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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1538 N Atwood -- Mesa, AZ 85207

$580,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,891 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750706
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful home with a popular open floor plan located in the Sierra Heights community! Tucked within the mountains, this home boasts a spacious great-room and inviting atmosphere with high ceilings and large windows that allow natural light to come through. Plenty of room for entertaining. The kitchen provides a generous amount of counter and cabinet space along with a large center island that doubles as a breakfast bar. Primary Bedroom w/ bay window. Primary Bath features double sinks, separate tub & shower plus walk-in closet. Bath 2 has double sinks & door to toilet & shower area. The 3 bedrooms and den are generously sized. The backyard is a paradise, with a beautiful private pool and mountain views. New AC, water heater, and pool equipment. Must see!

25958 W Westcott Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$580,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,862 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746921
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SPARKLING POOL, SPA ,OWNED SOLAR AND A SEPERATE GOLF CART GARAGE- THIS HOME HAS IT ALL! Enjoy your own private oasis on the Mountain side of Sun City Festival. Nestled on a quiet street, this light and bright home will not disappoint. Many features include- wood plank tile flooring throughout, dual vanity master bath with tiled low threshold shower and a large spacious closet. Kitchen features S/S appliances and granite countertops. The Den is perfect as an office or hobby room. Step thru the center sliding doors to the back covered patio with extended pavers, built-in BBQ, and lush landscaping and your own putting green. The center courtyard is perfect for your morning coffee and is adjacent to the kitchen. Both garages have epoxy flooring. A short walk or drive to the rec center.

3705 Ridgeview Terrace Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$580,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,554 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754596
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This perfect 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is ideal for two, offering 1,554 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space. The open great room features stunning eastern mountain views and beautiful landscaping. Inside, you'll find upgraded cabinets with soft-close drawers, granite countertops throughout, under-mount sinks, and custom tile flooring with upgraded carpet in the bedrooms. Custom shutters adorn the bedrooms, while the living room boasts a custom entertainment center and shelving. Additional features include central vac, water filtration, a fully fenced yard with ample entertaining space and a custom water feature, all framed by open mountain views to the north and east. Paired with your resort lifestyle living, you've found your desert oasis!

3280 N Emerald Creek Drive Florence, AZ 85132

$580,000
6 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,233 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6755560
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in the highly sought-after Anthem Parkside at Merrill Ranch! This stunning 6 bedroom + den, 4.5 bathroom residence offers an impressive 4,232 square feet of luxurious living space, perfect for families of all sizes. With formal living and dining rooms, a family room with gas fireplace, and large upstairs loft, this home provides ample space for comfort and privacy. Enjoy year-round relaxing and entertaining in your resort-style backyard that offers a heated pool and spa, gas firepit, artificial turf for kids & pets to play on, and gazebo-covered outdoor kitchen with built-in BBQ and counter seating. The indoor chef's kitchen is a culinary delight, featuring double wall ovens, a gas cooktop, granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, and two islands. The four car garage offers plenty of room for vehicles and storage. Benefit from energy savings with leased solar panels, reducing your carbon footprint and utility bills. Other features: One bedroom and bath on the main level, perfect for guests. One secondary bedroom has an en-suite bath, and all upstairs bedrooms have walk-in closets (the primary bedroom has TWO!). Anthem Parkside at Merrill Ranch offers resort-style amenities for the entire family! The 43,000 square foot community center includes a fitness center, group fitness studio, multi-use gymnasium, game room, locker rooms, lap pool, the Big Splash water park, a cafe, and outdoor sport courts. In addition, there are over 60 acres of outdoor amenities including 3 lighted softball and baseball fields, 2 soccer fields, multi-purpose fields, an Adventure Playground, splash pad, dog park, catch and release fishing lake, and miles of hiking and biking trails.

714 W Mesquite Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$580,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,962 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750995
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fantastic opportunity! Welcome to this stunning residence featuring a 3-car garage and a convenient RV gate. Discover a welcoming living room with vaulted ceilings, clerestory windows for natural light, contemporary track lighting, and tile flooring. The great room has a cozy fireplace for quiet evenings. The delightful kitchen boasts a charming breakfast nook, granite counters, abundant wood cabinetry, built-in appliances, recessed lighting, a pantry, and a two-tier island with a breakfast bar. The den is perfect for an office or study. The main bedroom includes French doors leading to the backyard, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. The enchanting backyard displays a covered patio and a sparkling pool for cooling down on warm days. Make this gem yours!

6658 S St Andrews Court Gilbert, AZ 85298

$580,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,764 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730222
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom home is located right in the heart of Seville. On a corner lot in a quiet cul-de-sac you will find this gem that sits on the golf course right between the hole 9 tee box and the hole 8 green. The home has a large, beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and plenty of storage space. Gorgeous stone and wood accents are all throughout the home giving it that Arizona charm. There is a large master bedroom with a full bathroom and it is complete with a large walk-in closet. A full bar room/office is perfect to come relax on a hot day. As you step into your lovely backyard you are greeted with the sound of a calming rock fountain and the stunning golf course views. This home is impeccably well maintained and shows a real pride of ownership.

17582 W Statler Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$580,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,435 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754907
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this energy-efficient gem in Surprise Farms, a stunning 2-story home with a 3-car garage and eye-catching stone accents. Step inside to discover an array of inviting features including wood-look floors, recessed lighting, and a soothing neutral palette. The cozy living room sets a welcoming tone, while the formal dining area is perfect for festive meals. The family room is a haven for creating lasting memories. Culinary enthusiasts will adore the kitchen, equipped with stainless steel appliances (GAS range), a pantry, stone backsplash, granite counters & a breakfast bar. Retreat to the main suite, boasting a lavish bathroom with dual vessel sinks, a soaking tub, and a walk-in closet. Home features a loft and HUGE bonus room too! NEW POOL 2021 completes the oasis in backyard! Additional features include a loft, a sizable bonus room, and a den that can be used as an office, media center, or whatever your heart desires. Outside, relax on the covered patio or take a dip in the rejuvenating pool. What's not to like? Experience this delightful home for yourself!

3319 N 163rd Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$580,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,862 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6751853
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Open & airy Great Room floor plan. The kitchen features upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, & stainless-steel appliances. The custom media center adds style and sophistication. The home has a neutral color palette, tile flooring in the right places, plantation shutters, & bay windows in both bedrooms. Ceiling fans throughout help keep things cool & comfortable. The private backyard is a peaceful retreat featuring an extended patio with pavers & low-maintenance landscaping, so you can relax without worrying about too much upkeep. There's a brand-new PVC watering system to make things even easier. Extended-length 2-car garage, plus a golf cart garage with epoxy floor coating & storage cabinets. Located near the Tuscany Falls amenities. This home has it all: comfort, style, & convenience

1723 E Windsong Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048

$580,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,080 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736870
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This two story 4-bed, 2.5-bath home is located in the Ahwatukee Foothills. The prime location offers an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and leisure. The fresh interior, high ceilings, ample windows create an airy and bright feel. Enjoy the comfort of the backyard wiht the built-in pool. Noteworthy enhancements done in 2024 include new roof, water heater, stove, showers and vanities in both bathrooms, pool resurfacing, carpet, quartz countertops, interior paint, blinds, fixtures, and landscaping. Situated within the esteemed Kyrene School District, renowned for its exceptional educational opportunities, and in close proximity to The Foothills Golf Club, this property offers access to top-tier amenities and recreation, catering to a lifestyle of sophistication and convenience.

9322 W Juniper Road Strawberry, AZ 85544

$580,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,368 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6705096
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
Welcome to your new haven in Strawberry! This charming home offers the epitome of country living, nestled among majestic oaks and pine trees on a generous .5-acre lot. Step inside to discover a spacious great room with BRAND NEW vinyl floors, a soaring vaulted ceiling, and a recently remodeled kitchen. The kitchen is a culinary dream, featuring a gas range, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, new cabinets, a walk-in pantry, and a cozy breakfast nook. Unwind in the luxurious primary retreat, complete with an ensuite bath boasting a soaking tub, dual vanity sinks, and a separate walk-in shower. Additional bedrooms share a beautifully remodeled bathroom, ensuring comfort for the entire family. Outside, revel in breathtaking mountain views from both the front and back of the house. The serene atmosphere is enhanced by the absence of an HOA, allowing you the freedom to bring your horses and embrace your future options. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Strawberry and surrounded by an abundance of riding trails, this home offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this flexible and welcoming property your own slice of paradise. Come see this home today and experience the allure of country living at its finest!

2008 E Stacey Road Gilbert, AZ 85298

$580,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,959 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728969
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous three bedroom with a den, three bathroom with a three car garage in Adora Trails. Highly sought after Taylor Morrison Floor plan with many interior and exterior upgrades including-Granite Countertops, Upgraded 42'' cabinets, Built in Surround Sound, Upgraded large walk-in master shower, water softener, wood window covering, canned lighting, remote controlled ceiling fans through-out, extensive brick paver patio and walkways, large storage shed on the rear yard, etc... The home is located away from the busy pass through streets or backing to a main road in the neighborhood offering more peace and quiet. Buyer Concessions will be entertained.....This is a must see home!

26270 N 68th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$580,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,556 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6731988
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This meticulously updated residence boasts an expansive layout flooded with natural light that accentuates its high-end finishes. With an extensive remodel, every corner of this home reflects a commitment to quality. Step inside to discover a spacious living area perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. The kitchen & baths features beautiful high-end countertops and stainless steel appliances. Retreat to the large master suite, where tranquility awaits with a large ensuite bathroom with a separate tub and shower. Additional bedrooms offer comfort and privacy, ideal for guests or a growing family. Throughout the home, upgraded fixtures, new carpet, long-panel travertine floors, and designer touches create an atmosphere of sophistication and warmth. Lush landscaped backyard!

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