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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

6728 N 190th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$619,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,397 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739349

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the very spacious Carmona on a LARGE LOT. 3 bedrooms + study, 2.5 baths, Multi slide door perfect for entertaining off of the extended covered patio. Large walk in shower at owner's bath. Brick pavers at porch, drive, and walk. Garage service door for easy access to the backyard. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop and canopy hood for the cook in the family. Slate (gray) cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers and pull out trash drawer. AZT Himalaya white granite tops in kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Novales 12x24 Astra tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms & closets. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

View Property

11513 E Utah Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$619,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,506 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6708212

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''Stunning Suntone floorplan - 3 bedrooms with seperate Den and 2.5 Baths, located in the East Valley's newest community, Destination at Gateway. Discover this inviting home featuring a 4 Panel Center siding glass door off the great room, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, including a 36-inch gas cooktop, built-in wall oven and microwave, along with white and gray shaker cabinets adorned with satin nickel hardware and a convenient trash pull-out. The quartz countertops and tile kitchen backsplash add a touch of elegance to the space. Throughout the home, 8-foot interior doors with upgraded satin nickel door hardware create a modern, cohesive feel. The main areas are adorned with 8 x 36'' wood-look tile and 4 1/4-inch baseboards, providing a stylish foundation for the home. Bathrooms feature upgraded vanity lights and brushed nickel bath faucets, while the primary bathroom offers an enlarged shower and a separate soaking tub for relaxation. With 10-foot ceilings, an oversized laundry room, a separate valet area at the garage entrance, and a paver driveway, this home is designed to offer both luxury and practicality, providing a comfortable and stylish living space for you and your family.

View Property

20105 W Pinchot Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$619,990

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,835 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715566

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about special financing with preferred lender. This single-level home is host to two secondary bedrooms situated off the foyer with a convenient game room in between them, ideal for younger family members. At the back of the home, a generous open floorplan is shared between the Great Room, kitchen and dining room, offering access to a covered patio. The owner's suite and a fourth bedroom can be found in a private wing off the living and dining space. Photos are the actual home along with staged renderings. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

View Property

26851 N 67th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$619,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,051 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6711432

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

READY NOW-turn key! Experience the charm of Aloravita, nestled within the scenic mountains of Peoria. This community boasts breathtaking views and is conveniently located minutes away from shopping, dining, hiking trails and more! Our popular 'El Dorado' floorplan features 3 full bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 Car-Garage and a private yard with views! Designer selected finish includes Burlap Cabinetry, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Wood Like Tile Throughout, and Plush Carpet in all the bedrooms. This beautiful home will have it all including 9' ceilings, Gourmet Gas Kitchen, Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Appliances, Blinds, Pre-Plumb for Soft Water, and Smart Home Technology. Photos and virtual tour of similar spec home, options may vary**

View Property

1918 N 22nd Place Phoenix, AZ 85006

$619,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,950 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782248

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW BUILT!!! with NO HOA. This home features 2 MASTER SUITES and a Large Open floor plan with 9ft ceiling height with a large Living Room and Dinning area. Kitchen with White Cabinetry, Granite Counter Tops and STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES. Tile throughout the high traffic areas of the house and new carpet in the bedrooms. The house layout provides an open space feeling from the moment you enter the door. All bedrooms are of pretty good size and the bathrooms are upgraded with tile. RV gate on the backyard. The Best of all is that you are moving into a BRAND NEW HOME with NO HOA!

View Property

19611 W Marshall Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$619,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,640 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6769605

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a new home that is move in ready? You've found it! This beautiful 4 bed, 3.5 bath residence in Canyon Views boasts over 165K in upgrades, it has great curb appeal, paid off Solar, Gourmet Kitchen, 2nd ensuite, Surround Sound, Pool, Large Lot, EV Charging station & Double Gates. Discover a spacious open floor plan w/elegant wood-look tile flooring and neutral palette throughout. The gourmet kitchen is comprised of upgraded cabinetry w/quartz counters, a pantry, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, pendant lighting, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. You'll love the primary bedroom, showcasing soft carpet, a walk-in closet, and a pristine ensuite w/dual sinks. You'll also find a large den ideal for an office or reading nook! Lastly, the spacious backyard includes a covered patio with built in BBQ Grill, exterior double fridge, artificial turf and a refreshing pool with water feature.

View Property

669 N Madison Street Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$619,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,530 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765573

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful home offers majestic views and a host of modern updates. Step inside to find fresh interior paint, laminate floors, and an open floor plan with split living areas. The formal living room and sunken family room provide spacious entertainment options. The kitchen boasts a butcher block island, new appliances, and a huge pantry for ample storage. Additional features include a two-car garage, carport, tri-zone air system, and newer windows throughout. The master suite is a wonderful retreat with a walk-in shower. Vaulted ceilings create a sense of openness, and the home is surrounded by charming courtyards. Perfect for and style, this home combines practicality and elegance.

View Property

2310 W Kachina Trail Phoenix, AZ 85041

$619,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,406 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769338

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Home in the popular Southern Highland gated community with spectacular mountain views. This home is move in ready with all appliances including fridge , washer & dryer and 1 newer AC unit. Featuring 3 Large Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, an Office or Den and a 3 car split garage. Spacious rear yard with artificial turf, newer pool built in 2018 with custom tile and stone finishes, additional cool decking, spa, fabulous water feature with remote app control. This home has large diagonal set tile in all the living areas, walkways and kitchen with very nice Hunter Douglas window shades throughout. Gourmet Kitchen is nicely done with Upgraded Cabinets, Lots of Granite Countertops, a Walk-in Pantry, Gas Stove, Stainless Steel Appliances, Water filter system + RO drinking water and a Large Island. The Kitchen is open to the Family Room so that you can be part of the entertainment. The Master Bedroom is large and split from the other bedrooms. In addition, there are dual Walk-in Closets, an On-Suite with Dual Sinks, a Separate Shower and Tub, and lots of Counter Space. All the other bedrooms are good sized with large closets. Venture outdoors steps away from South Mountain Park and Preserve and enjoy the great Arizona weather. This home does not have any neighbors across the back providing an open private space to enjoy.

View Property

478 N Jackson Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$619,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,732 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774181

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow !!! What a wonderful chance of buying a great home on the Golf Course with a Gorgeous Swimming Pool. Exterior was Just Painted this year, Great Floor Plan with 4 Bedrooms Up & 1 Down with it's own Bath. Perfect for Guest. Priced to sell. This home will need some updating but the seller has spent over $ 60,000 to repair the house foundation which comes with a Life Time Warranty from Ram Jack of Arizona. Gorgeous Spindle Staircase. North/South Exposure.

View Property

8953 E Yucca Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$619,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,611 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780255

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION & STYLE, STYLE, STYLE! This 3 bed 2 1/2 bath home is situated near freeways and amenities while being tucked away from traffic. This designer home will make the perfect place to come relax at after a day's work. Seller has taken care to add the perfect design details while keeping an inviting and warm environment. Downstairs features a number of places to entertain- from the open kitchen to the dinning area/family room to the backyard with greenery and BBQ to enjoy the amazing weather this time of year. In addition to all the design details, the seller has also done the following upgrades: new garage motor (5 months ago), all new irrigation lines & sprinkler timer in 2023, all new kitchen appliances, - new A/C unit in 2023, and custom garage cabinets installed 2023. This turn key ready home will not last long so don't wait, come see it today!

View Property

4131 E Cathedral Rock Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$619,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,450 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6750221

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Back on market after full-price cash buyer had to walk! Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 4-bed, 2.5-bath home boasts 2,450 square feet of beautifully updated living space. Situated on an oversized corner lot, the property offers both privacy and ample space for outdoor living. Inside, you'll find tasteful updates throughout, including new flooring, light fixtures and faucets (and interior/exterior paint from 2019). Major updates (roof, both AC units, water softener, extra attic insulation) have also been done in the last 5 years providing peace of mind. Enjoy the community's top-notch amenities with access to pools, parks, and tennis courts plus great schools and shopping nearby. This home is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience you will love!

View Property

13418 W Almeria Road Goodyear, AZ 85395

$619,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,712 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780947

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous single-level Palm Valley home on just shy of 1/3AC lot. Enjoy the 2712 sf home with a pool and water feature. Both AC units just replaced in 2024, roof replaced in 2020, new variable speed pool pump replaced 2024, and entire interior of home and garage repainted November 2024. Spacious split floorplan that opens up to family and dining room area. Backyard boasts an outdoor kitchen with built in grill and sink, covered patio with custom shades, garden area on the North side of home, dog run on the South side of home, synthetic turf with planters and giant diving pool with water feature. Corner lot so one only has neighbors to the West and North. True pride of ownership. You get to enjoy a gorgeous, well established neighborhood with all the high dollar items already updated.

View Property