What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 11, 2016

Whats Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week April 27 2015Last week’s economic news included minutes from the most recent meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) along with several reports on private and public sector employment and the national unemployment rate. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

FOMC Minutes: Committee Closely Monitoring Economic Developments

The minutes of June’s FOMC meeting indicate that Fed policymakers continue to be cautious based on low inflation and close review of domestic and global economic developments. Committee members acknowledged improvements in the housing market, but also noted that annual inflation remains below the Fed’s two percent goal. Low inflation and wage growth presented obstacles to would-be home buyers who continued to face rapidly rising home prices and low inventories of available homes. FOMC members voted not to increase the current target federal funds rate of 0.25 to 0.50 percent.

FOMC’s June meeting occurred before Great Britain’s decision to leave the EU, which created volatility in financial markets and caused mortgage rates to drop.

Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Fall

Freddie Mac reported an across-the-board drop in average mortgage rates last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell by seven basis points to 3.41 percent and the rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 2.74 percent. Rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate averaged 2.68 percent. Discount points were unchanged at 0.50, 0.40 and 0.50 percent respectively.

New jobless claims were decreased to a three-month low of 254,000 as compared to expectations of 265,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 270,000 new claims. New jobless claims were higher after the end of the school year, when some school workers became eligible for benefits when schools closed for summer break.

Job Creation Jumps After May Lull

Non-farm payrolls expanded significantly in June after May’s sharp drop. 287,000 jobs were created in June as compared to expectations of 173,000 new jobs and May’s dismal reading of 11,000 new jobs. The non-farm payrolls report includes readings for public and private sector jobs. June’s ADP payrolls report measures private-sector jobs; June’s reading surpassed May’s reading of 168,000 jobs with 172,000 new jobs.

In related news, the Commerce Department reported that national unemployment increased from May’s reading of 4.80 to 4.90 percent. Analysts said that this uptick may not be bad news, but instead indicated an expanding workforce. Unemployment readings are based on the number of workers seeking work and don’t include workers who have left the workforce.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic releases include the Consumer Price Index, Core CPI, retail sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released.

9437 E Spiral Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$459,990 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Inspirian Iv At Eastmark, Mesa
New
$459,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,377 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694633
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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.

11230 W Marguerite Avenue Tolleson, AZ 85353

$459,990 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Verde Trails 2, Tolleson
New
$459,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,192 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695667
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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.

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.

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
Price Type --
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.