What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 6, 2016

Last week’s economic reports included readings on pending home sales, construction spending and consumer sentiment. Case-Shiller Home Price Indices for June were released, along with several labor-related reports including national unemployment, ADP Payrolls and Non-Farm Payrolls were also released along with weekly readings on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s survey of average mortgage rates.

Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Holds Steady in June

According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for June, average national home prices held steady with a seasonally adjusted annual growth rate of 5.10 percent in June. The top three cities for home price growth were Portland, Oregon with a reading of 12.60 percent; Seattle, Washington followed with a reading of 11.00 percent. Denver, Colorado home prices grew by 9.20 percent year-over-year.

San Francisco, California, which had posted highest year-over-year price gains in recent months slipped with a reading of 6.40 percent year-over-year in June. This could signify a cooling of rapid price gains in high demand metro areas where home prices have become unaffordable for many buyers.

Construction Spending Flat in July, Pending Home Sales Increase

While builder sentiment has been strong, construction spending was flat in July as compared to an expected reading of 0.60 percent and June’s reading of an 0.90 percent increase in construction spending. The Commerce Department reported that pending home sales increased 1.30 percent in July, which exceeded expectations of 0.90 percent growth and June’s negative reading of -0.80 percent. July’s reading appeared to even out June’s unexpected slump in pending sales, which are considered an indicator for future closings and home loan volume.

Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Rise

Mortgage rates rose for all three loan types reported by Freddie Mac. The rate for a 30-year mortgage rate rose three basis points to 3.46 percent; the average rate for a 15-year mortgage also rose three basis points to 2.77 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage jumped by eight basis points to 2.83 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent, 0.50 percent and 0.40 percent respectively. Mortgage rates rose after the yield on 10-year Treasury Notes increased in response to a speech given by Fed Chair Janet Yellen that indicated that the target federal funds rate could be raised in December.

263,000 new jobless claims were filed as compared to expectations of 265,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 261,000 new claims. Job growth slowed in August; the Commerce Department reported a reading of 151,000 new jobs in its Non-Farm Payrolls report. Analysts expected 170,000 new jobs, which fell significantly short of July’s reading of 275,000 jobs created. Non-Farm Payrolls includes data for public and private sector jobs.

Labor Reports: Job Growth Slows, National Unemployment Holds Steady

ADP Payrolls also reported fewer private sector jobs created in August with a reading of 177,000 new jobs as compared to 194,000 private sector jobs created in July. Analysts characterized August jobs reports as “fickle” due to high numbers of summer vacations and company-wide summer holiday closures.

August’s reading for national unemployment held steady at 4.90 percent.

While slower growth in home prices and job creation could signal an economic slowdown, there was good news as consumer confidence rose to 101.7 in August; this reading surpassed the expected reading of 97.0 and July’s reading of 96.7.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news is lean due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday. In addition to weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates, reports on job openings and the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report will be released.

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8917 N 65th Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$459,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,760 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685460
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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16 W Encanto Boulevard Phoenix, AZ 85003

$459,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,709 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685494
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Don't miss out on over 1,700 sqft of Midtown Luxury! This private end unit is the largest City Home floor plan and is priced to sell. There are only 4 units at Tapestry with this desirable floor plan. You will enjoy all the windows making it light and bright. Features include upgraded stainless appliances, granite counter tops, gas range and a gas fireplace. The first floor also has beautiful laminate flooring and a large patio. There are two large bedrooms upstairs with lots of closet space. The primary suite has a walk in closet and a nice private balcony that is north facing for year around use. Located just minutes from shopping via a short drive or the light rail. You can even take the light rail to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. This home has two assigned parking spaces in the secured underground parking too. On site amenities include a fitness center, club house, large heated pool and spa, a Walgreen's pharmacy is on site as are a nail salon and a new art studio too.

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$459,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,658 SqFt
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MLS # 6687483
Property Type Single Family Residence
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7650 E Edgewood Avenue Mesa, AZ 85208

$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,584 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6688997
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fantastic Ranch Home in Fountain of the Sun, a 55+ Community. Move-in Ready, 2 bed, 2 bath home with a private, gated, backyard pool. Updates include refaced kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops and all new LG kitchen appliances 2023. Large owner's bedroom suite, French door entry, updated bath, new vanity & walk-in closet. Guest bedroom has a new Murphy-style wall bed unit that converts to a desk ($7k) and a walk-in closet. High-quality window shutters throughout the entire home. Beautiful, private backyard with heated salt-water pool, new pump & salt cell in 2019. Newer roof & outside paint. Enjoy all the Fountain of the Sun amenities including pickle ball, bocce ball, a dog park and much more. The 18-hole executive golf course & country club make this a very special place to live.

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