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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116 N 3rd Street Tombstone, AZ 85638

$559,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,404 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746565

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

INVESTORS WELCOME!! THIS HOME HAS 3 - 1 BEDROOM UNITS FULLY FURNISHED FOR SHORT OR LONG TERM RENTAL OR PERSONAL LIVING PURPOSES. VERY COMFORTABLE RANCH STYLE HOME IN ''THE TOWN TOO TOUGH TO DIE''! QUIET STREET, WALK 3 BLOCKS TO ALL THE FUN IN ALLEN STREET! COVERED RV PARKING IS AN ADDITIONAL BONUS OR INCOME PRODUCING BENEFIT! OFF STREET PARKING AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS. WATCH THE BIRDS & ANIMAL PARADE JUST A STONE'S THROW FROM THE GORGEOUS GAZEBO WITH ''FIRE PIT/GRILL'' IN THE BACK YARD. LOWER LIVING SPACE COMES WITH ACCESS TO A MINE AND POSSIBLE GHOST.

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43154 N Outer Banks Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$559,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,153 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753584

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this stunning Tuscan-style home, featuring 3 bedrooms plus a den and breathtaking mountain views. Designed with elegance and comfort in mind, this residence offers a formal living room and dining room, perfect for entertaining, while the spacious great-room provides a welcoming space for everyday family living. The home showcases luxurious travertine flooring throughout, complemented by granite countertops and a travertine and marble backsplash in the kitchen, creating a seamless blend of style and sophistication. You'll love the location of this home as it is close to dining, shopping and entertainment not to mention the community pools, parks and clubhouse that are waiting just for you.

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3834 E Cavalry Court Gilbert, AZ 85297

$559,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,160 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769305

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

UPDATED TO FIVE BEDROOMS AND THREE BATHROOMS, GREAT POWER RANCH COMMUNITY, HOME SITS ON A PRIVATE CUL DE SAC, FIRST FLOOR HAS A BEDROOM, FULL BATHROOM, FAMILY ROOM AND SPACIOUS KITCHEN WITH ALL APPLIANCES AND CENTER ISLAND, MASTER SUITE HAS A PRIVATE BATH WITH SEPARATE TUB/SHOWER, DUAL SINKS, AND A WALKIN CLOSET, BACKYARD HAS COVERED PATIO AND A LARGE GRASSY AREA, GARAGE AND LAUNDRY ROOM HAVE CABINETS, COMMUNITY POOLS, CLUBHOUSE, POND AMD MANY PARKS AND WALKING PATHS, TWO NEW A/Cs IN 2021 AND A NEWER WATER HEATER, NICELY LANDSCAPED FRONT YARD AND PRIVACY IN BACKYARD,

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12467 W Gambit Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$559,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,635 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774761

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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15147 W Double Tree Way Surprise, AZ 85374

$559,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Luxurious expanded Coronado with Magnificent Kitchen and Dining Room. 3 CAR GARAGE!! Lavish Upgraded Baths. Large Front Courtyard. Lots of Privacy at SE Back with Spacious Covered Patio and Decorative Knee Walls. Kitchen with Custom Cabinets, Granite, SS Appliances, Gas Range, Island, Pantry, Bar, Skylight. 20'' tile on the diagonal flow T/O most of the home. Wonderful Primary Suite with wood floors, sitting area with a bay window. Luxurious bathrooms feature custom vanities & updated showers. Bedrooms, kitchen, office have window shutters. Beautiful Expensive Custom Draperies and Cornice Boards in Living, Dining Areas. Create a New Chapter in Your Life in this Great Home on a Great Lot in a Great Location!

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11967 W Vernon Avenue Avondale, AZ 85392

$559,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,979 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781455

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS 5 bedroom, 2.75 bath with a separate den/office nestled in a quiet neighborhood conveniently located close to I-10, shopping, and the 101! A soaring ceiling, open floor plan, and an inviting color palette greet you as you step inside to the combination dining/living room. The spacious kitchen is perfect for entertaining and features granite countertops, an island, new stainless-steel appliances, farmhouse sink, and plenty of counter space. The space opens to a family room for easy conversation and gatherings. You will also find a bedroom, a full bathroom, and a separate den/office on the main level. The kid friendly, low maintenance backyard is a sanctuary for bird lovers. With its view of the Estrella Mountains, this yard provides a great venue for those gatherings. The home borders an open green space allowing for peaceful evenings on the back patio. With its sparkling pebble tech pool, turf, landscape, storage shed, pergola and concrete side yards, this beauty won't last long! Updates/new in 2023 - paint interior and exterior, carpet, plantation shutters, French doors leading to outside patio, additional insulation in attic, mini split heat pump in garage, garage door opener, ducts cleaned, and pool pump!!

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2575 N Tamarisk Street Chandler, AZ 85224

$559,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,922 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783649

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 2575 N Tamarisk—a charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single level home designed for both comfort and convenience! This home has been lovingly owned by one family! This property features two spacious living rooms; one with a wood-burning fireplace, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. The kitchen features granite countertops, a convenient breakfast bar, and plenty of cabinet space for all your storage needs. The primary bedroom is a true retreat with direct access to the backyard, offering a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Step outside to find a sparkling pool, covered patio, and a low-maintenance backyard, perfect for enjoying Arizona's sunny weather year-round. Don't miss this opportunity for a home that combines style, space, and outdoor living! Located with easy access to the 101 and US-60 freeways, Mesa Community College, shopping centers, and beautiful parks.

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1620 W Carol Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$559,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,051 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785676

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A must see home in the heart of Mesa. Step inside this beautifully remodeled home with all new flooring, brand new kitchen cabinets/countertop +appliances, and entertainment area (complete with a stunning fireplace). Bedrooms and bathrooms are fully redone with new vanities, and a gorgeous walk in shower+free standing tub in the primary bathroom. Two of the bedrooms boast en suite bathrooms! New turf in the front and back gives this home a beautiful finish!

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22420 N 20th Place Phoenix, AZ 85024

$559,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,557 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6778503

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning, remodeled 3-bedroom + loft, 2.5-bathroom home in the highly sought-after area of North Phoenix, within walking distance to award-winning PV schools! This move-in-ready home showcases pride of ownership with recent upgrades and thoughtful design throughout. The chef's kitchen features white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an undermount sink, perfect for cooking and entertaining. Inside, enjoy a spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, new waterproof vinyl flooring, fresh interior paint, and upgraded baseboards. The loft has been enhanced with custom built-ins, providing a versatile space for an office, playroom, or relaxation area. Other recent updates include new ceiling fans, blinds, and an updated primary shower for a modern touch. Storage is plentiful with added space in the garage. The resort-style backyard is perfect for entertaining, featuring a sparkling pool, pavered areas, synthetic grass, and an irrigation system, offering low maintenance and year-round enjoyment. With easy access to freeways, shopping, and local amenities, this home combines comfort, convenience, and style in an unbeatable location. Don't miss out on this incredible North Phoenix gem!

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10260 E White Feather Lane Unit 2039 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

New

$559,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,381 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786921

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Resort Style Living! Stunning, Pristine & Move in Ready! Highly upgraded condo featuring Bosch appliances, quartz countertops, white shaker cabinets & plank tile wood flooring! Beautiful floor to ceiling custom stack stone fireplace w/ distressed wood mantle! Designer shower surrounds! Custom Shiplap wall in dining area! Gourmet Kitchen w/ gas cooking and new tile herringbone backsplash & under cabinet lighting! Like new & lightly lived in! Enjoy covered Patio w/ Mountain, City & Natural Desert Views. Prestigious Ridge at Troon North Community features a Heated Pool & SPA & Fitness Center! Minutes to more world class golf, shopping & entertainment! Conveniently located close to hiking & biking trails. Walking distance to Troon North Golf Club. Welcome Home!

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20629 N Danielle Avenue Maricopa, AZ 85138

New

$559,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,595 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787610

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home! This beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath residence in Homestead North is the one for you! Charming curb appeal, a no-fuss front yard, a 2 car garage w/built-in cabinets, and an electric RV gate are just the beginning. Discover a spacious great room w/high ceilings, elegant wood-look flooring, and warm palette throughout. Hone your cooking skills in this gorgeous kitchen, comprised of wood cabinetry w/crown molding, a pantry, granite counters, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. The primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and a private ensuite w/dual sinks & designer touches. Double doors open up to a cozy den, ideal for an office! New 16 seer heat pump perfectly sized for your energy efficient warmth and cooling. Upgrades galore!! Lastly, the resort-like backyard includes a covered patio, extended seating area, a lovely gazebo w/a built-in BBQ, artificial turf, and a separate guest house w/an additional garage space! Fully paved RV parking with electric gate. What are you waiting for? Act NOW!

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13326 W Montansoro Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$559,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,760 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6753497

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SPECTACULAR N/S home on a PREMIUM lot with a NATURAL DESERT/MOUNTAIN SETTING - walking distance to the MITA CLUB! This GORGEOUS like new - open concept - 2022 built Vibrant shows like a MODEL & furniture can be purchased on a separate Bill of Sale making it the perfect winter retreat or full-time home! PAVER driveway/walkway & STONE ACCENTS greet you as you enter this PRISTINE home! STUNNING tile flooring in all the right areas & upgraded carpet in the bedrooms. The BEAUTIFUL kitchen features a large breakfast island, pendant lighting, roll-outs/trash-recycle & soft close drawers, LED under cabinet lighting, GRANITE slab, large pantry, gas stove, SS appliances & dining area. Great room w/2 large windows overlook the natural desert. Den/office has a BUILT-IN cabinet for additional storage. Both baths have CUSTOM tile showers w/decorative listelles - framed mirrors in the spacious owner's suite w/dual sinks & large walk-in closet. Enjoy your FENCED backyard DESERT OASIS - EXTENDED COVERED paver patio, synthetic grass, lighting & natural stone fountain. What an AMAZING opportunity to make this your HOME!! Upgrades: split-tilt plantation shutters, drapery panels, two tone paint t/o, laundry sink w/upper & lower cabinets w/stone c-tops, larger baseboards t/o, lighting, ceiling fans, deeper garage for toys/storage, water softener, reverse osmosis & trash enclosure on side of home.

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