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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25615 N Bolero Bend Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$469,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,718 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6635756

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

FURNISHED turn-key townhome with spectacular view of the Mazatzal Mtns.-Four Peaks and the 4th hole of the White Wing golf course. This end unit has great space with 2 bedrooms and 3rd bedroom/Den/Office. Kitchen with casual dining and front patio access. Great room with dining, wood burning fireplace, vaulted ceiling and sliding door access to the back patio and views. Primary suite has walk in shower, soaking tub, dual vanities and walk in closet. Guest bedroom is spacious, guest bath has shower/tub. Den/Office/3rd bedroom gives you options! Back patio with Saltillo Tile and plenty of space to enjoy the views. Wooden shutters in all rooms. 2 car garage and roof recoated Nov. 2023! Move right in and start enjoying the Rio Verde life!

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42833 W Mallard Road Maricopa, AZ 85138

$469,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,945 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6636635

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Split floor plan, 2 bedrooms with ensuites and a den/office/workout room. Kitchen with under-cabinet lights, gas appliances and gas double oven range. Butler's pantry and walk-in pantry, cabinets have crown molding and dual pull-outs. Granite countertops, oversized island with additional storage. Laundry with counter space and cabinets.10' ceilings and 8' doorways. Primary bedroom has an extended bay window bump-out for additional space. Tile flooring throughout the home. Backyard has gated side yards with bunny fencing. Extended pergola patio, with outdoor BBQ. Extended patio with pavers. The home has foam insulation, energy-efficient windows with sun-screens, and a powered attic ventilator. Ceiling fans in all rooms. A 25' extended and insulated garage with sink and 5' storage extension Items to convey - back patio TV, cabinet under back patio TV, covers for both, garage TV and sound bar, King platform bed with mattress in Primary bedroom, and desert scape artwork above bed.

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18134 W Maui Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$469,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,737 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6645154

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this splendid 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom energy-efficient home, boasting impressive curb appeal with a 2-car garage, extended driveway, additional RV parking space, and low-maintenance landscaping. Step inside to find a luminous interior adorned with high ceilings and stylish wood-like flooring throughout. The kitchen is a chef's delight, outfitted with chic countertops, a mosaic tile backsplash, fine wood cabinetry, a central island, and stainless steel appliances. Each bedroom is carpeted for comfort and includes a ceiling fan, with the primary suite boasting a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom. The backyard is an oasis, featuring a covered patio, a a shimmering swimming pool, well-maintained landscaping, grass, and an expansive patio ideal for sunbathing.

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374 S Verdad Lane Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$469,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,725 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6655302

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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5603 N Wilshire Drive Williams, AZ 86046

$469,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,590 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6656887

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Energy efficient mountain home on a treed acre with views, just North of I-40 on the way to the Grand Canyon. Temperature controlled 2 car garage, huge loft bedroom, large kitchen and two more bedrooms and a great room complete the house. Vaulted ceilings, clerestory windows up top. Grounds include a deck shaded in the summer, patio, even a play house for little ones. Passive heating and dual paned windows make this super efficient in the Winter. 7000 foot elevation makes it cool in the summer. Small changes will make it your own! Make it your retreat, or make it your vacation rental to help pay for it. Call for more information.

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13137 W Stella Lane Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$469,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,040 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662083

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this great 4-bedroom, 2-bath home situated in a welcoming community with an excellent location. This well-maintained property showcases a low-maintenance backyard, a newer AC unit, and water heater. Smoke/Pet Free, with a spacious 3-car garage, the residence offers both practicality and style. Its proximity to schools, restaurants, and shopping centers enhances the convenience of modern living, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking comfort and accessibility.

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6919 E Boise Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$469,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,220 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6670863

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Embark on suburban magic in Mesa, AZ, with this 3-bed, 2.5-bath solar-powered gem! Spanning 2200 sq ft, revel in sleek tile on the main floor, a chef's kitchen, and a master suite fit for royalty. Step into an eco-luxury paradise inside and a solar-powered sanctuary outside. Seize the keys to this stylish, sustainable dream in the heart of suburbia!

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7300 E Earll Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$469,000

1 Bed

1.5 Baths

867 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6671291

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Discover the epitome of urban living in this 1 bed, 1.5 bath condo nestled in Old Town Scottsdale's vibrant heart. Located on the first floor of Inspire on Earll built in 2016, this residence offers an extra guest bath for added convenience. Dive into luxury with community amenities, including a sprawling pool, hot tub, and cabanas—an oasis of relaxation awaits. Stay active in the expansive workout room, then unwind at the outdoor BBQ and food prep area or engage in friendly games of pingpong and cornhole. The community entertainment room is perfect for social gatherings. For eco-conscious individuals, an electric car charging station is available. Retreat to the large master bath, boasting a walk-in shower and dual sinks. This turnkey gem is available furnished!

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13128 W Avenida Del Rey -- Peoria, AZ 85383

$469,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,213 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678584

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous former model home, clean and move in ready! Upgraded carpet and tile flooring. Kitchen is equipped with granite countertops , large island, gas range, pantry, and extended cabinetry. Living/formal room and Office! Split floor plan, large Primary suite and 3 car Tandem Garage. Refrigerator, washer and dryer convey. Large covered patio and beautifully landscaped front and backyard with great Privacy.

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5414 W Desert Cove Avenue Glendale, AZ 85304

$469,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,656 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680434

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful remodeled home in a great neighborhood! Home comes with an Open floor plan with a spacious kitchen with all new cabinets. Stunning remodeled master bathroom with beautiful vanities and large walk in shower. New Carpet in the bedrooms and new Luxury vinyl throughout high traffic areas of the house. Upgraded fixtures along with Delta Faucets throughout! Large, beautiful backyard with a pool and new grass area. Property comes with a two car garage and a new roof. Must see home!

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2669 S Peppertree Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$469,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,812 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682265

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Experience the epitome of convenience and luxury living at 2669 S. Peppertree Dr, #102, Gilbert, AZ 85295. Nestled in the heart of Gilbert, this stunning townhome offers an array of upscale amenities. Revel in designer touches like quartz kitchen countertops, SS appliances, and 42'' upper cabinets in a serene 'Harbor' hue. From the Blanco sink to the kitchen backsplash, every detail exudes sophistication. Enjoy the tiled shower, 9'' x 60'' vinyl plank flooring, and the soft water loop for added comfort. Situated in The Towns at Annecy, a prestigious private lake community, residents enjoy exclusive access to a gated entry, biking paths, and a refreshing community pool. With proximity to the 202 freeway, Discovery Park, and Gilbert Mercy Hospital, convenience is unparalleled. Click ''More'' Indulge in entertainment options at Main Event and Top Golf, or catch a movie at San Tan Harkins theaters. Endless dining and shopping opportunities await at San Tan Marketplace and San Tan Mall. Live the lifestyle you deserve!

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10018 W Gulf Hills Drive Sun City, AZ 85351

$469,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,427 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682928

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You will fall in love with this spacious 3b/3b one-of-a-kind house. The beautiful remodeled custom kitchen has stainless appliances, granite counters, mosaic glass/marble tiled walls, Merillat cabinets w/pull-out shelves and a breakfast nook. It has 2 lg suites, 2nd guest bedroom and all bathrooms have been updated. Lots of closet space! The home theater has lighted floor to ceiling Merillat built-in's designed for a lg entertainment system. 3 versatile bonus rooms are ideal for a home office, bar, or a pool table. Entertain family and friends, the possibilities are endless! The backyard affords privacy with block walls on 2 sides so you can enjoy dinner in the gazebo. Solar panels are owned, double pane doors and windows throughout to ensure energy efficiency. Welcome to your new home.

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