What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 17, 2016

Last week’s economic news included reports on job openings, retail sales and weekly readings on average mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

Job openings were lower in August after hitting an all-time high in July according to the federal government. Job openings fell to 5.44 million in August as compared to July’s reading of 5.83 million job openings, Job openings reached 5.31 million in August of 2015. Job quits were unchanged in August with a reading of 3.0 million quits; the quits rate was 2.20 percent. There were 5.4 million hires in August as compared to 5.8 million hires in July. The hiring rate held steady at 3.60 percent.

Weekly jobless held steady from the prior week’s reading of 246,000 new claims, although analysts expected a reading of 252,000 new claims. September retail sales increased by 0.60 percent in September and fell short of expectations of 0.70 percent growth. August’s retail sales reading was negative at -0.20 percent. Retail sales excluding the automotive sector were as expected with an increase of 0.50 percent.

Mortgage Rates Rise, Consumer Sentiment Slips

Freddie Mac reported higher rates for fixed rate mortgages. The rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose five basis points to 3.47 percent. The average rate for a 15-year mortgage was four basis points higher at 2.76 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was unchanged at 2.84 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Consumer sentiment was lower in October with an index reading of 87.90 percent. Analysts expected a reading of 91.70 percent based on September’s reading of 91.20 percent. November’s presidential election was viewed by analysts as unsettling to consumers’ feelings about current and expected economic conditions. The index reading for consumer sentiment for current economic conditions rose from 104.20 percent in September to 105.50 in October, but fell sharply for expected economic conditions to an index reading of 76.60. Analysts noted that consumers with lower incomes expressed less assurance about post-election economic conditions.

Whats Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include the NAHB/Wells Fargo Home Builders Market Index, Sales of Pre-Owned Homes and Commerce Department readings on housing starts and building permits issued. In addition to weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims, reports on consumer spending will also be released.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

17199 W Elaine Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$465,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Cottonflower Unit 2, Goodyear
Open House
$465,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,918 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689110
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Home, sweet home! This fantastic 3 bed, 2 bath residence now on the market is looking for its new owners! A beautiful facade w/stone accents, easy-care front yard, a 2 car garage w/built-in cabinets, and an RV gate are just the beginning! Inside you'll find a spacious dining & living area w/elegant wood-look flooring, dazzling light fixtures, upgraded ceiling fans, custom palette throughout, outdoor access w/stylish French doors, and a warm fireplace. The gorgeous kitchen is comprised of wood cabinetry w/granite counters, a pantry, stainless steel appliances, stone backsplash, and a lovely island. Discover a cozy loft where you can spend a relaxing Sunday evening! The primary bedroom boasts vaulted ceilings, private balcony access, a walk-in closet, and a full ensuite w/dual sinks. Also including a wonderful backyard w/a covered patio, a quaint pergola, and a sparkling blue pool, this home simply has it all! Act now before it's gone!

10823 W Sarabande Circle Sun City, AZ 85351

$464,999
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,957 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6640061
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore the charm of this newly renovated residence in Sun City, featuring a modernized kitchen and bathrooms, as well as upgraded flooring and fresh paint throughout. This home is designed to leave a lasting impression and is truly a must-see. Come and discover the myriad offerings of this exceptional property for yourself.

40243 W Michaels Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$464,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,220 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6630712
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this impressive Raleigh home. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a guest suite with a bathroom in lieu of a study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, stainless-steel appliances, a center island and a walk-in pantry; a spacious great room boasting center-meet doors leading onto a relaxing covered patio; a convenient laundry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a deluxe bath with double sinks; a teen room in lieu of a bedroom; a storage area; a mudroom and a 2-car garage. This home also offers ceramic tile flooring in select rooms.

10830 W Grant Street Avondale, AZ 85323

$464,995 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Vista Del Verde Phase 1 Replat, Avondale
New
$464,995
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,860 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693990
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this stunning Sunstone home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a private study; a spacious great room overlooking a serene covered patio; a dining nook; a thoughtfully designed kitchen boasting 42'' upper cabinets, quartz countertops, a walk-in pantry, a center island and stainless-steel appliances, including a gas range; a central laundry; and a lavish primary suite showcasing dual walk-in closets and an attached bath. This home also has upgraded stone tile flooring, cultured marble bathroom countertops, ceiling fan prewiring, front yard landscaping and a concrete-paver driveway and walkway.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.