What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 13, 2016

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - June 13, 2016Last week’s economic news was highlighted by Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s speech in Philadelphia. Although Chair Yellen alluded to future Fed rate hikes, she did not specify when Fed policymakers would next raise the target federal funds rate.

Increases in the fed funds rate typically signal increases in consumer credit and home mortgage rates. Last week’s speech was seen as a precursor to the Federal Open Market Committee statement that will occur at the conclusion of next week’s FOMC meeting.

Chair Yellen is also scheduled to give a press conference after the FOMC statement next Wednesday.

Mortgage rates and new jobless claims also fell last week.

Fed Chair Speech: Fed Rate Increases Likely, but Subject to Economic Developments

Fed Chair Janet Yellen said that remarks would be “largely favorable” although economic developments were “mixed.” Chair Yellen cited economic progress toward the Fed’s dual goal of achieving maximum employment and price stability. Labor benchmarks included national unemployment below five percent, rising household income and indications of rising wages were cited as positive signs for economic expansion.

Slowing job growth and inflation staying below the Fed’s goal of 2.00 percent were cited as signs that the U.S. economic recovery is underway, but Chair Yellen also said signs of slower job creation along with uncertainties in global economic conditions and oil prices prevented short-term predictions about how the economy would perform.

Fed Chair Yellen also repeated her usual caution that Fed policy is not set in stone, but instead is subject to FOMC members’ ongoing review of economic developments and related readings.

Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Lower

Freddie Mac reported lower mortgage rates last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was six basis points lower at 3.60 percent; the rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.87 percent, which was five basis points lower than the previous week. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was six points lower at 2.82 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all three loan types tracked by Freddie Mac.

New jobless claims were also lower at 264,000 new claims filed against expectations of 270,000 new claims and 268,000 new claims filed in the prior week.

What’s Ahead This Week

This week’s scheduled economic news includes the Fed’s post-meeting FOMC statement and press conference, reports on the consumer price index and core CPI, housing starts and the NAHB Housing Market Index. Reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released according to their weekly schedule.

Economic indicators such as price inflation, rising mortgage rates and housing data impact housing markets and consumers’ ability or willingness to buy homes.

8009 W Desert Cove Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

$449,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,636 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6612345
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
No HOA!! This Peoria home features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2-car garage with partial remodeling in recent years. Spacious living and dining rooms that open to the kitchen. The kitchen features newer stainless steel appliances including refrigerator, granite counter tops, tiled backsplash, recessed lighting, and a large walk-in pantry. Master bedroom is spacious and features a walk-in closet and the Master bath features double sinks and a walk-in shower! Newer 6-panel interior doors, ceiling fans, light fixtures, 2'' blinds, toilets, and hardware. Owned soft water system and windows are not original to the home. The backyard has so many wonderful possibilities. There is a children's play area, a fenced PebbleTec play pool, an extended covered patio, a large RV gate with slab parking for an RV or other toys, another area for gardening, and storage sheds. Close to the 101 and 60 Freeways, shopping, dining, and the State Farm Stadium!

11109 E Pima Circle Dewey, AZ 86327

$449,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,085 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6639904
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Great 2 story home located on a quaint & quiet cul-de-sac w/minimal HOA fees featuring a golf course, restaurant, fitness center, pool & sports courts. This home features two bedrooms upstairs w/a potential 4th bedroom or den/study downstairs. The primary bedroom is located on the main floor features a walk-in-closet, dual sinks, garden tub/shower & private toilet room. Large open concept w/vaulted ceilings & lots of natural light in the living, dining & option for formal dining or media room. The covered deck off the kitchen & living room opens to mntn & neighborhood views Separate laundry & powder room. Two fenced in yards for children, dogs or a possible garden. Room to park your RV, additional vehicles or toys. New roof, flooring & stairway carpet in 2023 w/ceiling fans throughout.

11929 W Alvarado Road Avondale, AZ 85392

$449,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,052 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6640101
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bath home located on a large north south facing lot in the Cozy Donatela Community. Nice open floorplan to provide a great room concept. Open kitchen with center island, many cabinets for storage & pantry. Large master bedroom with spacious bathroom, dual sinks Plus a large walk-in closet. The backyard is your very own private oasis with large pool, covered patio, low maintenance landscaping with the front and backyard. Owned water softener & RO. Leased Solar to keep those utility costs low. Great location for all your Arizona needs to include schools, parks, shopping, hiking Plus so much more!

8630 E Bella Vista Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$449,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,076 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6647747
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
A BRAND NEW Clayton Home is setup and ready for move in! 3% Seller concession offered with a full price offer! This 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers just under 2,100 square feet with an excellent layout. The very popular 'Nirvana' model has an exceptional floor plan with all the modern finishes. There is laminate flooring in all living spaces and carpet in the bedrooms. The luxury kitchen has upgraded cabinets, a huge quartz island, all appliances included, and more. There is a large master bedroom, with a stunning bathroom that includes dual sinks, separate shower/tub, and walk-in closet. This home is situated on approx 1.5+/- acres in a quiet area of San Tan Valley, but close to all local conveniences. Great property for horses or plenty of room to add on shops, storage, with no HOA!