What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 19, 2016

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

Retail Sales Slip as Consumer Prices Inch Up

Retail sales dipped into negative territory in August with a reading of -0.30 percent as compared to expectations of -0.10 percent and July’s reading of +0.10 percent. Retail sales excluding auto sales were better at +0.30 percent. Analysts expected a reading of +0.20 percent based on July’s reading of -0.40 percent. August’s negative reading for retail sales was the first negative report since March.

Inflation fared better than retail sales with August’s Consumer Price Index reading at 0.20 percent. Analysts expected a reading of 0.10 percent; July’s reading was flat. Core Consumer Price Index readings for August are less volatile, as the Core CPI does not include readings for food and energy costs. August’s Core CPI reading was 0.30 percent. A reading of 0.20 percent was expected; July’s reading was 0.10 percent. It appears that inflation is creeping upward, but remains well below the Fed’s target reading of 2.0 percent.

Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Rise

Freddie Mac reported higher mortgage rates across the board last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose six basis points to 3.50 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose one basis point to 2.76 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose one basis point to an average of 2.82 percent. Average discount points were 0.50 for 30 and 15-year fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Low mortgage rates have helped home buyers, especially first-time and moderate income buyers, meet affordability challenges. Home prices have risen due to low numbers of available homes and high demand for homes. If mortgage rates continue to rise, fewer buyers will be able to qualify for mortgages and or afford asking prices for available homes.

Next week’s meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee is expected to bring news of a Fed decision on raising the target federal funds rate. If the Fed raises its rate, consumer interest rates for mortgages, vehicles and other goods can be expected to increase as well.

Whats Ahead

This week’s economic news includes the NAHB Housing Market Index, Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued and a Fed Statement at the conclusion of its Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Wednesday. Fed Chair Janet Yellen is also slated to give a press conference after the FOMC statement. The National Association of Realtors will also release a report on sales of previously owned homes.

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3710 N Hopi Lane Pine, AZ 85544

$448,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,200 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6680811
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME IN THE PINES! THIS BEAUTIFUL NEWER WELL CONSTRUCTED SINGLE LEVEL HOME IS ALL READY FOR YOUR WEEKEND GET AWAY OR YOUR NEXT PARADISE HOME IN THE PINES, OUT OF THE BIG CITY. ENJOY THE LARGE FAMILY ROOM WITH SOARING VAULTED CEILINGS & COZY FIREPLACE, TONS OF KITCHEN CABINETS, HUGE MASTER BDRM WITH. EN-SUITE BATH ALONG WITH DUAL SINKS & WALK-IN CLOSET. RETRACTABLE BLINDS, CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING, DUAL PANE WINDOWS, LARGE GUEST BEDROOM & GUEST BATH, LOTS OF STORAGE. YOU'LL REALLY ENJOY YOUR TREE HOUSE DECK AS YOU HEAR THE WIND WHISTLING THRU THE TOWERING PINE FOREST & GAZE UP AT THE ENDLESS STARS. OR CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE ROAMING ELK AND DEER. THIS HOME SITS ONE STREET AWAY FROM THE NATIONAL FOREST AND AN AWESOME HIKING TRAIL. PINE, IS AZ'S BEST KEPT SECRET. HURRY! AT THE BASE OF THE BREATHTAKING RIM IN THE QUAINT TOWN OF PINE, FILLED WITH GREAT RESTAURANTS, ANTIQUE SHOPS, LIBRARY, POST OFFICE AND MILES AND MILES OF FOREST AND TRAILS, LAKES AND CREEKS NEARBY. (A BEAUTIFUL SHORT 90 MIN. DRIVE FROM THE VALLEY AND ALMOST 20 DEGREES COOLER AND NO 1-17 TRAFFIC JAMS. (SHOW IT AND YOU SELL IT!

1924 E Osborn Road Phoenix, AZ 85016

$448,900
2 Beds
1 Bath
977 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6625790
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE* Remodeled from top to bottom in Loma Linda neighborhood right down the street from Phoenix Children's Hospital. All updates permitted w/ City of Phoenix. Home features new shaker kitchen cabinets w/ stainless steel appliances, tons of storage & island w/ breakfast bar. All new bathroom w/ tile tub surround. Real hard wood throughout including new baseboards. Energy efficient w/ new AC unit, new dual-pane windows & doors, tankless gas water heater & new insulation. Inside laundry room w/ extra storage & folding table. All new recessed lighting & ceiling fans throughout. Home has also been re-plumbed w/ new water & sewer lines. 2-car tandem garage that you can pull through into the backyard if you like. Large lot, block construction, no HOA & move in ready!

15829 W Boca Raton Road Surprise, AZ 85379

$448,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,071 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6647483
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Home sweet home! This immaculate 1-story home has no rear neighbors giving you privacy! Come home to cozy yet elegant living, highlighted by a neutral palette throughout & boasts a well-designed split-floor plan w/ 2,071 sq ft of living space, 3 bedrooms plus a double door entry den, & 2 bath, a formal living/dining combo & the kitchen at the heart of the home overlooking the family room & breakfast nook. The well-equipped kitchen features S/S appliances, gorgeous granite countertop, tons of cabinet storage, pantry & kitchen island w/ a breakfast bar. Primary bedroom has a walk-in closet & ensuite bathroom. Step outside & enjoy your low maintenance backyard & relax in the sparkling pool- an ideal setting for true Arizona living. Close to Downtown Surprise, the Performing Arts Center, shopping, dining & great school

10829 W Melvin Street Avondale, AZ 85323

$448,900 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Roosevelt Park Phase 1, Avondale
Open House
$448,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,024 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6677982
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is it! Featuring an open floor plan where kitchen, dining and living spaces integrate into one large space. This home is ideal for entertaining! Luxurious finishes throughout, upgrades galore! Nestled in a gated community, this pristine home has it all! Gourmet kitchen is a modern chef's delight, complete with oversized island and breakfast bar, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, GAS range, and walk-in pantry! OWNED Solar Panels! Whole house water softener plus R/O system for kitchen & refrigerator ice maker! Grand master suite offers a spa-like retreat featuring dual vanities and an oversized walk-in shower with teak wood flooring and bench. Step outside to a feeling of being in a secluded tropical island with a beautiful backyard oasis! Large putting green, new hot tub, lighted Pergola, surrounded by a ''tropical island privacy wall''! 2.25% VA mortgage assumable for qualified buyers! Features: *SOLAR power (OWNED) *Soft water and R/O systems *Refrigerator, Gas stove, microwave and washer/dryer included *Tankless water heater *New Hot Tub *Lighted Pergola *Tropical Island privacy wall *Pre-wired for surround sound in living room, flex room and patio

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