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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22601 W Mohawk Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$461,410

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,284 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693500

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Introducing the latest addition to Surprise, is Frontera in Mesquite Mountain Ranch. Available now is this new detached single-level home, situated on a corner next to a park, this charming one-story residence features four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a two-car garage. Boasting front yard landscaping, granite countertops, a generously sized kitchen island with a single bowl sink, tile flooring, stainless steel appliances, and a gas range, this home is designed for modern living. It also comes equipped with a smart home package, a gas tankless hot water heater, and Deako smart light switches for added convenience. Residents of Frontera, will have access to an array of community amenities, including hiking and biking trails, pickleball and basketball courts and play areas.

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1266 W Sparrow Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$461,173

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,967 SqFt

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MLS # 6681587

Property Type Single Family Residence

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North Creek Community will have you feel like your on vacation all year long. Community amenities include a resort style pool, 2 pickle ball courts, full court basketball, bocce ball, corn hole, fire pits, grilling area, tot lot, walking trails and so much more!! This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home is great to entertain family and friends. Updgrade features include upgraded white knight granite, gas range, Matt black fixtures, upgraded flooring. Hurry this home is beautiful.

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19625 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$460,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6676007

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Explore this exciting Slate home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered entry; an inviting kitchen boasting 42'' upper cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances and a center island; a relaxing great room and adjacent nook; an inspired primary suite showcasing a large walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; two secondary bedrooms with a shared bath; a central laundry; a fourth bedroom with an attached bath; a charming covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers 7'' x 22'' stone tile flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms, coach lights, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway.

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41108 W Haley Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$460,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,142 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6632233

Property Type Single Family Residence

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READY FOR MOVE-IN... This home has 4 bedrooms with a flex space to be used as den or a formal space. We added a shower in the powder room for a total of 3 full baths. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with dual vanity sinks. Stainless steel gas range. Benton ''White'' Birch cabinets throughout the home with 42'' kitchen uppers and roll outs at pantry. AZT Della Terra Quartz countertops in the owner's bath and at the kitchen and on the enhanced kitchen island. Tile backsplash in the kitchen has Colorwheel 4x16 tile. Upgrade flooring includes level 9 carpet in bedrooms/closets and the remaining of the home has DT Cannes Masso 18x18 tile in the great room, kitchen, entry, halls, bathrooms and laundry and so much more.

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