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

32561 Felix -- San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$595,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,680 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739254

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Exceptional Home with Pool, Casita, Storage Shed & carport on over 1.3 acres. Welcome to this exceptional property, where comfort meets versatility in a stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom primary residence. This home is perfect for those seeking a blend of relaxation, functionality, & additional living space with a country living feel yet not too far from amenities. Step into the inviting main residence, where an open layout & modern design create a welcoming ambiance. The spacious living room features large windows that bathe the space in natural light & provide beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The kitchen is a chef's delight, equipped with sleek appliances, quartz countertops, & ample cabinet space & a large walk in pantry. A large island provides additional prep space & a casual dining area. Adjacent to the kitchen is a comfortable dining area that opens to the backyard, perfect for alfresco dining. The main bedroom is a serene retreat with generous closet space a & an en-suite bathroom featuring a double vanity, separate shower & storage. Two additional well-sized bedrooms share a 2nd full bathroom, designed with modern fixtures and a stylish aesthetic. The expansive backyard is a true highlight, featuring a sparkling pool with water feature, slide & surrounded by a spacious travertine deck, ideal for sunbathing & entertaining. A well-maintained storage shed (40x30) offers practical storage solutions for outdoor equipment, supplies & can be used as a garage plus a 20x40 carport. This property also boasts a charming casita, providing a private & versatile space that can serve as a guest suite, home office, or artist's studio. The 12x24 casita is thoughtfully designed with its own entrance, ensuring privacy & comfort for its occupants. Other features include established landscaping, pavers, & fenced yard. This unique property offers a rare combination of features, including a main residence, pool, casita, shed & carport making it a standout choice for those seeking both comfort & versatility. Move away from the big city & be amazed at all the stars! Don't miss the opportunity to make this exceptional property your new home!

View Property

5336 N 20th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016

$595,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,965 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775489

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Perfectly positioned between North Central and Biltmore, this beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath townhome offers the perfect blend of modern upgrades and timeless charm. The front courtyard is perfect for quiet moments or entertaining guests, and leads to a great room with expansive celestory windows that bathe the living space in natural light. Enjoy a modernized kitchen with quartzite counters, shaker cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Relax in fully updated bathrooms, including a jacuzzi tub in the primary suite. Enjoy peace of mind of ownership with major replacements already having been performed; HVAC (2020), roof (2022), windows & sliding glass door (2023). Situated in the highly sought-after Madison School District blocks away from Phoenix's top entertainiment options

View Property

22 Pine Del Drive Flagstaff, AZ 86005

$595,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,704 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6638531

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Huge Price Reduction, will go quick! Discover your new haven in the Pines! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home boasts an open living area with luxury vinyl flooring throughout and cozy new carpet in all the bedrooms. Enjoy the comfort of new windows and a brand-new central heating and AC system. The modern kitchen features stainless steel appliances and stunning quartz countertops. With new lighting fixtures and fresh paint both inside and out, this mountain retreat is move-in ready!

View Property

5161 N Scottsdale Road Eloy, AZ 85131

$595,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,249 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6666215

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ideally located within the Robson Ranch golf course community, this CALABRIA model boasts an upgraded private entrance & courtyard complete w/ a tranquil pond & gas fireplace, a serene space complete w/ a charming guest casita. Integra-Block construction, new A/C unit, 4 ft. garage extension w/ cabinet built-in & ample attic storage. INTERIOR FEATURES: Extended bedroom nooks, plantation shutters, mood lighting, hardwood flooring throughout den, hallways, living room. Gas appliances. EXTERIOR FEATURES: Outdoor kitchen, BBQ, misting system, covered & enclosed patio, hot tub off master, gas firepits, pond w/ footbridge, separate garden enclosure area with grape vines & citrus trees. Owner/agent.

View Property

7700 E Gainey Ranch Road Unit 103 Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$595,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,104 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6705937

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome Home to Sunset Cove in the guard-gated community of Gainey Ranch! This single-level, 2-bedroom, 2-bath furnished, move in ready, townhome offers easy living in an excellent location. The Gainey Estate Club is just a short walk away, perfect for a quick swim, workout, tennis, or game of pickleball. You'll also be close to all that Scottsdale has to offer, including hiking, biking, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. This home has been updated over the years, with the current seller adding many upgrades. Features include a gourmet kitchen, BBQ patio, spacious bedrooms, and a private patio off the primary bedroom. The home also includes a detached one-car garage and extra parking. Welcome Home

View Property

41355 N Salix Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$595,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,741 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699464

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

In the heart of the Taylor Ranch community in San Tan Valley lies a haven of tranquility and luxury. Welcome to this stunning 3741 square foot residence with a thoughtfully designed floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths , 3-car garage + a den/office offers the perfect retreat for productivity and focus. Don't miss the huge loft area for a great game room or craft area. Discover the backyard oasis, featuring a fenced pool that beckons you to take a refreshing dip on warm Arizona days or gather around the outdoor fireplace on cool evenings. Updated A/C units were installed in 2020, to ensure year-round comfort and energy efficiency. Closely located near the new Costco at Ellsworth Rd and EZ freeway access to the new I-24. Come see how much this wonderful home has to offer.

View Property

2323 W Kachina Trail Phoenix, AZ 85041

$595,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,719 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703483

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful single level home with mountain views located in the immaculate Southern Highlands gated community. This incredible home has an open great room and split floor plan with 4 bedrooms (and a den that could easily be converted into a 5th bedroom) PLUS 3.5 BATHS AND TWO MASTER SUITES! The master bedroom has two separate walk-in closets. The home flooring features beautiful wood, tile, and carpeting throughout. The island kitchen has granite counter tops, 42'' stair step cabinets, walk-in pantry, stainless steel gas range, built in microwave / convection oven, and a breakfast nook in addition to the formal dining area. There are soft water & RO water treatment systems. See Supplemental Remarks for continuation of features The backyard is extremely private, and is currently a blank slate ready for landscaping according to the new owner's preferences. The backyard also features a covered patio, a watering system front & back on timer, and an available gas stub. The two car garage has an expoxy coating. The home is located in close proximity to downtown Phoenix.

View Property

17983 E Vista Desierto -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$595,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,370 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6724151

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spectacular 2 bedroom 2 bath home with $100,000 in upgrades in Trilogy at Verde River. Chef's kitchen features stainless steel Monogram appliances including built-in refrigerator/freezer, gas cooktop, dishwasher microwave and wall oven. Granite and quartz countertops. Magnificent glass tile backsplash. Very open great room floor plan is ideal for entertaining. Primary suite offers luxurious bath room with double sinks, built-in vanity, oversized shower. and custom walk-in closet. Private back yard with large covered patio, desert landscaping and artificial turf. Trilogy at Verde River offers an array of activities. Please visit their website for details.

View Property

3212 S Marryvale Lane Flagstaff, AZ 86005

$595,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,410 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728129

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

RARE OPPORTUNITY for a SINGLE LEVEL in Pinnacle Pines - and it even includes A/C! Come take a look at this nicely appointed 2 bedroom home with a great layout and use of space. The split floor plan design provides privacy for each of the two bedrooms while the great room combines the Living/Kitchen/Dining into an open and comfortable gathering space. A modest sized covered deck overlooking the backyard is great for spending a relaxing afternoon enjoying the outdoors. Other wonderful features include a flat, SW facing driveway, separate laundry room, lots of extra storage in the large crawl space, and did I mention A/C? Come take a look at this great home located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Pinnacle Pines!

View Property

4755 W Morin Road Mcneal, AZ 85617

$595,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,142 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731687

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOTIVATED SELLERS! Will consider all offers. Looking to expand your agricultural endeavors or seeking a tranquil retreat? Situated on over 90 acres, ideal for horses & livestock. This home features 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms plus a spacious basement for additional living space & storage. Living room, formal dining, & office/den provide plenty of options for relaxation & entertaining. Custom kitchen appliances, fireplace, wood-burning stove, custom woodworking, & built-in bookshelves add character & functionality. Outside is covered parking, a workshop, barn, & storage shed, along with 5 raised garden beds. Private Well! Farm equipment(2 tractors plus box blade, brush mower, & post hole digger)can remain with acceptable offer! A perfect blend of rural lifestyle, serenity, & modern convenience.

View Property

1357 N Nebraska Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$595,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,971 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740805

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home in Chandler! Situtated on a cul-de-sac lot, this main house is 1,971 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, PLUS 356 sq ft detached guest house with a full bath and kitchenette. Enjoy no HOA restrictions and a 9ft RV gate with a slab for boats, campers, and other toys. The backyard features a Pebble Tec pool with a rock water feature and slide (updated in 2017), a ramada, and an extended covered patio. The main house, guest house, and storage shed received new roofs in 2021. Main & guest house exterior paint in 2022 with 20 year warranty. Stay comfortable with two new HVAC systems installed in 2020 and a solar water heater added in 2023. This home is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience in Chandler! Be sure to ask about the energy audit & solar savings!

View Property

6812 W Firebird Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$595,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,328 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753607

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the coveted Arrowhead Ranch - Sierra Verde community! This stunning property offers 4 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms, all situated on a desirable corner lot that ensures added privacy. Step inside, you'll be greeted by soaring vaulted ceilings + a well-designed N/S exposure that bathes the home in natural light. Beautiful luxury vinyl flooring throughout (no carpet). The chef's kitchen boasts updated cabinets, ample counter space, + an ideal layout for entertaining guests. The primary bedroom offers high ceilings + a luxurious ensuite bath w/ 2 walk-in closets, separate soaking tub/shower, + dual sinks. The backyard is a private oasis with an extended covered patio, mature trees, and a grassy area. Enjoy lakes, trails, parks, dining, and shopping just steps away!

View Property