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

232 W Cucumber Tree Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$604,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,156 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746146
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to 232 W Cucumber Tree Ave! Step into luxury with this stunning former model home that offers a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. This beautifully designed residence features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 pristine bathrooms, ensuring ample space for both relaxation and entertaining. From the moment you enter, you'll be greeted by high-end finishes and a thoughtful layout. The open-concept living area boasts a light-filled ambiance, with soaring ceilings and large windows that showcase the home's exquisite design. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with top-of-the-line appliances, sleek countertops, and custom cabinetry. The master suite is a private retreat, featuring a generously sized bedroom, a walk-in closet, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with dual vanities a soaking tub, and a separate shower. Two additional bedrooms provide comfort and flexibility for family or guests. Step outside to your own slice of paradisea beautifully landscaped backyard that's perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding after a long day. The former model home status means it comes with all the upgrades and special features that set it apart from the rest. Located in the desirable Ironwood Crossing community, you'll enjoy easy access to local amenities, parks, and top-rated schools. Don't miss the opportunity to make this exceptional property your new home!

21832 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$604,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6708927
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The heart of the ranch-style Townsend is an open floor plan with a family room, a breakfast nook and a large kitchen that can be optioned with gourmet features. The adjacent primary suite offers a walk-in closet and an attached bath with several deluxe options, including a walk-in shower. You'll also find two additional bedrooms and a bath, as well as a private study and a dining room. Add another bedroom and bath in place of the dining room, or choose a guest suite instead. Includes covered patio and a 2-car garage!

7617 W Smoketree Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$604,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,953 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751349
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new community in North Peoria! This stunning single story home offers 1,953 sq ft of functional living space. It features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, den, and a 2 car garage. The open concept kitchen is perfect for entertaining and features an Island, a walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances. It also offers our Harmony Palette which includes gray painted 42'' cabinets, slate gray quartz kitchen countertops, 4x8 kitchen backsplash, and 6x24 wood looking plank tile in all the common areas. The great room offers a 4-panel center sliding glass door so you can step out into your covered patio to enjoy indoor/outdoor living in your backyard with friends and family. The primary suite has a spacious walk-in closet, double sinks, walk-in shower, and an additional linen closet for extra storage. This home also features a paver driveway, 8 foot interior doors, soft water loop and much more! Great location close to dining, freeways, parks, and entertainment!

37645 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$604,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,652 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6697374
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Introducing luxury living, embrace the opulence of a new home previously exclusive to Scottsdale and the East Valley. Experience the versatility of our Flagstaff plan, featuring the Extra Suite Plus - a dedicated space ideal for multi-generational living! Your gourmet kitchen boasts stacked cabinetry, double ovens, and a gas cooktop. Relax in your spacious Spa Shower, entertain on the patio, or use the FOUR CAR GARAGE for all your toys! With 10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, and 8,750 sq ft homesites, K. Hovnanian Homes stands out! Move in by late summer and start your luxurious lifestyle! ^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

20073 W Luke Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$604,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,561 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6716604
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Cinnabar with a very private courtyard 4 bedrooms, study, formal dining or flex space, 3 baths and 3 car tandem garage. Large laundry room. Multi slide door at great room that leads out to the covered patio. 8' gate. Pavers at drive, walk and entry, Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop, wall oven and canopy hood. Boulder (gray) cabinets throughout the home and pull out trash drawer and 3 drawers ILO doors. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops in kitchen with stainless steel undermount single bowl sink. Upgrade flooring includes DT Broxburn gray 6x24 plank tile throughout the home except bedrooms/closets. Upgrade 5'' base boards and 3 1/4'' door casings. Stub out for BBQ, 8' tall garage door with two openers and garage service door. Estimated completion July/August.

19046 W Rose Lane Waddell, AZ 85355

$604,355
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,159 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6732914
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new community! Currently under construction this fabulous 2 story floorplan on a corner homesite with spectacular Mountain views. Enter from the covered front porch with downstairs Den/Study, open concept plan with Upgraded Gourmet Kitchen with Slate staggered cabinets, with crown molding, tiled backsplash, Stainless Steel GE appliances, gas cooktop, oversized Quartz center island overlooking the great room with stainless undermount sink. Downstairs owner's suite, dual sinks, separate tub and shower, quartz countertops, huge walk-in closet. Huge loft upstairs, both baths have raised vanities with Slate cabinets, Moen brushed Nickel faucets. Covered back patio is included. This is a must see don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Estimated completion is November 2024!

6202 E Mckellips Road Unit 299 Mesa, AZ 85215

$604,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,818 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747158
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Golf Course Lot! Beautiful Tuscany Villas at Painted Mountain single family with no shared walls.18 in ceramic tile,neutral carpet,10 ft ceilings,great room floor plan,stainless steel appliances,maple cabinets,granite counters,kitchen island,recessed lights.Primary bed with bay window,separate tub & shower,cultured marble, w/in closet.Dining room bay window,breakfast nook.Exterior stone accents, stuccoed eaves, exterior fireplace, covered extended patio with pavers. Built in BBQ. Upgraded ceiling fans, inside laundry, HOA covers: roof, exterior, front landscaping, internet, cable and blanket insurance policy. Clubhouse, heated pool, 2 spas, pickle ball, fitness area and media room. Light & bright, close to everything, including 202 Loop and Superstition Springs Mall, this home has it all!

1904 W Chisum Trail Phoenix, AZ 85085

$603,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,992 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6718847
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Tree-lined streets, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and a 5,500 sf recreation center with resort style pool an kiddie pool, shaded ramadas, parks, gathering areas, pickelball courts and basketball. Close to I-10, 101 and 303. Walking distance to restaurants, movies, entertainment and shopping. This stunning Peralta plan exudes charm and elegance, boasting a farmhouse elevation that captures the essence of modern rustic living. With 1992 square feet spread across two floors, this home offers the perfect blend of spaciousness and cozy intimacy. Step inside and be greeted by the inviting great room, flooded with natural light from the abundance of windows that adorn the space. The kitchen is a culinary enthusiast's paradise, featuring pristine stainless-steel appliances, white painted shaker cabinetry complemented by quartz countertops, designer backsplash, and chic champagne bronze hardware. Throughout the home, you'll find thoughtful upgrades that elevate the living experience. The downstairs and upstairs wet areas are adorned with 6x36 wood-look tile, while the primary bath is accentuated with large white hexagon tile, offering a touch of luxury. Upstairs, indulge in the comfort of upgraded carpeting, creating a cozy oasis in the bedrooms. Attention to detail is evident in every corner, with upgraded black plumbing fixtures adding a touch of sophistication to the bathrooms, which also boast white painted shaker cabinets, rectangular sinks, and upgraded natural brass vanity lighting. The primary shower has been enlarged for a spa-like experience, providing the ultimate relaxation retreat. Other notable features include an upgraded mission stair rail, 8' interior doors with upgraded black door hardware, pavers at the covered entry, and convenient amenities such as a water softener pre-plumb, a gas stub for BBQ at the side yard and front and rear exterior gates. Located in Union Park at Norterra this home offers not just a living space, but a lifestyle. Don't miss the opportunity to make this your forever home and experience the epitome of modern farmhouse living!

16109 W Mohave Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$603,500
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,959 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6703414
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Enjoy this HOT summer swimming with friends and family! This Beautiful 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3 car garage, RV Gate home is a steel! Don't miss out on this 12,916 Sqft Lot!

3213 W San Cristobal Road Queen Creek, AZ 85144

$603,401
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,357 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672892
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully Landscaped Master Planned Community by Fulton Homes. Located within minutes of major shopping, restaurants, and freeways. Promenade is at the base of the San Tan Mountains. There are Six Parks throughout the community, one of which is an Aquatic Center with a 7,400 square foot pool. Full basketball and sand volley ball courts. Bocce ball court, pickle ball court, and corn hole are available. Ramada's, Tot Lots, BBQ's, an entry waterfall, and acres of landscaped and grass areas make Promenade your Oasis in the Desert. We look forward to meeting you soon.

12800 N 172nd Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$603,321
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,159 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756193
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
QUICK MOVE-IN!!!!! SELLER IS OFFERING INTEREST RATE AND CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE! This beautiful new home is a must see. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, loft and a 3-car tandem garage. 1st floor Owner's Suite! Beautiful, tiled floors on 1st floor including the Great Room, upgraded carpet upstairs and in bedrooms, The home has a large open kitchen and great room. Beautiful gray Cabinets, Quartz countertops, Stainless steel appliances and a large kitchen island. Secondary bedrooms are good size, and some have walk in closets, they are all surrounded by a spacious loft. The home is on a large lot that gives you many entertaining opportunities and has no backyard neighbors. Photos are of another home with similar selections.

8124 E Prairie Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$602,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,679 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758988
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A collection of brand-new single-family homes located in the master-planned community in Mesa, AZ. The community feeds into the highly rated Gilbert Public School District, making this an ideal place for growing households. There are many onsite amenities at the masterplan everyone will enjoy, including a swimming pool, basketball court, pickleball court, playground and picnic area. Commuters have easy access to Loop 202 and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for travel accommodations. This beautiful home features our platinum package including Sonoma Maple Linen cabinets and quartz countertops. Super Luxury 8 x 36 tile flooring.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.