What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 2, 2017

Last week’s economic reports were in short supply due to the Christmas holiday. Events reported included Case-Shiller home price indices, pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Consumer confidence was also released.

Case–Shiller Readings Indicate No Slowdown in Home Price Gains

Case-Shiller’s October readings for its home price indices showed continued growth in home prices. In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, high demand for homes and slim supplies of homes for sale continued to fuel higher home prices.

According to Case-Shiller’s national home price index for October, home prices rose 5.60 percent on an annual basis as compared to September’s reading of 5.40 percent. The 20-city home price index rose to 5.10 percent from September’s reading of 5.00 percent. Case-Shiller’s 10-city index also gained 0.10 percent in October with a reading of 4.30 percent year-over-year.

Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon and Denver, Colorado had the highest year-over-year home price gains in October with readings of 10.70, 10.30 and 8.30 percent respectively. David M. Blitzer, Managing Director and Chairman of the S&P Indices Committee, said that “Home prices and the economy are both enjoying robust numbers,” but he also cautioned that rising mortgage rates and home prices growing faster than wages continue to pose obstacles for some home buyers. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise its federal funds rate in 2017, which is expected to prompt rising mortgage rates.

Mortgage Rates Mixed, Pending Home Sales Fall

Pending home sales fell 2.50 percent in November. Analysts said that post-election reaction helped to drive mortgage rates higher, which made homes less affordable for first-time and moderate-income buyers; Sellers and buyers may have postponed decisions to sell or buy as they waited for volatile post-election responses to ease.

According to the National Association of Realtors®, pending home sales fell to their lowest level in almost a year with an index reading of 107.30 in November. September’s reading was 110.00. The holiday season and rising mortgage rates were seen as contributing to fewer pending home sales.

Freddie Mac reported the ninth consecutive week that fixed rate mortgages rose. In the final mortgage rates survey for 2016, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage rose two basis points to 4.32 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was three basis points higher at 3.55 percent. 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rates averaged 3.30 percent, which was two basis points lower than the prior week. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all three mortgage types.

New jobless claims were lower last week with a reading of 265,000 new claims filed. Analysts had expected 270,000 new claims filed based on the prior week’s reading of 275,000 new claims filed.

In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, consumer sentiment was higher than expected in December with a reading of 113.70 as compared to expectations of 110.00 and November’s reading of 109.40.

What‘s Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic reports include Labor Department releases on Non-Farm Payrolls, and the national unemployment rate. ADP payrolls and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released. Financial markets are closed today in observance of New Year’s Day.

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1783 E Mulberry -- Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

$459,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,896 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6644241

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Outstanding home in desirable 55+/Victorian Estates, Gated Community, providing a Quiet, Peaceful, Safe location with easy access to all shopping, entertainment, hospitals, doctors, etc. Here is a 1896 Square Foot/One level with 2 spacious Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 2 Car Garage + Den & large Family Room/Media Room/Flex Room (Potential 3rd Bedroom), GREAT ROOM Concept, 2 Tone Paint, Crown Molding, Ceiling Fans, Wood Blinds, Wood Plank Tile, & Newer Carpet. Kitchen was upgraded in 2016 with Antique White Cabinetry, Dovetailed Drawers, GRANITE Countertops, Tile Backsplash, 2019 Stainless Steel Appliances (Including Fridge), built-in Pantry, & built-in China Hutch. Master is Spacious with His/Her Walk-In Closets, Dual Sinks under GRANITE Countertops, Full Tub with tile surround, & separate Shower with Glass Doors. Home also has Large Utility room w/Upper Cupboards w/(Washer/Dryer) Conveying. Has large Open Patio, Fenced Dog Run area for small dogs, Attic Storage, Security System, Security Screen Door, & is Walking Distance to Clubhouse & Pool.

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16210 N 159th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85374

$459,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,949 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6653700

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, move in ready home on an oversized lot! Fresh paint, tile in all the right places. The large kitchen is a cooks dream with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances! RV gate.

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5245 N Grand Canyon Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$459,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,700 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659456

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PARTIALLY FURNISHED MONTECITO MODEL on PREMIUM homesite & OWNED SOLAR! 22 solar panels & sellers have not had an electric bill, only credits $$$. There is a beautiful pocket park adjacent to the home with walking paths & benches. Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath home, Den + a golf cart garage w/4 ft ext. Bay windows in Dining, Master & Guest room! Kitchen features upgraded cabinets, Gas range, SS appliances, Quartz countertops, tile backsplash, Reverse osmosis, under cabinet & pendant lighting. Large neutral tile throughout (carpet in bedrooms only). So many upgrades like the gated stucco trash enclosure at the side of the home, 2-tone paint, highly upgraded window treatments & fans in every room. Front & back of the home are professionally landscaped. This is a must see! Welcome home!

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10438 E Twilight Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$459,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,972 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662510

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Here's the home that will fit both your lifestyle and finances. Ample opportunity to put your personal touches and imagination to make it you! Great room flows seamlessly in to the dining room, kitchen and breakfast room. Spacious Primary bedroom with patio access and updated bathroom. Large secondary bedrooms that overlook the front courtyard area. Updated guest bathroom. Additional 392 SQ FT of Bonus Rooms, ideal for home office, hobby, fitness or workshop. Use one for work and the other for play! Backyard covered patio is perfect for afternoon get-togethers after golf with friends. Very private, expansive backyard. Garage offers plenty of space for vehicles along with tons of storage. Ready to live the resort life? Come check out all this community has to offer and make the move! January 2024, All tile sections of the house and garage have had felt replaced, tiles reinstalled, broken tiles replaced and new flashings installed.

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