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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22601 W Mohawk Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$461,410
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,284 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693500
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Introducing the latest addition to Surprise, is Frontera in Mesquite Mountain Ranch. Available now is this new detached single-level home, situated on a corner next to a park, this charming one-story residence features four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a two-car garage. Boasting front yard landscaping, granite countertops, a generously sized kitchen island with a single bowl sink, tile flooring, stainless steel appliances, and a gas range, this home is designed for modern living. It also comes equipped with a smart home package, a gas tankless hot water heater, and Deako smart light switches for added convenience. Residents of Frontera, will have access to an array of community amenities, including hiking and biking trails, pickleball and basketball courts and play areas.

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$461,173
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,967 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6681587
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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$460,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,070 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6676007
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this exciting Slate home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered entry; an inviting kitchen boasting 42'' upper cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances and a center island; a relaxing great room and adjacent nook; an inspired primary suite showcasing a large walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; two secondary bedrooms with a shared bath; a central laundry; a fourth bedroom with an attached bath; a charming covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers 7'' x 22'' stone tile flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms, coach lights, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway.

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$460,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,142 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6632233
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
READY FOR MOVE-IN... This home has 4 bedrooms with a flex space to be used as den or a formal space. We added a shower in the powder room for a total of 3 full baths. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with dual vanity sinks. Stainless steel gas range. Benton ''White'' Birch cabinets throughout the home with 42'' kitchen uppers and roll outs at pantry. AZT Della Terra Quartz countertops in the owner's bath and at the kitchen and on the enhanced kitchen island. Tile backsplash in the kitchen has Colorwheel 4x16 tile. Upgrade flooring includes level 9 carpet in bedrooms/closets and the remaining of the home has DT Cannes Masso 18x18 tile in the great room, kitchen, entry, halls, bathrooms and laundry and so much more.

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