What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 3, 2016

Last week’s economic releases included reports on new and pending home sales, S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and regularly scheduled weekly reporting on mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims. Readings on consumer sentiment and confidence were also released.

New and Pending Home Sales Lower as Peak Sales Season Winds Down

August readings for new and pending home sales were lower than for July; analysts said that slim supplies of available homes and rising home prices contributed to slower home sales. Peak home sales typically occur during spring and summer. Homebuyers with school-aged children prefer to be settled into a new home when school starts in August and September.

According to the Commerce Department, new home sales achieved their second highest reading since the Great Recession. Although lower than July’s reading, August sales of new homes reached 609,000 on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Analysts expected a reading of 600,000 new home sales based on July’s reading of 659.000 new homes sold. August’s reading was 20.60 percent higher year-over-year. High demand for homes appears to be kicking home builders into higher gear as they strive to ease slim inventories of available homes.

The impact of short inventories of available homes was reflected in August’s reading for pending home sales. Home sales awaiting closing fell in August from July’s reading of +1.20 percent in July to 2.40 percent in August. The National Association of Realtors® said that home sales are declining due to very limited inventories of available homes. Rapidly rising home prices and strict mortgage qualification requirements also contributed to slipping sales. After home buyers sign a purchase contract, they are at the mercy of changing mortgage rates their ability to qualify for a mortgage. Pending home sales supply an indication of future closings and mortgage loans.

According to the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for July, home price growth dipped from June’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.10 percent to 5.00 percent. Slim inventories of homes for sale and high demand were again cited as primary reasons for slower home price growth. While demand is high, slim supplies of available homes can cause would-be buyers to postpone their home search until more homes are on the market.

Mortgage Rates Fall, New Jobless Claims Rise

Mortgage rates fell across the board last week according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of rates. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell six basis points to 3.42 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was four basis points lower at 2.72 percent. 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages had an average rate of 1.81 percent, which was one basis point lower than the previous week’s reading Discount points were also lower and averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

New jobless claims rose last week to 254,000 claims, but new claims were lower than the expected reading of 259,000 new claims which was based on the prior week’s reading of 251,000 new jobless claims. New jobless claims have stayed below 270,000 new claims for three months for the first time since 1973.

In prepared testimony before the Financial Services Committee, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen discussed problems facing two major banks and said the Fed’s goal was managing its regulatory stance to support financial stability.

September’s Consumer Confidence Index reading rose to 104.1, which exceeded analysts’ estimated reading of 99.3 and August’s reading of 101.1.

What’s Next

Next week’s scheduled economic reports include readings on construction spending and several labor-related releases including ADP Payrolls, Non-Farm Payrolls and the National Unemployment Rates. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims are set for release as usual.

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$450,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in S8 T3s R9e, San Tan Valley
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$450,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,344 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682979
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
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$450,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,834 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6676600
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Paid for solar means electricity bills under $40 a month! Exquisite 2-bedroom, Plus Den, 2-bathroom gem. Palo Verde Model. Step into a world of harmonious living with its seamless open layout that effortlessly connects the kitchen and great room, ideal for both dining and entertaining. Indulge in chef's kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, perfect for culinary adventures. Plus, enjoy the added benefits of an extended garage for your golf cart & tons of garage storage. Step outside for the tranquility of mature citrus trees, providing an outdoor oasis. Split bedroom floor plan. With paid-for solar, annual electricity bill of just $237, a recently redone roof, and new AC system still under warranty for peace of mind!

778 E Rojo Way Gilbert, AZ 85297

$450,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,422 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6676968
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
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418 S 226th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$450,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,735 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6677357
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is one special property! Located on the 18th green of the Sundance Golf Course. Spectacular MOUNTAN VIEWS! This wonderful 3-bedroom, 2 bathroom home features beautiful QUARTZ COUNTER TOPS, a large kitchen island plus a breakfast bar. The kitchen opens to the spacious family room and dining area. The 3rd bedroom is set up perfectly to be used as a den, office or bedroom. The primary suite features an ensuite with dual sinks and walk-in closet with updated counter tops. Step outside to your covered patio with sunshades, misters, and manicured gardens. Take a dip in the SPARKLING POOL while relaxing with your favorite beverage. The home is energy efficient with SOLAR and SUNSCREENS. Don't miss your chance to own your move-in ready home in Sundance, BEING OFFERED FULLY FURNISHED. Sundance is your premier Active Adult Community in Buckeye. Enjoy your days either golfing, swimming, tennis, pickleball, working out in the fitness center and plenty of other social activities. The Sundance Golf Club features an 18-hole golf course, pro-shop, restaurant. Make Sundance your home today. Some of the home's upgrades include: Plantation shutters Upgraded irrigation system Upgraded lighting R.O System Upgraded baseboards Crown Moulding 100 gallon water heater Built in cabinets in the garage Epoxy garage floors Pool filter, 1 year old Golf ball Sunscreens Patio Misters Paver patio New refrigerator Washer 1 year old Fruit trees (lemon and lime)

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