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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4196 E Bonanza Road Gilbert, AZ 85297

$569,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,257 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772058
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is it folks very well maintained lovely two story home in Popular Power Ranch. Formal Living and Dining with a Family room kitchen area. Kitchen has stainless appliances with beautiful dark cabinets. 4 bedrooms plus a loft area, 2.5 bathrooms. Primary Bedroom ensuite with a separate tub and shower, double sinks and walk in closet. Low maintenance front and back yards with auto drip system. Power Ranch offers Elementary School across the street from subdivision, Tennis courts, pickle ball, heated pool, spa, 2 catch and release lakes, two club houses, playgrounds and walking trails and so much more. SO MANY COMMUNITY AMMENITIES.......

744 E Laddoos Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$569,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,855 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772857
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fabulous Alexandria model on large corner lot! Welcome to this beautifully designed home featuring an open and functional floor plan, 10' ceilings perfect for modern living. The expansive great room seamlessly integrates a gourmet kitchen with a large island, a cozy breakfast nook, and a dining area, ideal for both casual meals and formal gatherings. The spacious living room offers ample room for relaxation, while an additional flexible space can serve as a home office, library, or den. The home boasts two generously sized BRs, including a luxurious primary suite complete with double sinks w/new fixtures, and walk-in closet. Cozy rear patio with fireplace, ideal for those cool AZ evenings, allows for outdoor living! All of this plus solar and a 4' extended garage, new paint in and out!

913 S Del Rio Court Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$569,900
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,193 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6699419
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You've just discovered the most beautiful ready-to-move-in 5-bedroom home in the east valley. This is one, of the rather hard-to-find, Daylight VIP Finished Basement homes with super Solid 2X6 construction providing years of strength & durability. This rare and wonderful home is nestled in Sonoran Wells, a quiet, well established smaller community, super close to the Superstition Mountains offering views, trails, and hiking galore. There are a great many amenities providing convenience & comfort that come with this home in particular. Here are just a few of the convenient benefits & features: 1) A Fully updated remodeled gourmet GAS kitchen with all easy to maintain stainless steel appliances, Dual cooking Ovens, a professional 5-burner GE Profile cooktop, a Super quiet KitchenAid ... dishwasher, a GE Profile Side-by-Side 36-inch Refrigerator Freezer, a GE Profile Microwave & with built-in Hood Fan, a magnificent wrap-around granite island & breakfast bar, a cozy eat in kitchen breakfast nook, rich mahogany 42-inch custom staggard cabinets with ultra handy pull-out cabinet drawers, gorgeous granite counters, a large food storage pantry, a commercial style flex faucet and oodles of extra storage. 2) Another very special aspect of this home is of course the spacious fully finished Day-Light basement with windows! There are 2 additional bedrooms, a large rumpus room for just about anything you can conceive (Office, game room, theater, business, yoga/workout), a full bath & shower, safety escape ladders in the window wells, and the essential basement sump-pump to keep things dry & protect the home. 3) One of the more obvious reasons to consider this home in particular is that it has 5 wonderful bedrooms. 2 bedrooms downstairs, 2 more main floor bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bathroom, and finally, the expansive main floor owner's quarters with a soaring vaulted ceiling, a private en suite bathroom featuring a large luxurious day-lite soaking tub, a spectacular gleaming glass block snail type walk in shower, two sinks, a separate facial station with lower counter, a large walk-in clothing closet, and a separate storage closet as a bonus. With rooms to spare, this home could be the answer to a multitude of ordinary or special circumstances: multi-generational, live-work, shared living, family, and/or just enjoying and having the space to spread out and relax. Other worth mentioning amenities include: An HVAC Cooled spacious 3-car garage with insulated garage doors and ceiling storage racks, an Ultra Quiet 55+ Ownership golf course community behind the home so there is plenty of peace and quiet to enjoy, plantation blinds and ceiling fans throughout the home, sunscreens, washer/dryer, soft water system . . . and more! if you have read this far, you may want to have a close look at the current comps - this home is priced beautifully. Please stop by today and see how wonderful life can be.

4340 E Park Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$569,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,556 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6783894
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the charm of this home in Highland Groves at Morrison Ranch! Step inside to an inviting interior bathed in natural light, featuring two-tone paint, elegant archways, recessed lighting, and a blend of wood and carpeting throughout. The expansive living/dining area flows seamlessly into the cozy family room, complete with a fireplace and a built-in media niche. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, offering stainless steel appliances, sleek granite countertops, a stylish mosaic tile backsplash, a pantry, a central island, and cabinetry with crown molding. A versatile den and a full bath are conveniently located downstairs, while a spacious loft awaits upstairs. The luxurious master suite boasts a spa-like ensuite with dual vanities, a separate tub and shower, and a generous walk-in closet. Step outside to the backyard, where you'll find a covered patio, a putting green, and beautifully arranged pavers for a perfect outdoor retreat.

29449 N Sorrento Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$569,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,835 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761271
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the Adult Community of Trilogy of Vistancia. This Shea built home is the Vibrant Model and features charming stone accents and entry paver details. As you walk inside, you'll see the pride of ownership is throughout. It features an open-concept layout with living, dining and kitchen flowing easily together. The kitchen features designer cabinetry, tile backsplash, granite countertops, pendant lighting, pantry and a full stainless steel appliance package. The master bedroom offers plenty of room for large furniture and includes a walk-in closet, along with a master bathroom featuring dual sinks and a walk-in shower. The secondary bedroom is separate from the master and conveniently located near the additional bath. The den / office features multiple areas of built in cabinets. It could also be converted to a third bedroom or formal dining. The laundry room is complete with washer, dryer, lower and upper cabinets, and additional hobby / craft area. The backyard is an absolute delight and perfect for entertaining with a full covered patio. Additional features include plantation shutters throughout and a central vacuum system which has additional connections for the garage. Trilogy at Vistancia combines luxurious amenities with a vibrant social atmosphere.

322 E La Diosa Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$569,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,035 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6780028
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful spacious Tempe home with mature trees on a large corner interior lot! Just 1.5 blocks from ASU. This home is ready to become whatever you envision, is livable and could us some serious updates. Larger a/c unit replaced this last June, plumbing work done a few years ago too. Alley entry 2 car garage with extra storage space and a covered space to park out front of the home too. Possibilities are endless and this one won't last long once it goes active.

5414 N Scottsdale Road Eloy, AZ 85131

$569,900
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,709 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6653533
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Updated home with Guest Casita, private bath & entrance. This home is spacious and comfortable with an updated courtyard at front entrance. The house has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den and a mud room off the laundry/garage entrance. Entertainers and chef's dream kitchen, open floor plan, tons of granite counter and Maple cabinet space, full wall natural gas fireplace and upgraded tile. Newer stainless-steel appliances. Matching granite back splash. Garage has epoxy floors, AC and a custom golf cart space hidden inside (can easily park 2 golf carts in this space) with golf cart charger for easy use & extended garage. Outside on the oversized Patio you will find a built-in fire pit with seating & pavers. The patio has open views with stunning western sunsets. Patio has gas hook up for BBQ. New extended patio tile. All new PVC in front & back. Water feature is included. Patio/yard lights on a timer. Fridge in mudroom stays. Casita has its own heating/cooling system. Utility sink in the laundry room. Garage cabinets are negotiable as well as all furnishings. Garage has a utility door. New 8' doors added to the den for privacy. All new lights on the exterior. New mirrors and shower floor in the primary bath. Exterior and interior recently painted. All furnishings available for purchase on a separate bill of sale.

22633 W Yellow Bird Lane Wittmann, AZ 85361

$569,900 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in N/a, Wittmann
New
$569,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,987 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787326
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A true desert dream, with Mountain views of the White Tank from your backyard. Over 52,000 square feet of land, bring your desert toys, this property offers privacy and tranquility.Split designed floor plan, offers four large bedrooms and an oversized walk-in closet in the Master Suite. The guest bathroom features dual sinks and tons of storage. A very welcoming open living area, spacious kitchen, as well as formal dining area, breakfast nook and bar seating. The soaring ceilings and full fresh interior paint create a bright and airy atmosphere with beautiful desert views. You will love the three car garage and additional parking, with plenty of room for all of your vehicles and off-road toys! The additional outdoor shed provides space for tools and storage, and the covered patio in the backyard is the perfect place to relax as the sun goes down. This home also has a brand new roof and no HOA!

16758 W Rowel Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$569,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,419 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6782835
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Live in elevated luxury at this impressive 5-bedroom, 3-bath home located in the desirable community of Desert Oasis in Surprise! This unique home offers convenience and privacy without compromise. Featuring H2O Concepts home water filtration system, OWNED SOLAR, hand-selected 12mm laminate flooring, custom recessed lighting, and a fully equipped kitchen designed with 42'' cabinetry, double ovens, 5 burner gas cooktop, pantry, granite counters, and a center island is the ideal backdrop for any home chef to sharpen their cooking skills. There is also an additional bedroom and full bath on the main floor. The loft is plenty big to accommodate an office or a separate living space

13442 W Blackstone Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$569,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,827 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6624856
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Like NEW 2021 Built '' Vibrant Situated on an OVERSIZED Lot with N/S Exposure in Award Winning Trilogy at Vistancia. TREMENDOUS Curb Appeal with Mature Lush Desert Landscape, Stone Accent and PAVER Driveway. Backyard with Putting Green .Inside includes Neutral Palette , ALL Tile Flooring along with 9FT Ceilings and Window Treatments T/0. Beautiful Kitchen with Large Granite Island , Designer Backsplash. and Rich Dark Cabinetry. Primary BR with LARGE Closet . BR 2 is Split with South Exposure . Bath 2 with Soaking Tub. Gorgeous Den with Built Ins and French Doors - Would make a Great 3rd BR. Backyard with Expanded Covered Patio , Travertine & Putting Green . Smart Space for extra storage or Office. This Home is in Terrific Condition . Sellers are MOTIVATED . Home is available TURNKEY

34214 W Sahuaro Street Tonopah, AZ 85354

$569,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,336 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672281
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning property is eligible for a 0% down payment with a USDA loan! Sitting on a 2-acre lot, offering endless possibilities for expansion or additional structures such as a second home or workshop. This home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Beautiful kitchen with granite counter tops and open spaces to the living and dining rooms. The master bedroom offers a walk-in shower, private toilet room and a walk-in closet. A beautiful, covered patio and irrigation system was installed on all the plants in the backyard. The house is equipped with ready fast satellite internet. Completely move-in ready. With no HOA restrictions, BRING YOUR HORSES, TOYS, RV'S, ETC!! This home features upgraded foam insulation, Nest smart home thermostat, Trane A/C unit, the 220-volt setup is perfect for a wo

8304 E Posada Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$569,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,487 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6678957
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
4 spacious bedrooms plus a loft, each equipped with its own walk-in closet for unparalleled storage. Enjoy awesome upgrades throughout, exquisite bathroom vanities and countertops, sleek faucets, a beautifully remodeled master shower, and the added convenience of comfort-height toilets. We continue with the addition of meticulously chosen light fixtures and five stylish ceiling fans, perfectly complementing the tiled flooring and upgraded upstairs baseboards. The kitchen, features refinished cabinets with new hardware, striking granite countertops, and a charming farm sink. Step outside to your own private Pebble Tec pool for endless hours of relaxation and enjoyment. Every room is spacious, separate living room and family room, 2 areas for dining + breakfast bar, granite counter tops and white cabinets, gas cook top, SS appliances. Charming light and bright bay window breakfast nook Amazing walk -in pantry seems endless, with additional storage area. Handy sink in laundry room. So much storage everywhere in this home, with closet after closet, including in loft, and large nicely finished expanded storage closet with light, under the stairs. Sparkling pool makes for at home entertainment and relaxing, easy maintenance back yard with grapefruit and orange trees, and recently replaced drip lines. solar panels for energy savings! So much more!

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