What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 22, 2016

Last week’s economic news included the NAHB Housing Market Index, Commerce Department releases on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

Shortages of available single-family homes have driven up home prices and increased competition among homebuyers; short inventories of homes for sale are affecting affordability in many areas, although buyers seem motivated by lower mortgage rates and some easing of mortgage requirements. Analysts have repeatedly said that the only solution to the shortage of homes is building more homes.

Fortunately, the National Association of Home Builders reported that builder sentiment concerning U.S. housing markets increased in August. The HMI moved up to a reading of 60 in August as compared to July’s reading of 58. Readings over 50 indicate that a majority of builders surveyed are confident about housing market conditions.

According to NAHB, home builders continued to face obstacles including shortages of buildable lots and skilled labor. Regulatory issues were also cited by some builders, but overall, builders remain optimistic about housing market conditions.

Housing Starts Up, Building Permits Issued Slip in July

Commerce Department reading s on housing starts and building permits issued were mixed; housing starts rose from July’s reading of 1.186 million permits issued to 1.211 million permits issued in August. July’s reading was the second highest since the recession but was driven by multi-family construction. Building permits were lower in August with a reading of 1.152 million permits issued against July’s reading of 1.153 million permits issued.

Analysts said that under present market conditions, there is little reason for homebuilders to increase single-family home production as current pricing has put many would-be buyers on the sidelines.

Mortgage Rates Mixed, New Jobless Claims Lower

Freddie Mac reported that average rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed rate mortgages dropped last week while the average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages rose. The average rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage was 3.43 percent and the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 2.74 percent; both readings were two basis points lower than for the prior week. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage was two basis points higher at 2.76 percent. Average discount points held steady for fixed rate mortgages at 0.50 percent; average discount points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages were lower at 0.40 percent.

New Jobless claims fell by 4000 claims to 262,000 new claims, which was lower than analyst expectations of 265,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 266,000 new claims. Job security is important to home buyers and signs of strong labor markets can help propel would-be buyers into the market,

What‘s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes releases on new and existing home sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released on schedule.

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9437 E Spiral Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

New

$459,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,377 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694633

Property Type Single Family Residence

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This adorable cozy home offers 3 large bedrooms with our Roosevelet Premium Palette, including a stainless gas range, dishwasher, and microwave with granite kitchen counters Tile floors in all the main living areas with upgraded carpet in the bedrooms. Many upgrades in plumbing and electrical bring this homes design together for a lovely home to move into. This home also offers a large four panel slider to the back patio. Stop by today to see why Eastmark is the #1 place to call home.

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11230 W Marguerite Avenue Tolleson, AZ 85353

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$459,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,192 SqFt

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MLS # 6695667

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Below Market Financing Available!!!!!!!!!!! This single-story home features three secondary bedrooms off of the foyer, one with its own en-suite bathroom making it ideal for guests. The open layout encompasses the kitchen, dining and Great Room creating a spacious living area. Off the Great Room is the owner's suite which boasts a spa-inspired bathroom with a large walk-in closet. The covered courtyard and rear covered patio provide plenty of outdoor living opportunities. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home.

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41090 W Haley Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$459,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6594869

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN!!! It's our beautiful Belice - 3 bedrooms + flex space, 2 baths and a 3 car tandem garage. 12'x8' sliding glass door off the extended covered patio. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with EMS Casino Ice gloss in a 4x16 tile at shower surrounds . Stainless steel gas appliance package with undermount single bowl sink. Winstead Maple ''Cafe'' stained cabinets through out the home with 42'' kitchen uppers and rollouts at pantry. Himalaya white granite countertops in kitchen and on the enhanced kitchen island. Kitchen backsplash has a 4x16 Ice Matte tile. Flooring includes EMS 12x24 Baccarat Astra tile in all the areas of the home except beds/closets. Dual sinks at bath 2. Two-tone interior paint ''Agreeable Gray'', soft water loop and so much more. Seller to write contract and to verify all information with onsite agents. Water Company is Santa Cruz Water Company and Sewer is Palo Verde Utilities Company.

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1263 E Palo Verde Drive Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$459,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,549 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6637959

Property Type Single Family Residence

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If you're looking for a ranch style, true 5 bedroom split floorplan, in Casa Grande, AZ then look no further! This home, built in 2018, consists of 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a 2 car garage and sits on a corner lot 8,448 sqft in size. It has a very spacious backyard with lots of citrus trees and even a large covered patio for those fall, winter and spring nights you may want to enjoy the Arizona weather. This home has had only one owner and has been kept in meticulous condition. There is surround sound throughout and even a multi-camera owned security system and it's all located within the Cottonwood Ranch community of Casa Grande.

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