doors opening to the covered patio. This home is finished with stone tile and carpeted bedrooms. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with large walk-in shower, dual sinks, and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room complete the plan.

4828 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$614,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686946
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two car tandem garage! Inside, a well-appointed Gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, Quartz counters Shaker cabinets and stainless-steel appliances is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access and center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom featuring Deluxe walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan. Select homes will include deluxe options in the primary bathroom and gourmet features in the kitchen.

4738 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$614,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693066
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom, deluxe bathroom with separate shower and garden tub as well as ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

24006 N 171st Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$614,995
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,844 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6678786
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome Home! Darius plan provides a sophisticated and accommodating plan for livability that checks all the boxes on your wish list. In addition to a lavish owner's suite—with a roomy walk-in closet and attached double-sink bath—this home includes a second owner's suite with an adjacent living room, perfect for multi-generational living. You'll also enjoy a 3-car garage, a study, a great room with a covered patio featuring a multi slide door to bring the outdoor living indoors. Inviting gourmet kitchen with a generous island, dining nook for all entertaining gatherings! Airy 10 ft ceilings ,desired jack and jill bathrooms and so much more! This is a must see!

21864 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$614,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,500 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730732
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

21873 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$614,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,500 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6731525
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.