What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 1, 2016

WhatsAhead072916Last week’s economic reports included S&P Case-Shiller Housing Market Indices, reports on new and pending home sales, Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage rates survey. The Federal Reserve released its customary statement after the scheduled Federal Open Market Committee meeting concluded; the Committee did not raise the federal funds rate of 0.25 percent, but indicated that economic risks were fewer, which suggested that the key Fed rate may be increased in September.

According to the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for May, home price growth dipped from 5.40 percent in April to 5.20 percent in June as calculated on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Portland, Oregon led the 20-City Index with 12.50 percent growth in home prices annually. Seattle, Washington and Denver, Colorado rounded out the top three with readings of 10.70 and 9.50 percent annual growth respectively. Eight cities posted faster growth rates in May than for April. Analysts again cited short supplies of available homes and high demand for homes as reasons for rising home prices.

New and Pending Home Sales Increase

Sales of new homes reached a seven-year high and rose to 592,000 in June as compared to expectations of 562,000 new homes sold and May’s reading of 572,000 new homes sold. Analysts have consistently said that building more homes is the only way to solve the shortage of available homes. Rising sales of new homes are a step in the right direction, but builders cited labor shortages and lack of buildable land as hindering their ability to meet demand for homes.

Pending home sales also rose in June with an increase of 0.20 percent.Analysts expected new home sales to rise by 1.30 percent based on May’s negative reading of -3.70 percent. Pending home sales data assists with estimating future closings and demand for mortgage loans.

Fixed Mortgage Rates Rise

Freddie Mac reported higher mortgage rates for fixed rate mortgages; 5/1 adjustable rates held steady. The average rate for 30-year adjustable rate mortgages was three basis points higher at 3.48 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was also three basis points higher at 2.78 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage was unchanged at 2.78 percent. Average discount points held steady at 0.50 percent for all three mortgage types.

Whats Ahead

This week’s economic releases include reports on personal income, inflation, and core inflation. Several reports on employment will be released including ADP payrolls, Non-farm payrolls, and the national unemployment rate. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new unemployment claims are also expected.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

2101 W Shelly Avenue Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$459,990
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,051 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6688460
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Radiance at Superstition Vistas, a brand new master planned community located on the border where Mesa meets Apache Junction. This is a rare opportunity for optimal living - to have the convenience of City living while enjoying the breathtaking Superstition mountains! Small town feel meets modern amenities at its best! The Hanna 2052 sq ft, 4 bed/2.5 bath adorable, energy efficient home in which you will find tile in all common areas, 9 foot ceilings and on trend extra bright white walls.. Located close to the 24, 60 & 202.

3339 S 177th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$459,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,971 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694772
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome Home! This cozy single story home features 3 bedrooms plus study, 2 bath, 2 car garage and a Double Gate to backyard! Open kitchen, dining and great room area. Extended Covered Patio expands to a glorious outdoor space to create the oasis you've always wanted! Interior has 9ft ceilings, 8 ft interior doors, shaker style white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, wood look tile floor throughout and carpeted bedrooms. Conveniently located near shopping and dining options. You won't want to miss out on this one!

7417 W Northview Avenue Glendale, AZ 85303

$459,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,986 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6666090
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home is our Concerto plan with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath home. The kitchen is beautifully designed with 42-inch grey cabinetry, Quartz counters and stainless-steel appliances. The adjacent great room includes a multi-slide door extending perfect for indoor/outdoor living. Upstairs a generously sized loft is perfect for additional living. The Primary Suite features a large bath with shower a huge walk-in closet. Don't miss this home! ^^^Up to 6% of Base Price 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.

21571 W Papago Street Buckeye, AZ 85326

$459,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,012 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6671550
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spacious Larkspur plan that has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths. It has a 12x8 sliding glass door off the great room. Stainless steel electric appliance package with microhood. Tahoe Maple Boulder cabinets throughout the home with 42'' kitchen uppers and a pull out trash drawer with two bins. AZT Granite Bianco Typhoon in kitchen with a stainless steel single bowl kitchen sink. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Solara Yaris 20x20 in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. Dual sinks at bath 2, soft water loop, garage door opener two remotes, 8' tall garage doors for those high profile vehicles, garage service door for easy access into the backyard and more. Estimated completion in May.