What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 26, 2016

Last week’s economic news was abundant with releases on home builder sentiment, housing starts, building permits, sales of previously owned homes. The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve released its customary statement at the conclusion of its meeting; Fed Chair Janet Yellen also gave a press conference. Weekly readings on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were released as usual.

NAHB: Builder Sentiment Increases in September

Home builder confidence in housing market conditions increased in September according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. Builder confidence rose five points to 65; analysts expected a reading of 60 based on August’s reading of 59. NAHB said that September’s reading was boosted by more “serious” buyers entering housing markets.

Components used to determine NAHB HMI readings were also higher. Builder confidence in current market conditions rose six points to 71; builder confidence in housing market conditions over the next six months rose by five points to 71. Builder confidence in buyer traffic in new housing developments rose four points to 48. Buyer traffic readings have not reached 50 since 2005; 50 is a neutral benchmark for NAHB HMI readings.

Home prices continue rising at a higher pace than wages; this is pressuring first-time and moderate income buyers out of the market. An ongoing shortage of available homes is pressing prices higher as demand increases. Analysts pay close attention to the NAHB HMI as building more new homes is a key factor in easing the shortage of homes for sale.

Housing Starts, Building Permits Lower

Commerce Department readings on housing starts and permits issued were lower for August Housing starts were lower in August at 1.142 million starts on a seasonally-adjusted annual pace. Analysts expected 1.182 million housing starts based on July’s reading of 1.212 million starts. Regional readings showed a dip in starts in the South. Severe flooding in Louisiana contributed to the lower reading for housing starts. August’s reading for housing starts was 5.80 percent lower than July’s reading and 0.90 percent lower than for July 2015.

Building permits issued were nearly flat in August; this was likely due to the prime building season winding down 1.139 million permits were issued as compared to 1.144 million permits issued in July. Single-family starts were six percent lower than for July and were 1.20 percent lower year-over-year.

Existing Home Sales Dip: High Demand, Low Supply Cited

Sales of pre-owned homes fell by 0.90 percent in August to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.33 million sales. Analysts expected a reading of 5.48 million sales; July’s reading for sales of pre-owned homes was 5.38 million sales.

Low inventory of available homes continues to impact housing markets as demand for homes increased and prices rose; the national average home price was $240,000 in August. Rising home prices continued to be driven by high demand and low supplies. These conditions also impacted first-time and moderate income home buyers who were pressured to keep up with rapidly rising home prices.

While mortgage rates remain relatively low, higher home prices and tight mortgage credit requirements remain obstacles for first-time buyers.

Mortgage Rates, Weekly Jobless Claims Lower

Freddie Mac reported lower mortgage rates last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell by two basis points to 3.48 percent; the average rate for a15-year fixed rate mortgage fell on one basis point to 2.76 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was lower by two basis points at 2.80 percent.

Analysts expected new jobless claims to remain flat at the prior week’s reading of 260,000 new claims, but 252,000 new claims were filed for the lowest reading since July. The four-week rolling average of new jobless claims fell by 22250 claims to 258,500. The four-week reading is considered a less volatile reading than week-to-week readings.

Federal Reserve: No Increase in Fed Rate

The Federal Open Market Committee said in its post-meeting statement that the target federal funds rate would not be raised. In a press conference given after the FOMC statement, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said that although the economy continued to improve, the Fed had concerns over the labor market and decided not to raise rates. Any increase in Federal Reserve rates triggers increases in consumer lending rates.

What’s Ahead

This week’s readings include Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, readings on new and pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

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3836 W Antelope Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$620,995

6 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,164 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779216

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this beautifully crafted home with well-appointed interior finishes. The pronounced front entry opens to a two-story foyer with a grand staircase. Premium finishes in the kitchen include name-brand appliances, upgraded cabinets, and tile floors. The open-concept great room is the perfect atmosphere for entertaining, with connectivity to the dining area and expansive views of the outdoor living space. A large loft space on the second floor creates an abundance of living options that are perfect for the way you live. Come experience your dream home today!

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15531 W Piccadilly Road Goodyear, AZ 85395

$620,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,154 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778730

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

South facing beautiful golf course home with front courtyard entry. Enchating outdoor living area with outdoor pergola, outdoor kitchen, outdoor bar, Misting system, Personal size Shasta Pool and heater if you want. Great landscaping for your privacy. Owner Solar with new solar converter, and if you have a green thumb a potting station, new heating and air, water softener system located in garage that as extra space for golf cart plus a hand wash sink in garage, front and back yard water system in him RO water system under sink. Sunburst shutters in Bedrooms and custom home office with built in custom cabinetry, Bedrooms both have walk-in closets. Both bathrooms updated. This home impresses with its high ceilings custom designed ET wall with lighting and built-in surround sound system with amplifier with builtin speakers. Great room with gas fireplace, 60in TV and windows have Hunter Douglas custom window treatments. bump out windows in kitchen nook second bedroom, ceiling fans, Stunning granite counters and klithen is upgrades and has under cabinet lighting, Spacious Utility Room. Also garage has storage cabinets. carpet free home, fence backyard. Seller is providing a home warranty.

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Glendale AZ 85305

$620,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,700 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6725528

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of total purchase price towards closing costs incentive offer. Brand New Move In Ready Home on prem. lot in highly sought-after Stonehaven Community* This Adelaide floorplan is stunning 4 bed/3 bath/3 car garage single-story gem!! Home has open floor plan. Gourmet Chef's kitchen featuring upgraded 42'' cabinets, large kitchen island, quartz countertops, WI pantry, SS appliances. Owner's retreat is spacious w/dual sinks, walk in shower & large walk-in closet. Other bedrooms are spacious. Tile in all the high traffic areas. Private CASITA w/ ensuite bathroom & sitting room. Low maintenance ft & bkyard. Community features community pool, walking/biking paths, parks, playgrounds, etc. Great Location: minutes to Westgate Entertainment Center, Cardinals Stadium, & restaurants, etc.

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4380 E Prairie Lane Cottonwood, AZ 86326

$620,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,855 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740171

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning, newly built property is perched atop a scenic hill, offering breathtaking mountain views from every angle. The modern design of the home seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, featuring a split floor plan. Inside, the open-concept layout is highlighted by high ceilings, sleek finishes, and an abundance of natural light. The expansive outdoor patios provides the perfect spot for enjoying the serene surroundings and picturesque sunsets.

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2774 Airpark Drive Overgaard, AZ 85933

$620,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,664 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751278

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Pilots and aviation enthusiasts, a beautiful 3BR/2.5 BA Mogollon Airpark home. A 5 min walk to aircraft tie downs, lodge, BBQ, ramadas, pickleball, tennis, & basketball courts! Well cared for immaculate move in ready home, with most furniture included! Spectacular knotty pine vaulted ceilings, soaring stone gas fireplace, open concept living room with an impressive wall of windows. Massive wrap around deck with plenty of room for outdoor entertaining or relaxing. Large screened-in all season room adds more living space. Enjoy the heavily treed, private 0.83 acre partially fenced lot and the wild life that abound. Attached 2 car garage. We are an active social, EAA Chapter 1044 and aviation community, come join the fun!

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3039 E Nance Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$620,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,331 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763881

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Four bedrooms, with the 4th utilized as an office with built-in shelves, but no closet. Original owner of this well-maintained and upgraded home, which sits upon an interior north facing lot. Plantation shutters, skylights, fireplace, wood, tile and carpet flooring, kitchen island, granite kitchen countertops, vaulted ceilings, 2 X 6 construction, double glazed windows, large 3 car garage with workspace and cabinets. Elementary and Junior High School nearby. Front and backyard low maintenance. Tour this home. You'll not be disappointed. Oh, and no HOA in this beautiful community.

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16116 W Alameda Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$620,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,290 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768724

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Lovely Home features 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2 Bonus Rooms, Gourmet Kitchen with Sparkling Blue POOL nestled against an Open Area. This Nearly New Home boasts Artistic Custom Wall Features, Soft Eyebrow Arches, Gentle Color Palette, Wood Plank Vinyl Flooring, Full Wall Double Glass Sliding Doors, Upgraded Fans and Lighting, Travertine Decking and Artificial Turf. A Generous Entry leads to the Open Concept Living area complete with a multi use Bonus Room with Quartz Ledges. Gourmet Kitchen boasts 5 Burner Gas Cooktop, Stainless Steel Appliances, Wall Ovens, Tile Backsplash, Large Walk In Pantry, Island, Quartz Counters, Granite Sink, RO system, Pale Grey Cabinetry and under Cabinet Lighting. Primary Ensuite includes a Spa Shower, Double Sinks and Walk In Closet. Near Shopping and the 303

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18788 E Blue Sky Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$620,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,380 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769353

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Great Lock & Leave - move in ready, with access to the luxury amenities of the prestigious Tonto Verde Community! As you step into the home, you are greeted by an abundance of natural light that floods through the open floor plan. The strategically designed layout accentuates the seamless flow between living spaces, providing an ideal setting for both relaxation & entertaining. The modern kitchen features quartz countertops that perfectly complement the cabinetry. Beautiful tile flooring graces the entire home, adding a touch of elegance & easy maintenance. The master suite boasts a spacious layout & an enormous shower. Yard is fully fenced w/privacy wall. Mountain Views! Easy access to walking path which lead to Tonto Verde Community.

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27448 W Yukon Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$620,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,580 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771924

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SOLAR-POWERED JOURNEY MODEL WITH OPEN SPACE BEHIND AND DRESSED TO THE NINES. This 2 Bed/2.5 Bath home is almost 2600 square feet with wood-look tile throughout. Guest bedroom is ensuite plus a Den offering privacy for visitors. Windows are covered with Plantation Shutters yet there's lots of light due to the 5 Solar Tubes. There's 2 in the Great Room, and 1 each in the Laundry, Primary closet and Primary Bath. Speaking of Solar, this home has a huge, owned, 35-panel system which has eliminated APS bills. The garage has storage galore with added cabinetry. Also in the garage the newer, updated and larger Tankless Water Heater. Behind the fenced rear yard is a wash offering privacy from the neighbors. See the pictures, 3D tour and documents tab for more on the many upgrades.

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18737 N Celosia Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$620,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,312 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773515

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wonderful Stonecrest with golf course views from the large patio, breathtaking fairway and distant mountain views. A patio fountain is a plus on the back patio. ***NEW ROOF SEPT 2024*** HVAC system recently updated. 2.5 extended garage, with room for golf cart and 2 cars. Gourmet kitchen, with wall oven and cooktop, surrounded by beautiful granite counters and cherry cabinets. Don't pass by this beautiful Cimarron home.

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4808 N 24th Street Unit 1125 Phoenix, AZ 85016

$620,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,361 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773318

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS! Floor to ceiling dual pane windows boast expansive city light and mountain views. Come see this charming 11th floor condo w a spacious 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 1361sq/ft floor plan. All this in the luxurious Optima Biltmore. Condo has been tastefully remodeled with engineered hardwood floors, designer modern pantry w slider glass floor to ceiling doors, new paint, ceiling fans & lighting. . Optima's known for it's amenities including Gym, sauna, community room, concierge, rooftop zero edge pool,spa, BBQ, . Why drive when you can live in the heart of Biltmore & walk to dining galore, shopping, movies, spas & more!

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5839 W Charter Oak Road Glendale, AZ 85304

$620,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,054 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778827

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning home located in the desirable Mission Groves Subdivision. Nestled on a spacious lot, offering an inviting oasis completed with sparkling salt water POOL. Boasting 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this residence is designed for comfort and style. You'll have a nicely renovated interior with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, laminate flooring, and fresh paint throughout to create a modern and inviting atmosphere providing the perfect space for entertaining family and friends. The spacious back yard allows for additional outdoor possibilities, whether it's gardening, outdoor gatherings, or simply enjoying the open space. The 3-car garage provides ample parking and storage.

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