What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 9, 2017

2017 started with good news; fixed mortgage rates were lower, but the national unemployment rate ticked upward and labor reports showed fewer openings for public and private sector jobs. Construction spending was higher in November.

Mortgage Rates Lower; Construction Spending Higher

Freddie Mac reported lower average rates for fixed rate mortgages as the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage crept up. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped by 12 basis points to 4.20 percent; The average rate for a 15-year mortgage fell 11 basis points to 3.44 percent while the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage gained three basis points to 3.33 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Construction spending was higher in November according to the Commerce Department and reached the highest level since April 2006. The November reading was 0.90 percent higher as compared to an expected reading of 0.60 percent and October’s original reading of 0.50 percent, which was revised to 0.60 percent. Lower mortgage rates coupled with more construction could help ease low inventories of available homes and provide relief to first-time and moderate-income home buyers who’ve been challenged by rapidly rising home prices and mortgage rates.

Fewer New Jobless Claims: Unemployment Rate Rises

The government’s Non-Farm Payrolls report for December showed lower job openings for government and private sector employers with a reading of 156,000 jobs added against the expected reading of 180,000 job openings and November’s reading of 204,000 job openings.

ADP reported similar results for its December reading on private sector jobs; 153,000 jobs were created against November’s reading of 215,000 jobs created. Analysts said that hiring is increasing, but not as fast as in prior months. On average, 174,000 private-sector jobs were created monthly in 2016 as compared to a monthly average of 209,000 private sector jobs created in 2015.

Weekly jobless claims were lower last week with 235,000 new claims filed; 260,000 new claims were expected based on 263,000 new claims filed the previous week.

December’s national unemployment rate rose to 4.70 percent from 4.60 percent in November. Analysts said that the uptick was likely fueled by employers deleting former workers from their payrolls at year-end.

Whats Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include readings on job openings, consumer sentiment and weekly readings on new jobless claims and mortgage rates.

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3703 N Wintergreen Way Avondale, AZ 85392

$455,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,223 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6648052
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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2339 N Wind Drive Pinetop, AZ 85935

$455,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,790 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6653087
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
GREAT LOCATION in Pinetop Country Club. FURNISHED townhome tucked back overlooking the common area w/ tons of tall Ponderosa Pine trees. True pride of ownership in this 3 bed - 2 bath home. You are greeted with a entry that opens into a large great room, open concept, vaulted ceilings with bamboo accent, gas fireplace, huge kitchen with tons of cabinets & counterspace + stainless steel appliances. This home has a split bedroom floor plan. There is a large pantry w/ a lovely laundry room with wonderful space to work. The Master/Primary overlooks the tall pine trees with amazing privacy. The closet is huge and the bath has lots of space with 2 vanities. The 2 other bedrooms, one has a desk with a fold out couch plus a fold out twin bed. The deck is incredibly spacious - READ MORE Everything else in the home AND garage STAYS! This home boasts of beautiful high quality wood laminate floors throughout (NO carpet)! This cabin in the woods comes fully furnished. What you see when you view the home, is what you get. It is move in ready. Check out the cupboards for dishes, etc. The great room has a ceiling to floor stone gas fireplace. Beautiful window coverings throughout! The garage is oversized and there is also an extra parking spot. Imagine living in the White Mountains of Arizona where you have 4 beautiful seasons and where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the 40 lakes and over 600 miles of rivers and streams. In addition to the amazing fishing, this area has one of the most extensive trail systems in the southwest for hiking, biking, horseback riding, quadding and more. Sunrise Ski Resort is also just 40 minutes away with 3 beautiful mountains to ski, snow board or sled. If shopping is your interest, you will love the antique stores and the multitude of arts and craft shows that happen in the summer. The music festivals have something to fit everyone's enjoyment. Do you love to golf? There are 7 amazing golf courses, 3 that are public. The White Mountains, where this home/cabin is the best kept secret of Arizona! Come and explore and enhance your living! Pinetop-Lakeside was also voted 'Best Cabin Region in the U.S... Embrace the MAGIC!

1849 W 21st Avenue Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$455,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,885 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6671957
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
THIS GORGEOUS 3 BED 2.5 BATH HOME SITS IN THE GATED COMMUNITY OF BELLA CORONA, WITH THE MAJESTIC SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS AS A BACKDROP. THE COMMUNITY OFFERS A SPARKLING POOL, BASKETBALL COURT, AND LUSH GREENBELTS . INSIDE, AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN SEAMLESSLY CONNECTS THE DINING AREA, KITCHEN, AND LIVING ROOM. THE STYLISH KITCHEN BOASTS A LARGE CENTER ISLAND, QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, AMPLE CABINETRY, AND PENDANT LIGHTING. THE UPPER-LEVEL HOUSES ALL BEDROOMS AND LAUNDRY, INCLUDING A SPLIT MASTER WITH A SPACIOUS WALK-IN CLOSET , SUPER BATH, & PRIVATE BATHROOM. THE BACKYARD BOASTS A COVERED PATIO PERFECT FOR RELAXATION OR ENTERTAINING. THE GATED COMMUNITY, HEATED POOL, SPA, AND DOG PARK. Buyers & buyers agents are to verify all facts & figure ***5K SELLER CONTRIBUTIONS TO BUYERS CLOSING COST ***

1102 W Glendale Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021

$455,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,928 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6681045
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Uptown Phoenix with this charming townhome nestled in a gated community. Boasting 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and vaulted ceilings in the living room, this home exudes spaciousness and style. Located right next to the community pool, relaxation and leisure are just steps away. Whether you're starting your homeownership journey or seeking an excellent rental opportunity, this townhome is the perfect fit. Enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of Uptown and North-Central Phoenix, where trendy eateries, boutique shops, and cultural attractions await your exploration. With quick access to highways, commuting is a breeze, ensuring you're never far from the excitement of the city. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to own a piece of Uptown allure Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Uptown Phoenix with this charming townhome nestled in a gated community. Boasting 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and vaulted ceilings in the living room, this home exudes spaciousness and style. Located right next to the community pool, relaxation and leisure are just steps away. Whether you're starting your homeownership journey or seeking an excellent rental opportunity, this townhome is the perfect fit. Enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of Uptown and North-Central Phoenix, where trendy eateries, boutique shops, and cultural attractions await your exploration. With quick access to highways, commuting is a breeze, ensuring you're never far from the excitement of the city. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to own a piece of Uptown Phoenix's allure. Book a tour today and experience the unmatched charm of this delightful townhome.

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