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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10103 E Plata Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$595,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,146 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752877
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller will help pay Buyers Closing Cost/Rate Buy Down w/Right Offer! Beautifully Remodeled Home in the HIGHLY DESIRED Santa Rita Ranch Community. Complete Remodel includes NEW CABINETS, Fixtures, Flooring throughout,Quartz Counters, Paint, HVAC (2019). No Expense Spared. This charming home has 4 OVERSIZED Bedrooms, and 3 FULLY REMODELED baths. LOW maintenance TURF in both front and back yards. The backyard boasts a HUGE covered patio for entertaining along with a FULLY featured PEBBLETEC POOL with large GREENBELT backing the home for an airy and private experience. This home is centrally located near valley freeways, award winning Shopping/Restaurants and GILBERT Schools. This home WILL EXCEED all your expectations.

2214 S Las Flores -- Mesa, AZ 85202

$595,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,029 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783800
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled home, featuring modern upgrades and an inviting open layout. The kitchen is a standout, complete with a large peninsula, brand new stainless steel appliances, and sleek white cabinetry, offering both style and functionality for culinary pursuits. The living area is bright and welcoming, with updated lighting and a chic accent ceiling. The home has updated bathrooms with elegant finishes, new flooring throughout, and thoughtfully chosen fixtures that enhance its modern appeal. New AC, Water Heater and roof. Each room has been designed with attention to detail, creating a cohesive and fresh living space. Outside, you'll find a spacious backyard with low-maintenance landscaping, perfect for enjoying Arizona's outdoor lifestyle. Welcome Home

3968 E Gold Mountain Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$595,791
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,146 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6749023
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous new home in Bella Vista Farms, located in San Tan Valley. The community offers access to the community pool, playground, basketball court, and volleyball court. Enjoy designer selections throughout the home including a GE Gourmet kitchen appliance package with a gas cooktop, Hana Sky Quartz countertops in the kitchen, Polaris Plus LVP, upgraded carpets, Aristokraft cabinets in flagstone, and a frameless walk-in shower in the primary bathroom. Other highlights include a split floor plan, north/south exposure, and a pool sized homesite. Utilities include Mesa Gas, EPCOR water, and Rural Metro.

11432 S 208th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$595,500
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,386 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780972
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in the rapidly growing town of Buckeye! This stunning, newly built home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and sits on over an acre of horse property, offering ample room for relaxation and recreation. Inside, you'll be greeted by an open floor concept with beautiful tile flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the home. The gourmet kitchen features quartz countertops and a large central island that provides plenty of space for preparing meals and gathering with friends and family. The 3-car garage with an epoxy finish offers both style and functionality. The landscaped front yard adds curb appeal and includes an auto-timed irrigation system. Don't miss the chance to make this beautiful Buckeye property your forever home!

4274 Old Orchard Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$595,500
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,968 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784828
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful Dorn home situated on an oversized lot with completely repainted interior! Primary Bedroom situated in the back corner of home over looking common area & features Dual Sinks, Stunning Walk in Shower & Spacious Closet. Guest Suite at the front of the home w/Hall bath and Barn Door to make your guest suite private. Enclosed Office/Den space that could double as an additional Guest Bedroom. Kitchen features Corner Pantry, Large Center Island, SS Appliances, Breakfast Bar and designated Dining Area. Great Room w/prewired surround sound and Multiple sliding doors that lead out to covered patio and spacious backyard. 3 Car Garage w/built in storage and epoxy flooring.

2725 E Quiet Hollow Lane Phoenix, AZ 85024

$595,444
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,829 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762893
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into this stunning single-story home, where modern comfort meets the tranquility of Arizona's breathtaking landscape. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with no neighbors behind you, allowing for unobstructed views of the serene desert vistas. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a spacious open floor plan, perfect for entertaining or cozy family gatherings. The abundant natural light enhances the inviting atmosphere, seamlessly connecting the living area to the heart of the home.The private backyard paradise, features both a beautiful pool and a covered patio. Whether you're lounging poolside or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, this outdoor space is the perfect retreat.

972 E Mulberry Place -- Chandler, AZ 85286

$595,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,292 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6638746
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Charming 3 bedroom and 2 bath home in new Chandler community. Hamilton Landing includes 36 single level homes each with their own front porch, private driveway for 2 vehicles and a single car garage and a small, pet friendly rear yard. Each home has 10' flat ceilings, white cabinets, luxury vinyl plank flooring in every room, two tone paint, beautiful wood trim around windows and doors and granite/quartz countertops in the kitchen and baths. The community includes a dog park with a covered ramada. These homes will be ready for occupancy between March and June of 2024. All photos are of a similar home completed in a previous community.

28409 N 451st Avenue Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$595,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,680 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685093
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
Amazing off the grid Santa Fe style house located on 30 acres!! This beautiful 2016 manufactured home has great living spaces with tons of natural light, neutral colors, modern appliances, walk-in pantry and spacious rooms. Private well! The solar is owned outright and has batteries and a generator. The home also has propane gas for heating and cooking. Sitting on a hill it offers unparalleled views!! Also comes with covered corrals, tack room and storage area and entire property is fenced. This home is also listed with only 10 acres, at reduced price. See the semi-private remarks for details.

41225 N 253rd Avenue Morristown, AZ 85342

$595,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,456 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772930
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
Discover the perfect blend of modern living and western charm in this 2021-built home, situated on a sprawling 3.9-acre horse property in Morristown, AZ. With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this home offers an open, inviting floor plan and mountain views from every angle. Horse enthusiasts will love the six spacious horse pens, all equipped with power and water supply, along with a convenient round pen for training. Enjoy serene evenings on the covered patio, taking in the picturesque surroundings. This property not only provides a tranquil rural lifestyle but also the opportunity for future development, as it can be split. Whether you're looking to expand or create a custom space, the possibilities are endless. Great opportunity to own a move-in ready home on prime horse property just a short drive from the conveniences of town!

279 S Lyman Court Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$595,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in S25 T6s R7e, Casa Grande
New
$595,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,382 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787541
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
''SMOKING HOT DEAL ON A STUNNING CUSTOM HOME W/ BRAND NEW HVAC, This Luxurious Custom 4 Bdrm/3 Bath/ 3 Car Garage Home is Situated on a Fully Block Fenced, Cul- De Sac, FLOOD IRRIGATED 1.25 Acre Corner Lot, In A Popular, Custom Home Only, Horse Friendly, Community w/ NO HOA & Just 6 Miles From the 1-10 Freeway & Shopping Mall! Boasting Gorgeous Mountain Views, Amazing Sunrises & Sunsets, As Well As A Gorgeous Desert Scaped Backyard w/ Extended Patio, & Upgraded Screen Covering That Shades The Perfect Play & Picnic Area (Accented w/ Turf) & Still Offering space for Livestock, Gardening, Tractors & Trailers, As It Also Has a Full Circular Gravel Drive w/ Room For a Workshop or Pool & PAID OFF SOLAR PANELS!

16985 W Poinsettia Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$595,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Sycamore Farms Paradisi Parcel A, Surprise
New
$595,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,478 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788592
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6788592 Ready Now! The 45-RM5 is a spacious 2-story floor plan featuring 3,478 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, flex room, loft, and game room. Designed for comfort and versatility, the open-concept layout connects the gathering room and kitchen with a dining area to the side, perfect for family living or entertaining. The main floor boasts a private owner's suite, while the upstairs includes secondary bedrooms, a shared bathroom, a laundry room, and flexible spaces like the loft and game room. These areas can be transformed into a kids' hangout, home office, gym, or anything else to suit your lifestyle. Structural options include: gourmet kitchen.

23851 W Tether Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$595,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,432 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741026
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
Over 4 Acres of Horse Property with NO HOA. This beautiful home features a spacious floor plan with 4 bedrooms + den, 3 baths, (jack n jill bed/bath), front room, living room (with built in mini bar), dining room, & large kitchen with a sky light, lots of cabinets and an island. The master bath has separate shower and jetted soaking garden tub and double sinks. The den has a dual entrance to front room and the master bedroom (great for a private office or workout room) Also a detached 3 car garage and RV gate. Bring your horses, toys & RV's. 3 sheds out back by the covered horse stalls that are staying with the property. Enjoy country living and amazing views. This sale consists of 2 lots each is aprx 2 acres. Each lot has a share in the shared well. Don't miss out on this one.

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