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

27280 S State Route 89 Highway Congress, AZ 85332

$550,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,735 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763756

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a versatile property with two parcels, totaling 1.13 acres. This unique offering features a vintage 2,735 sq ft home, once a charming restaurant. Inside, you'll find new flooring, beautiful wood-beamed ceilings, vintage posts, corbels, and period-style light fixtures, adding character to every corner. The property boasts two separate living quarters, and a guest studio making it perfect for multi-family living or rental opportunities. In addition, there's a spacious 2,100 sq ft detached metal building, ideal for vehicles, equipment, or storage. With a 30x70 ft garage door for easy access, this building offers endless possibilities. The property benefits from prime frontage on Hwy 89 and offers ample parking, making it perfect for a business venture or investment. While the main building has vintage charm and may need some TLC, it's brimming with potential. Whether you're looking for a rental income opportunity or a unique home, this property is full of possibilities!

View Property

20034 N 273rd Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,478 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765303

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ENDEAVOR MODEL WITH A SPOOL ON A LARGE CORNER LOT! 2,478 sq. ft. of living space. 3 Bedroom, Flex Room, & 2.5 bath. Main living areas feature wood floors! Great Room fireplace, floor outlet, & SS speakers. Kitchen w\ Quartz counters, soft close drawers & cabinets, glide-out shelves, center island, large walk-in pantry, & R.O. system. Owners' Suite w\door to patio, power blinds, low threshold tiled shower w\glass door & seat, dual sinks, toilet room & large walk-in closet. 2 Guest bedrooms are adjoined by a Jack & Jill bathroom, w/a tiled shower & seat, perfect for guests! Hallway bath w/pedestal sink. Laundry room with sink. 4 ft Extended Garage with water softener & overhead storage. Private walled backyard w\ext Kool Deck & paver patio, spool w\water feature, roller shades & SS speaker

View Property

2130 Remington Drive Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,247 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764103

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 4-bed, 2-bath home! This spacious home features a semi-open floor plan, perfect for entertaining. The home includes large energy efficient windows allowing plenty of natural light throughout. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances and a center island, perfect for gatherings. The master suite offers a tranquil retreat including an en-suite bathroom featuring a soaking tub, dual vanities, and a walk-in closet. Step outside to your private oasis! Enjoy your own sparkling in-ground pool and spa, perfect for year-round fun. Relax under the covered patio which features two automated shades. The backyard includes low maintenance lush landscaping and lawn all completely irrigated.

View Property

4245 S 247th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$550,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,694 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765716

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning former model home is move in ready with updated flooring and fresh paint throughout. Situated in the serene neighborhood of Rancho Vista. Offering 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a 3-car garage and backyard oasis perfect for Arizona outdoor living. Step inside and be greeted by the separate formal living and dining area. Continue into the heart of the home, the stunning gourmet kitchen with all new cabinets, boasting expansive granite countertops and backsplash. Enjoy the seamlessly connected kitchen, dining room and family room. Downstairs, you'll also find a large laundry room, a guest bedroom and fully remodeled bathroom. Venture outside through double doors and discover your own private oasis, where meticulously designed landscaping sets the stage for relaxation and entertainment. Enjoy the low-maintenance artificial turf, a 40ft covered patio with mist system, a soothing waterfall, built-in firepit with seating and a relaxing hot tub. Upstairs, a spacious loft with built- ins ads additional entertainment space. You'll also find three secondary bedrooms and remodeled full bath. Retreat to the expansive owner's suite through double doors, where a soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, double sinks, and a large custom walk-in closet await. Welcome Home!

View Property

16222 N 161st Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,166 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766768

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Cul de sac home, updated from top to bottom, including the heated pool. On top of that, an outdoor kitchen with pizza oven! Backyard paradise with fruit trees, grape vines, hydroponic system and huge covered patio. Sunny kitchen eat-in kitchen is open to family/great room and has beautiful granite counters, island, an added coffee bar, lots of cabinets, counter space and pantry. Large living/dining room with flex space, a guest bedroom, full bath and laundry room round out the lower level. Upstairs, a large primary suite with walk-in closet, dual sinks, separate tub and shower. Two ample bedrooms with Jack and Jill bath. Solar system with low monthly loan payment means low energy costs overall. Close to great shopping, dining, spring training and Loop 303. This home has everything!

View Property

560 S 197th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,369 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767143

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence combines rustic charm with modern luxury. With captivating beamed ceilings and breathtaking mountain views, you'll experience tranquility just minutes from major retail areas. The four well-appointed bedrooms provide ample space for family and guests, each with large windows that let in plenty of light The spacious gourmet kitchen features a high-end gas range and elegant tile floors. Cozy evenings await in the living room, where large windows flood the space with natural light. This home offers a paid off solar system and great savings. Step outside to a covered patio perfect for entertaining, complete with a gas fire pit for cozy nights. Golf enthusiasts will love the three mini putting greens.

View Property

47435 N Meander Road New River, AZ 85087

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767323

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

HORSE PROPERTY: This unique New River property offers 98% usable flat land and is one of the best horse properties in the area. Offering a 96x48 ft lasered sand TURNOUT with a 16 ft swing gate, a second TURNOUT 48x48, a 48x-16 shed row stall covered with water and fans, a 12x10 tack room with exterior power, water, and plenty of room for additional stalls. Bridle paths/recreational trails are just steps away. The property is a quarter mile from Asphalt with easy in and out access roads. Welcome to Country Living, just outside of the city limits. Fall in love with the interior Country-Western motif, with wood-like tile and high-end laminate flooring throughout. There is a spacious great room with vaulted ceilings, a cozy kitchen with ample cabinets, counter space, a gas stove a beautiful copper farmhouse sink. 3 Large bedrooms w/walk-in closets, updated bathrooms and indoor laundry room offering tons of storage and a large sink. Covered back patio and a 32x15 cement patio, covered dog run that is snake and critter proof. 2 car garage with AC, Property is a quarter mile off of Asphalt with easy in and out access roads. NOT IN A FLOOD ZONE!!!

View Property

11352 E Starkey Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,234 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769404

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous 3 bedroom home presents wonderful curb appeal with paver walkway and meticulous landscaping and 2 car garage. Front room offers a formal living room and a seating area for relaxing. Great room layout encompasses the family room with gas fireplace, kitchen and dining area. Open chef's kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, pantry, tons of cabinet/counter space and a breakfast bar. Escape to the master suite featuring large window seat and walk-in close. Spa like master bathroom boasts dual vanities, large garden tub, tiled walk-in shower with a seat and a second walk-in closet. Step out back onto the extended covered, paver patio to enjoy the beautiful, tropical-like backyard featuring artificial grass and lush landscaping providing extra shade. A true oasis!

View Property

11083 W Burnett Road Sun City, AZ 85373

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,034 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769241

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**HUGE PRIVATE RESORT STYLE BACKYARD** WITH STUNNING **SALTWATER POOL** GAZEBO** THIS ONE HAS IT ALL** BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED** WOOD LOOK TILE FLOORING** UPGRADES EVERYWHERE** NEW APPLIANCES** GAS STOVE** NEW WINDOWS** NEW AC-2 years** PLANTATION SHUTTERS** WATER SOFTENER** MURPHY BED IN GUEST ROOM** NEWER WATER HEATER **GIGANTIC SUN ROOM WITH AC NOT INCLUDED IN SQ FOOTAGE **OWNED SOLAR MEANS NEXT TO NOTHING UTILITY BILLS**HIGHLY ACCLAIMED 55+ COMMUNITY **WITH 30 ACRES OF WINDING FULLY STOCKED LAKES** NON-MOTORIZED BOAT RECREATION **FOUR CLUBHOUSES **COMMUNITY POOLS **PLETHORA OF CLUBS AND GROUPS** SPORT COURTS **MOVE RIGHT IN AND LIVE THE LIFE YOU HAVE DREAMED!**

View Property

22870 W Sunset Lane Congress, AZ 85332

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,933 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771222

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't let the lot size fool you! This easy to manage horse property is strategically set up to accommodate horses, LQs and RVs. Step into the warmth of this enchanting home where every room whispers tales of tradition and heritage. The home is the perfect size for a full time retreat or a winter get away. With wooden beams and handcrafted accents, this home is unlike any other. Enjoy picture perfect sunsets as you unwind in the front courtyard. Out front is a red barn with water and electric offering endless possibilities for horse enthusiasts or those seeking additional storage. The property does have income potential and is turn key. It is fully fenced with an electric gate and all pens have automatic waterers. A portion of the turnouts can be removed and enlarged into a riding arena or

View Property

2349 W Del Campo Circle Mesa, AZ 85202

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,586 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Very nice home, Includes 3 bedrooms plus a small room and 2 bathrooms, current owner has kept this home in a very good shape, Master bedrooms has an addition. Lots of kitchen cabinets, tile flooring through out, a big grassed back yard perfect for entertaining, 2 car garage, RV gate, with a RV parking place. Close to City of Tempe, I-101, I-202 & I-60 freeways, ASU and restaurants.

View Property

18429 W Robin Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,989 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774539

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bed + den, 2.5 bath RV GARAGE home in Surprise's North Copper Canyon. The original owners upgraded just about everything, including extending the attached RV garage to 48 FEET! The designer kitchen includes upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an apron sink, a giant island with loads of storage, and a walk-in pantry! Wood-look tile floors flow throughout the open floor plan, with plush carpet in the bedrooms. The primary bathroom includes double sinks, a walk-in shower, and a large walk-in closet. RV garage is 48 feet long, 14' Tall Front door and includes a 10' garage door leading to the backyard. There is also an RV gate for additional toy parking! The backyard has a gorgeous fully covered pergola with cafe lights perfect for entertaining!

View Property