What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 15, 2016

Last week’s economic news included reports on job openings, retail sales and recurring reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Job openings and hiring increased, which provided further evidence of stronger economic conditions. Retail sales were flat in July, new unemployment claims dropped and mortgage rates changed little.

Labor Reports Suggest Stronger Economic Trends

The Labor Department reported more job openings in June with 5.60 openings as compared to 5.50 million job openings in May. According to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, 5.13 million workers were hired in June as compared to May’s reading of 5.15 million hires. June’ JOLTS report also showed that voluntary quits were nearly double the rate of quits during the worst part of the recession. Analysts consider quits an indicator of worker confidence in job markets; in times when jobs aren’t easily found, workers are more likely to stay with current jobs rather than risking uncertainties associated with quitting.

New jobless claims were lower with 266,000 new claims filed against the prior week’s reading of 267,000 new claims filed and expectations of 265,000 new claims filed. Last week’s reading continued a long streak of new jobless claims under 300,000 per week. Labor market trends impact housing markets, as prospective homebuyers typically consider job security as a significant factor in decisions to buy homes.

Mortgage Rates Show Little Change

Freddie Mac said that average mortgage rates held near steady readings last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose by two points to 3.45 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was also two basis points higher at 2.76 percent and rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage averaged 2.74 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all three loan types reported. Consistently low mortgage rates help to ease concerns caused by rapidly rising home prices caused by short supplies of available homes.

Consumer sentiment fell short of the expected index reading of 91.50 with a reading of 90.40 but surpassed July’s index reading of 90.00. Participants in the University of Michigan Survey cited concerns over increasing prices coupled with slow income growth. Analysts said that consumer participants had grown acclimated to low mortgage rates, which may have offset consumer concerns about stagnant wages and higher prices.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic releases include the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, Commerce Department Consumer Price Index and Core CPI reports along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

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8917 N 65th Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$459,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,760 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685460

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is the best house in the neighborhood! It has been completely remodeled by a licensed contractor. The house features a new roof and HVAC system, as well as fresh paint both outside and inside. Additionally, there are new tile floors throughout the entire house. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a spacious living room filled with natural light. The kitchen has undergone a complete transformation with new cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Both bathrooms have also been completely redone, including new vanities, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and tiled showers. Outside, you can enjoy the patio and the low-maintenance yard. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this beautiful home.

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16 W Encanto Boulevard Phoenix, AZ 85003

$459,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,709 SqFt

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MLS # 6685494

Property Type Apartment

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Don't miss out on over 1,700 sqft of Midtown Luxury! This private end unit is the largest City Home floor plan and is priced to sell. There are only 4 units at Tapestry with this desirable floor plan. You will enjoy all the windows making it light and bright. Features include upgraded stainless appliances, granite counter tops, gas range and a gas fireplace. The first floor also has beautiful laminate flooring and a large patio. There are two large bedrooms upstairs with lots of closet space. The primary suite has a walk in closet and a nice private balcony that is north facing for year around use. Located just minutes from shopping via a short drive or the light rail. You can even take the light rail to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. This home has two assigned parking spaces in the secured underground parking too. On site amenities include a fitness center, club house, large heated pool and spa, a Walgreen's pharmacy is on site as are a nail salon and a new art studio too.

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30520 W Clarendon Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,658 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687483

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Welcome to your canvas! This beautiful move-in ready, spacious home, is ready for your personal touch. As you pull up to the home you will be grateful for the 3 car garage and RV gate perfect for storing your cars, toys and holiday decor, as well as having your own ''she shed''. As you walk inside you will not be disappointed with the open living space and gourmet kitchen that will meet your needs and more! This desirable floor plan is great for a multi generational home or someone looking for all the space, with 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. And the backyard is ready for you to turn it into your outside oasis! OH! And did I mention it has OWNED solar?! Don't miss it!

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7650 E Edgewood Avenue Mesa, AZ 85208

$459,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,584 SqFt

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MLS # 6688997

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Fantastic Ranch Home in Fountain of the Sun, a 55+ Community. Move-in Ready, 2 bed, 2 bath home with a private, gated, backyard pool. Updates include refaced kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops and all new LG kitchen appliances 2023. Large owner's bedroom suite, French door entry, updated bath, new vanity & walk-in closet. Guest bedroom has a new Murphy-style wall bed unit that converts to a desk ($7k) and a walk-in closet. High-quality window shutters throughout the entire home. Beautiful, private backyard with heated salt-water pool, new pump & salt cell in 2019. Newer roof & outside paint. Enjoy all the Fountain of the Sun amenities including pickle ball, bocce ball, a dog park and much more. The 18-hole executive golf course & country club make this a very special place to live.

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