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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19162 S 212th Place Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$578,299

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,648 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778906

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning, brand-new home in the Acclaim at Jorde Farms community! This beautifully designed single-family home features an open floor plan, seamlessly connecting a spacious great room, dining area, and a modern kitchen with granite countertops and a central island. With 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a versatile loft, this home offers plenty of space for every lifestyle. Enjoy the charm of a neighborhood setting with planned walking trails, scenic parks, and a future community pool—a natural gathering place for residents. Conveniently close to golf courses, dining, and shopping. WELCOME HOME!

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21033 E Camina Buena Vista Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$578,065

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,994 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771915

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't Miss Out on this CLOSE OUT & FINAL OPPORTUNITY to own this beautiful inventory home located in desirable Hastings Farms. BELOW MARKET RATES AVAILABLE for Fixed Rate or Rate Buydown for qualified buyers when financing with Builder's preferred Lender(s). Located close to Queen Creek Marketplace Shopping, Dining & Entertainment, this Community has Parks, Soccer Field, Basketball Courts, & 8-Mile Walking trail. This Beautiful home is located across from the park. Beautiful designer finishes including Gas Cooktop, Double Wall Ovens, 42' Upper Cabinets, Quartz Kitchen Countertop, Tiled Backsplash, Plank Tile Flooring & Window Blinds. Don't Wait, Come See This Home Today.

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18176 W Paradise Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$578,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,230 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760419

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! This Meticulously maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath home backs to a quiet greenbelt with walking trails giving you privacy while enjoying swimming in the custom pool that features a waterfall or relaxing on the covered patio. Enjoy cooking in the gourmet kitchen which includes cherry cabinets, granite countertops, double oven and all new SS appliances. Cozy up next to the gas fireplace in the great room that features 10' tall ceilings and plantation blinds throughout the house. The large primary bedroom features sliding door access to the patio and pool area, an ensuite bathroom, walk in closet with built-ins. Enjoy the oversized three car garage with built-in cabinets and a large laundry room. New AC/Heater/Water Heater. This home shows like brand new, you wont be disappointed.

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618 E Cleveland Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$578,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

4,141 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748218

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful house in the desired area of San Tan Valley/Queen Creek area. HUGE home with 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, open-floor plan, big loft, large bedroom and full bathroom downstairs, oversized walk-in closet, 3-car garage, large RV gate with enough area for all your toys and storage and a huge backyard to relax. Just minutes away from HWY 60 and Hwy 24 for easy access to your job and the city. This community featuring lots of walking and biking paths, parks and volleyball court, entertainment and much, much more.

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16364 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$577,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,570 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6724796

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Thoughtfully designed 4-bedroom home with 3 baths and 10-foot ceilings. Deluxe master bath with walk-in shower, Gourmet kitchen includes 42-inch upgraded cabinets, and a center-meet slider at kitchen nook, paver driveway, walkway to entrance, laundry sink pre-plumb and an impressive tray ceiling entrance.

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1400 E Orchid Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$577,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,237 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751890

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home located in the highly sought-after golf course subdivision. As you step inside, you will be greeted with warm and inviting neutral colors and new flooring/carpet throughout. The spacious family room with a cozy fireplace is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. Designed with your comfort in mind, this meticulously maintained home offers 4 generous sized bedrooms and a den, providing plenty of space for everyone in the family. Prepare to be amazed by the completely remodeled chef's kitchen featuring brand new cabinets and stunning quartz countertops. With ample cabinet and counter space this kitchen is ideal for hosting dinner parties or simply cooking up a homemade meal. This home has been recently upgraded with new exterior and interior paint, as well as a new vanity in the lower-level bathroom. And for the icing on the cake, a brand new A/C unit has been installed, ensuring comfortable living all year round. But that's not all, as you step outside, you'll find a large and private backyard with a covered patio, perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings with friends and family. Don't miss the opportunity to make this house your new home and experience the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and style. Trust us, you won't want to leave!

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8245 E Quintuplet Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$577,828

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,752 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784443

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6784443 January 2025 Completion! The Imperial floor plan at Hawes Crossing seamlessly combines functionality and style, thoughtfully designed with modern touches to suit your lifestyle. Step through the inviting front porch into a welcoming foyer, where you'll find a powder room and access to the 2-car garage. From here, ascend to the second floor or move into the heart of the home—an open-concept great room, dining area, and kitchen, all connected to a covered outdoor living space ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Upstairs, the home features a luxurious primary suite with a spa-like bath and spacious walk-in closet, three additional bedrooms (two with walk-in closets), a shared bathroom, and an en suite bathroom. This level also boasts a versatile loft and a conveniently located laundry room, making the Imperial both practical and luxuriousyour perfect at-home retreat. Structural options include: gourmet kitchen, paver driveway and walkway.

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21355 E Sparrow Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$577,511

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,185 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753927

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning home in Ascent at Jorde Farms, featuring numerous upgrades! Inside, you'll find a gourmet kitchen with designer cabinets, quartz countertops, and Whirlpool stainless steel appliances. The open-concept great room is ideal for entertaining. The private primary bedroom has spacious walk-in closet. This house also boasts upgraded paint and flooring, among $75K of other options and upgrades.

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2030 E Duke Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$577,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,652 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736889

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This TEMPE Home is in a GREAT LOCATION, Plus NO HOA! It's a Turnkey home! EVERYTHING has been Remodeled with Modern Up-grades! 3 Bedrooms, 2 beautiful modern primary Bath and Guest bath. Large Gathering Room and Huge kitchen! Your buyer will love the Chef's kitchen, Granite Counter's, Double Oven, and Lot's of kitchen storage. No carpet and new windows have custom blinds and shades! 2 Car Garage with garage and a side Service Door. No maintenance Front and a Huge backyard with a Covered Patio! Close to the 101 and 60 freeways. New Roof, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical,Windows, Doors all done in 2022.

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43227 W Caven Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$577,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,955 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758139

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Must see this GORGEOUS HACIENDA home located in Pecan Groves, Maricopa's most desirable community! This multi-level floorpan with 5 Beds & 3 Baths + LOFT is accented by soaring ceiling & Travertine Tile! Create an incredible life with this 3,901 Sq ft nestled in the GREAT- The Villages of Rancho El Dorado. CHECK OUT THE SPECTACULAR VIEW of the LAKE and the GREAT AMENITIES as YOU enter the subdivision ! You'll love the beautiful Grand Front Porch! Bright open floor plan w/ separate living room & dining room, Lovely KITCHEN w/ Stunning Granite Counter Tops, S/S Appliances w/ Double Oven, Gas Stove & Dishwasher, S/S French door Refrigerator & Microwave Oven.

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2352 W Willow Breeze Road Chino Valley, AZ 86323

$577,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,512 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728432

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous home sits on 3.45 acres of fully fenced property offering breathtaking views from your whole property. The large circular driveway offers more than enough room for parking and guests. The interior of the home is elegantly done, with modern finishes including tile throughout, quartz countertops and a butcher block island. Both bathrooms are well finished with tile and upgraded vanities. The large patio is a perfect place for entertaining or just enjoying the amazing views. The property also features is a large detached shop as well as being equipped for horses and other livestock with stables, tack shed and separately fenced portions of the property. Brand new roof!

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3536 N Snead Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$577,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,466 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748270

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated home + casita w/ full bath surrounded by a private backyard oasis featuring multiple entertaining areas, covered patio & gorgeous water feature. Charming courtyard entrance with pavers. Elegant Great Rm with vaulted ceilings & French doors to patio, game table or dining area & entertainment area with media cabinet. Rich wood cabinets, granite counters, stylish tile backsplash, SS appliances incl gas stove (new in 2012), portable prep-bar, walk in pantry & breakfast bar. The primary suite offers a cozy sitting area, patio access, bathroom with dual sinks, shower & walk-in closet. Addtl guest bdrm, full bath, home office/den. Travertine tile throughout home. Re-imagined laundry/craft room with extra storage. GORGEOUS HOME!

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