What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 24, 2016

Last week’s economic releases included the National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Market Index along with reports on housing starts, building permits and sales of previously owned homes. Weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released.

NAHB: Builder Sentiment Dips amid High Demand for Homes

Home builder confidence in current housing market conditions dipped from September’s index reading of 65 to 63. September’s reading was the highest since the peak of the housing bubble. Any reading above 50 indicates a majority of builders surveyed are confident about housing market conditions. Building new homes is essential to relieving intense demand for homes against short supplies of homes for sale. Builders cited obstacles including low supplies of land for development and workforce shortages, but expressed confidence in overall economic conditions that affect construction and sales of new homes.

Housing Starts Fall, Building Permits Rise

According to the Commerce Department, the reading for housing starts was nine percent lower in September than for August. 1.047 million starts were reported in September on a seasonally adjusted annual basis; August’s reading showed 1.150 million starts. Monthly readings tend to fluctuate due to weather, labor and materials supplies. Single family starts provided good news with a higher annual rate of 783,000 starts; this was 8.10 percent higher than August’s reading.

More building permits were issued in September than for August. Overall, 1.225 million permits issued on an annual basis. August’s reading showed 1.152 million permits issued. Building permits for single-family homes rose to 783, 000 on an annual basis, an increase of 8.10 percent over August. September’s increase in single-family permits indicates that builders are shifting their efforts toward single-family construction instead of multi-family construction. This signifies confidence in homeownership and suggests stronger housing markets as renters become homebuyers.

Sales of PreviouslyOwned Homes Increase

The National Association of Realtors® reported that previously owned homes sold at a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 5.47 million sales in September as compared to a rate of 5.33 million sales in August. Pre-owned home sales rebounded after slowing in July and August. Home prices rose 5.60 percent year-over-year to an average of $234,200; this was the 55th consecutive month that home prices rose.

Sales of pre-owned home sales rose in all four regions rose year-over-year from 0.90 percent in the South to 5.80 percent in the Northeast. First-time buyers accounted for 34 percent of sales, which was the highest participation rate in four years.

Mortgage Rates Higher

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week. 30-year fixed rates were five basis points higher at 3.52 percent. 15-year fixed rates were three basis points higher at 2.79 percent. 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates rose three basis points to 2.85 percent. Discount points rose from 0.50 to 0.60 percent for fixed rate mortgages and were unchanged at -.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

New jobless claims were higher than expected at 260,000 claims; analysts expected 248,000 new claims to be filed based on the prior week’s reading of 247,000 new claims filed. Last week’s reading was the highest in six weeks, but analysts said that layoffs remain very low.

Whats Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes Case-Shiller home price data, readings on new and pending home sales along with reports on consumer confidence. Mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released on their regular weekly scheduled.

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701 S Reynolds Lane Show Low, AZ 85901

$462,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,534 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6638533
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Adorable home and amazing location! Gorgeous vaulted ceilings, 3bed/2bath split floor plan, large open kitchen and living space. Get cozy during the winters next to the beautiful stone gas fireplace, enjoy the springtime and summers on one of the large front or back decks and oversized fully fenced backyard! Spacious master bedroom includes large walk-in closet, double vanity, and jetted tub. This home is located in town nearby the hospital, grocery stores, and shopping all while being surrounded by tall pines and views throughout the neighborhood. Show Low Bluff Trail/Show Low Creek is only two minutes away, and you can even hear when the Elk are bugling! Whether you are searching for your primary home, or vacation home this is a MUST SEE! *Mounted coat rack, and TV Mount do not convey

16420 N Thompson Peak Parkway Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$462,500
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,338 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6673472
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Unique end unit with Camelback & City lights views! Split floor plan, windows across the back to capture light and those McDowell mountain views. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths - split floor plan. 1 car garage. Gated neighborhood. New flooring throughout (2022), new granite kitchen & bathroom countertops, frameless shower door in primary bathroom. All new appliances (2017). Kitchen breakfast bar updated and lowered! Great room floor plan with fireplace w/ accent wall to the ceiling and plenty of room for your sectional and dining room table. High ceilings. Perfect for a full-time resident or someone looking for a lock and leave property. 1 car garage, no other parking for an owners second car in the development (only guest parking). Only mins to Westworld entertainment/events, fine dining, golf, hiking trails, and much more. Award-winning McDowell Mountain Ranch has a large range of luxury amenities within the community and nearby including two recently renovated community parks, community center featuring pickleball, heated pool and spa, splash pad, basketball court, large grass area, and tennis courts. McDowell Sonoran Preserve and trail system, McDowell Mountain Golf Club, City of Scottsdale Aquatic.

17713 W Granite View Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$462,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,907 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689381
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You've just found the perfect home! This beautiful cul-de-sac abode features 3 beds, 2 baths & DEN (Den can easily converted to a 4th bdrm), &.. a 2-car garage! Well-maintained interior showcases an open floor plan graced with abundant natural light, wood-like tile flooring, and neutral paint throughout. Stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, granite counters, recessed & pendant lighting, ample white cabinets with crown molding, subway tile backsplash, and a practical island with a breakfast bar complete this spotless kitchen. Serene primary bedroom includes plush carpet, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. PLUS! You'll have a dedicated den/office. With its covered patio and pavers, the backyard is perfect for unwinding or stargazing! This rare find won't disappoint. Newer Super cute & clean home that is absolute turn key!! Compare VS new construction and SAVE$$$$ big time! Low maintenance landscaping - lock and leave easy living. The Pride of Homeownership shows in this one..! Surrounded by majestic mountains and wide-open desert vistas, life in Estrella is a masterpiece of harmonious balance dynamic-yet serene offering young couples, families and retirees a resort-inspired lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities.

6521 S 43rd Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$462,500 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Rogers Ranch, Laveen
Open House
$462,500
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,169 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6676880
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Sharp FORMER MODEL 3BR/3BA plus den shows beautifully. Lots of upgrades including spacious island kitchen overlooking family room, complete with upgraded cherry cabinets, granite, and stainless steel appliances. Upstairs features Primary bedroom, guest room with en-suite bath, and open den/loft area with built-in cabinets/desk. One full bedroom/bath downstairs as well. Upgraded plank-style wood flooring, custom window coverings, upgraded bay windows in dining & kitchen complete the interior of this wonderful home. Double French doors lead to spacious backyard complete with covered patio, gazebo and mature landscaping. All of this, and cllose to Cesar Chavez park, schools, shopping and restaurants. This home shows very well and will NOT disappoint! Welcome home!

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