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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149 N Charlotte Street Queen Valley, AZ 85118

Open House

$574,999

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742416

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow, PRICED UNDER APPRAISAL VALUE! ~Owners need to move! ~SPECTACULAR CUSTOM HOME offers STUNNING 360 SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN VIEWS from your balcony & front porch! ESCAPE HARSH WINTERS in your One-Of-A-Kind PICTURESQUE VACATION HOME or FOREVER HOME! Nostalgic MAYBERRY-ESQUE Town, a rural sanctuary quiet reprieve! ~THE GOOD LIFE U DESERVE AWAITS! ~GOLF ~2 Restaurant/Cantinas ~TOWN SQUARE SOCIAL EVENTS! ~LAKESIDE Picnics ~WARM GLOW of HARDWOOD SOARING CATHEDRAL CEILINGS w/STAINED GLASS accents create UNIQUE AMBIANCE of a SKI CHALET in the DESERT! ~$220k in REMODEL/UPGRADES ~2 sep OWNER'S ENSUITE BEDROOMS ~Replumbed Home ~REBUILT BATHROOMS ~NEW FLOORS ~NEW APPLIANCES ~INTERIOR PAINT is Eco-friendly, all-natural, Real Milk Paint w/no off-gassing *GOLF+POOL/SPA MEMBERSHIPS avail at nominal fee. ...Owners cleaned all ducts with a special custom cleaning company, Arcadia Cleaners. The whole house, including the air quality, is set up perfectly for anyone with environmental allergies or for children who need a clean environment for their growing development. ***Optional***JOIN VOLUNTARY Homeowners Recreation Center Assn at ONLY $20 annually to participate in RECREATION CENTER SOCIAL EVENTS! This voluntary participation ONLY affords social events & DOES NOT extend any control by any HOA over your property; it's purely for entertainment purposes.

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4809 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$574,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696690

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Boasting an open layout ready-made for entertaining, the Pinecrest plan centers around an expansive great room, a dining nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen boasting a convenient island and a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, Shaker cabinets. The elegant primary suite is adjacent, showcasing an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with separate drop-in tub and large shower. Two additional bedrooms, a study, a laundry and a covered patio round out the plan.

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10508 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$574,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720353

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Boasting an open layout ready-made for entertaining, the Pinecrest plan centers around an expansive great room with multi slide doors that open to a covered patio, a dining nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen boasting a convenient island, white shaker cabinets, quartz counters, black matte fixtures throughout, and a walk-in pantry. The elegant primary suite is adjacent, showcasing an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with deluxe walk-in shower. This home has 10' ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring, tiled baths, and carpeted bedrooms. Two additional bedrooms, a study, and convenient laundry room round out the plan.

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20248 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$574,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717303

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

8760 sqft lot- Gourmet kitchen, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, white cabinets, pendant lights at island, stainless steel appliances w/pyramid hood & gas cooktop - Corner-meet door at great room - Full tile shower at primary bath & oversized closet - Pre-plumb locations at laundry room, soft water loop, gas to patio - 9 x 35 tile floors throughout except for carpet in bedrooms - Matte black fixtures throughout - Ceiling fan pre-wires at bedrooms, patio and great room - 10-foot ceilings - Two-tone paint - Garage service door.

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17580 W Running Deer Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$574,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699992

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this impressive Darius home, ready for an August move-in. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a spacious great room; a quiet study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a center island and a pantry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a large living room; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

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17668 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$574,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742948

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this impressive Darius home, ready for quick move-in. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a spacious great room; a quiet study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a center island and a pantry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a large living room; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

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23964 N 171st Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$574,995

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720282

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ease and elegant design blend beautifully in the ranch-style Pomona plan. An inviting great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a dining nook and a kitchen showcasing a pantry and a center island. Aspiring top chef? This home has gourmet kitchen features! The impressive owner's suite offers a walk-in closet and a private bath with a deluxe, large walk-in shower. Three additional bedrooms, a central study and a laundry round out the floor plan, which includes a covered patio, a 2-car garage and a 1-car side-turn garage. This home features 10 ft ceilings, paver driveway, Wood look tile flooring, Quartz countertops, Super shower with an additional rainfall shower head & many more upgrades.

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16408 W Creedance Boulevard Surprise, AZ 85387

$574,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6647548

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous ranch-style Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room, a breakfast nook and a large kitchen with multi-slide doors for fabulous natural light. Home includes a Master bedroom with generous closet, Deluxe bath with shower and tub. 2 more bedrooms, and a spacious den complete this home. Boasting Quartz kitchen countertops, 42'' cabinets and 6x35 Tile throughout, carpet only in bedrooms. A MUST SEE!

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24030 N 171st Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$574,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685257

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Are you ready for your new home at Asante? Come tour this beautiful Pinecrest plan. Boasting an open layout ready-made for entertaining. This plan centers around an airy great room, a dining nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with a convenient island. The elegant owner's suite is adjacent, showcasing dual walk-in closets and a private bath featuring walk in shower and drop in tub . Two additional bedrooms, a study , great room featuring amazing corner multi slide doors off great room and covered patio . Bring your backyard oasis vision that will make this home the one always dreaming of. Includes a 2-car garage and separate side turn garage.

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668 E Aurora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$574,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,144 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768733

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move-in Nov. 2024!!! - Welcome to Edgewood, a charming community by K. Hovnanian Homes, conveniently located just south of AZ-24—perfect for both commuters and weekend adventurers. This beautiful Pasadena plan offers a spacious split floor design with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an additional office or flex room for extra versatility. The great room, with its vaulted ceilings and large sliding doors that open to the backyard, is ideal for entertaining. The home's interior is thoughtfully designed with our Loft-inspired ''Looks'' collection, featuring sleek grey cabinets, quartz countertops, elegant tile, and nickel hardware throughout. Don't miss the opportunity to own this newly completed home! Up to 6% of Loan Amount can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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610 E Aurora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$574,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,144 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774531

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Almost complete! CORNER LOT! This Pasadena split plan home includes 4 bedrooms, den and 3 baths. Designed with our beautifully curated Classic inspired interior selections. The open great room features a stunning vaulted ceiling and a multi-panel slider that opening to the large patio and backyard perfect for indoor/outdoor living. The kitchen features grey cabinets with satin nickel hardware, sparkling quartz counters and beautiful pendant lighting over the island. The den is ideal for working from home or a quiet retreat. The primary suite includes a generous walk-in closet and a resort like bath with free-standing soaking tub and large shower. This home is not to miss, plan your visit today!!! ^^Up to 6% of Loan amount can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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20245 W Catalina Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$574,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,510 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686329

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

STOP THE CAR... It's the beautiful Jade floor plan in the Arroyo Seco community. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 2 car garage plus a large storage area. Pavers at the drive, walk and entry, Stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop, wall oven and canopy hood. Tahoe maple slate - (gray) cabinets throughout. AZT Della Terra Quartz Linen countertops in kitchen and restrooms. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Riverside Firenza 20x20 tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. 5'' baseboards with 3 1/4'' door casings throughout. Dual sinks at bath 3. Interior two tone paint in ''Whiskers''. 8' tall garage door with two remotes, Garage service door for easy access into the back yard and so much more.

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