What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 26, 2016

Last week’s economic news included readings on consumer spending, core inflation new home sales and regularly scheduled readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

Consumer Spending Dips in November

Commerce Department reports on consumer spending in November indicated that consumer spending was lower in November with 0.20 percent growth as compared to October’s reading of 0.40 percent growth. November’s reading for core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, was flat as compared to expectations of 0.10 percent growth and October’s reading of 0.10 percent growth.

New Jobless Claims Rise to 6Month High

New jobless claims jumped to 275,000 last week as compared to an expected reading of 258,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 254,000 new claims. New claims typically rise during the holiday season due to school and other workplace closures.

There was good news as new jobless claims remained below the benchmark of 300,000 new claims for 94 consecutive weeks. This streak of new claims below 300,000 new claims is the longest since 1970. Increasing numbers of “contingent” workers contributed to volatility in employment; The Rand Corporation reported that 10.10 percent of the workforce was contingent workers in 2005; the percentage of contingent workers increased to 15.80 percent of the U.S. workforce in 2015.

Mortgage Rates, New Home Sales Rise

Freddie Mac reported a jump in mortgage rates last week; the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 14 basis points higher at 4.30 percent. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 15 basis points higher at 3.52 percent; the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose 13 basis points to 3.32 percent. Analysts said that the 10-year Treasury rate rose 10 basis points in response to the Fed raising its target funds rate. New home sales gained in November with a seasonally adjusted annualized reading of 582,000 sales as compared to 285,000 expected sales and October’s annual rate of 563,000 sales of new homes. This was the second highest reading for new home sales since early 2008. Builders will be watching mortgage rates and new home sales in the New Year to determine how rising mortgage rates will impact new home sales.

Whats Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic news includes Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports, pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. U.S. Financial markets are closed today in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

18983 N 259th Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,000 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Sun City Festival Planning Area 2 Parcel D2, Buckeye
New
$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,569 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694613
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Better than New, immaculate Hideaway Model with Smart Home Features. 2-bed/2-bath, split floor plan w/ upgraded plank tile flooring and ''leather'' granite countertops. Designer light fixtures & custom window treatments. Open concept living offers plenty of room for dining & entertaining. Extended height, soft close cabinets, SS appliances & walk-in pantry. The spacious primary bedroom has a large bathroom, dual sinks, walk in shower & walk-in closet. Charming guest bedroom w/adjacent bath. Enjoy the beautiful landscape from the extended back patio with privacy wall and pavers. 2 car garage with tandem 4ft extension, great for a golf cart, or additional storage. Additional features: Soft water system, tankless water heater, security door, additional iron fencing with gate access on both sides of the house. Front & backyard pavers & drip system for landscaping. Sun City Festival is an active adult community with plenty of activities. Complete gym, pickleball court, group classes, 27-hole golf course, 2 resort-style pools, onsite rec center, walking trails, and an indoor walking track. Don't miss the opportunity, come see this home today.

8723 E Sandtrap Court Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,812 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6553229
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Price reduction and seller willing to do below market rate seller financing. Contact agent for details. Welcome to this beautiful 2-bed, 2-bath Townhome in the gated Fairway Views! A paver courtyard and a 2-car garage w/attached cabinets are just the beginning. Inside the previous owner completely remodeled the interior of this home in 2021. New vinyl flooring, interior paint, custom Stone Creek cabinets in kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, and dry bar. New quartz countertops with travertine backsplash, baseboards, doors, custom showers and bathtub, new water heater/RO/water softner and Pella sliding doors. New light fixtures/fans, faucets and supply lines, Whirlpool print resistant appliances, Zephyr wine and beverage cooler with separate temperature settings and lots more! Home has desirable open layout, layered crown molding, a skylight, neutral paint and tons of natural light. Master bedroom has backyard access and an ensuite with dual sinks, travertine step-in shower, & a walk-in closet. Secondary bedroom also includes a private bathroom for added comfort. Enjoy the private backyard offering a covered patio, pavers, built-in BBQ, & exterior fireplace for chilly nights! You MUST see it!

3007 E Woodland Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048

$459,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,242 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6614031
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEW ROOF March 2024! Welcome to Mountain Park Ranch! This gem won't be around long, so be sure to plan your visit today! The seller has taken great care and added many improvements such as the kitchen renovation in 2017, the master bathroom remodel was completed in 2023, and the exterior was painted in 2020! The property is North/South facing, has an RV gate, is a corner lot and nearby the 202 freeway for an easy commute! The community offers lakes, parks, walking paths, there are multiple community pools nearby, and the house is kitty corner from Vista Canyon Park! There is plenty of shopping nearby such as Trader Joes, Dutch Brothers, Starbucks, Frys grocery store along with plenty of dining options!

12002 N Rio Vista Drive Sun City, AZ 85351

$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,999 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6629615
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WELCOME HOME TO THIS BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED TWO BEDROOM TWO BATH HOME. LOOKIG FOR AN ENTERTAINER'S KITCHEN BOASTS GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, UPDATED APPLIANCES, INDUCTION STOVE TOP, TONS OF STORAGE, KNOTTY ALDER CABINETS. THE BATHROOMS HAVE BEEN UPDATED WITH BEAUTIFUL WALK IN TILE SHOWERS. ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL GOLF COURSE VIEWS AND SUNSETS IN YOUR SCREENED IN PATIO. ALL MAJOR TICKET ITEMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.