What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 22, 2016

Last week’s economic news included the NAHB Housing Market Index, Commerce Department releases on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

Shortages of available single-family homes have driven up home prices and increased competition among homebuyers; short inventories of homes for sale are affecting affordability in many areas, although buyers seem motivated by lower mortgage rates and some easing of mortgage requirements. Analysts have repeatedly said that the only solution to the shortage of homes is building more homes.

Fortunately, the National Association of Home Builders reported that builder sentiment concerning U.S. housing markets increased in August. The HMI moved up to a reading of 60 in August as compared to July’s reading of 58. Readings over 50 indicate that a majority of builders surveyed are confident about housing market conditions.

According to NAHB, home builders continued to face obstacles including shortages of buildable lots and skilled labor. Regulatory issues were also cited by some builders, but overall, builders remain optimistic about housing market conditions.

Housing Starts Up, Building Permits Issued Slip in July

Commerce Department reading s on housing starts and building permits issued were mixed; housing starts rose from July’s reading of 1.186 million permits issued to 1.211 million permits issued in August. July’s reading was the second highest since the recession but was driven by multi-family construction. Building permits were lower in August with a reading of 1.152 million permits issued against July’s reading of 1.153 million permits issued.

Analysts said that under present market conditions, there is little reason for homebuilders to increase single-family home production as current pricing has put many would-be buyers on the sidelines.

Mortgage Rates Mixed, New Jobless Claims Lower

Freddie Mac reported that average rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed rate mortgages dropped last week while the average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages rose. The average rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage was 3.43 percent and the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 2.74 percent; both readings were two basis points lower than for the prior week. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage was two basis points higher at 2.76 percent. Average discount points held steady for fixed rate mortgages at 0.50 percent; average discount points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages were lower at 0.40 percent.

New Jobless claims fell by 4000 claims to 262,000 new claims, which was lower than analyst expectations of 265,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 266,000 new claims. Job security is important to home buyers and signs of strong labor markets can help propel would-be buyers into the market,

What‘s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes releases on new and existing home sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released on schedule.

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256 S Hobson -- Mesa, AZ 85204

$465,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,155 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674970

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This stunningly remodeled single-story gem in Mesa, AZ boasts 2 beds, 2 baths, a den, and a spacious great room. Step inside to discover a model-home-worthy interior, featuring new lighting, plumbing fixtures, and energy-efficient windows, complemented by beautiful vinyl plank flooring. The large kitchen dazzles with quartz counters, backsplash, and stainless appliances, including a refrigerator. Plus, washer and dryer are included for your convenience! Outside, the new front yard pavers and turf enhance curb appeal, while the new roof with foam-sealed attic ensures lower electric bills. Relax in the expansive backyard surrounded by mature trees. Perfectly situated in Mesa, enjoy easy access to freeways, light rail, and the Cubs training facility. Click ''More' Don't miss out on this impeccable home! (Note: Pictures feature virtual staging). ¡Bienvenido a la casa de tus sueños! Esta joya de un solo piso increíblemente remodelada en Mesa, AZ, cuenta con 2 dormitorios, 2 baños, una sala y una gran sala espaciosa. Ingrese para descubrir un interior digno de una casa modelo, con nueva iluminación, accesorios de plomería y ventanas de bajo consumo, complementados con hermosos pisos de tablones de vinilo. La gran cocina deslumbra con encimeras de cuarzo, placa para salpicaduras y electrodomésticos de acero inoxidable, incluido un refrigerador. Además, ¡la lavadora y la secadora están incluidas para tu comodidad! En el exterior, los nuevos adoquines y el césped del patio delantero mejoran el atractivo exterior, mientras que el nuevo techo con ático sellado con espuma garantiza facturas de electricidad más bajas. Relájate en el amplio patio trasero rodeado de árboles añosos. Perfectamente ubicado en Mesa, disfrute de un fácil acceso a las autopistas, el tren ligero y las instalaciones de entrenamiento de los Cubs. No se pierda esta casa impecable! (Nota: Las imágenes presentan una puesta en escena virtual).

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2101 E Oak Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,188 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679967

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exquisitely remodeled from top to bottom. This modern home boasts 3BR, 2BA, and an array of upgrades. This home features a new kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, Quartz Countertops. Nicely done Bathrooms, some new plumbing and electrical, New Roof, New Windows, New AC, Fresh Paint inside and out, and more. Entertain effortlessly in the backyard oasis featuring a sparkling pool and RV gate for added convenience. Desirable location, close to everything. Immediate access to freeways, minutes from Sky Harbor Airport and Downtown Phoenix. No HOA. Don't miss this opportunity!

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1502 E Garfield Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,032 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685102

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully updated 3 bed-2 bath home on spacious lot in Historic Garfield. Walk to vibrant downtown Phoenix restaurants, art, festivals, and more! Natural light floods all rooms creating bright + airy ambience. Home has an open floor plan with high ceilings, split bedrooms, indoor laundry, + all new luxury vinyl plank flooring. Kitchen has freshly painted cabinets, quartz counters, + ss appliances. You can live in an adorable historic home w/ all the modern conveniences. Low maintenance desert landscaping in front. Large backyard provides option for casita or office space for those who WFH. 2016 - roof replaced, HVAC replaced, new Pella windows, updated bathrooms & kitchen. 2024 - all flooring + baseboards replaced, all fresh interior paint, and more. This home is an absolute gem!

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1925 W Joan De Arc Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85029

$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,898 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6675275

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

We've heard you! Now you can get $5,000 toward closing costs or to buy dn your interest rate. The front courtyard has a ton of potential just waiting your creativity (see idea pics). Don't let the curb appeal detour you. Once inside, you'll enjoy a 4 bdrm, remodeled home with lot's of space and natural light shining through a south facing wall of newer double-pane windows and beautiful sliding glass door. This was not a flip. Both baths were renovated all the way down to the underground flex-pipe and sewer-line. Carpet is brand new and the interior tastefully painted. Other upgrades include 16-seer HAVC system, ductwork, gas-range with dual-ovens, newer dishwasher, Corian countertops, and beautiful brand new cabinet faces. Outside..... ...has Tex-Coat cool wall heat reflective coating, and 50yr-rated heat-reflective shingle roof. Even the attic has been upgraded with xtra thick insulation for more energy efficiency and built out for additional storage. Want an RV gate? How about TWO RV gates? And if all that's not enough, enjoy the mountain practically in your backyard while you sit under the extended covered patio with grill area and raised planter bed.

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