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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6219 S Vista Point Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$467,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,763 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6627830

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SPECTACULAR SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN VIEWS to enjoy from the UPDATED & TRANQUIL BACKYARD that has pavers, retractable awning, MISTING SYSTEM, Pergola w/ceiling fan, built-in GAS BBQ GRILL with GRANITE counter top.! Perfect for entertaining or just relaxing and taking in the BREATHTAKING SUNSETS! Inside you will find a BEAUTIFUL UPDATED KITCHEN with GRANITE COUNTERS, breakfast bar, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES & Pantry which overlooks the dining area. TOP OF THE LINE GE front load WASHER & DRYER, ALL NEW TOILETS, NEW WATER HEATER, NEWER HVAC, NEW VINYL WOOD LOOK FLOORING on steps and in the 3 upstairs bedrooms. Master has full bath & double sinks. Downstairs has tile floors & SPACIOUS GREAT ROOM! Extra storage under the steps. Located just steps away from the HEATED COMMUNITY POOL & SPA!! This is a GATED COMMUNITY located across from the popular GOLD CANYON GOLF COURSE which offers TWO 18 hole CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES, the SIDEWINDER AND DINOSAUR!!

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1321 E Weatherby Way Chandler, AZ 85286

$467,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,434 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680168

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this 1434 sq feet, 3BRs/2 Bath Gem in the Highly sought after Gated community of La Paloma. This house has been tremendously taken care of and it shows as soon as you walk in. Most of the home has been Newly Painted AND Brand Spanking New Vinyl Flooring has been installed in all the right places. Kitchen offers Granite countertops, attractive Backslash, and Stainless Steel Appliances. Backyard is an outdoor persons' Dream with Mimumum upkeep possessing Turf and Pavers. What more do I need to Say!

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35795 W Cartegna Lane Maricopa, AZ 85138

Open House

$467,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,332 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694840

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing a stunning property. An alluring neutral color paint scheme creates the perfect canvas to add your personal touch. The kitchen features a kitchen island for easy meal preparation and accent backsplash adds a chic touch to this space, while an abundant amount of cabinet storage provides practicality. The primary bedroom as a generous walk-in closet, reflecting all your storage needs. The primary bathroom, boasting double sinks and separate bathtub and shower contribute to its spa-like ambiance. Step outside for a private in-ground pool glistens under the sun. A fenced-in backyard ensures privacy for relaxation or friendly gatherings on the covered patio. The freshness of newly painted interiors adds touch for beauty. Make this house your life your vision of a comfortable.

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19139 W San Miguel Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$466,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,943 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673444

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Surrounded by the White Tank Mountains and featuring a front porch perfect for taking in the breathtaking views. An open-concept kitchen includes ample countertop space, a center island, and an expansive walk-in pantry. The true heart of the home is the open-concept great room, amazing for your next movie or game night. Granite kitchen countertops, a powder room addition, soft water loop with drain, upgraded interior doors, and a tile kitchen backsplash are just some of the additional highlights. Located within the IronWing masterplan offers breathtaking mountain views and top-notch amenities. Our homeowners enjoy walking trails, a community park and a BBQ gathering area.

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16048 W El Cortez Place Surprise, AZ 85387

$466,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,139 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6594475

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new, energy-efficient home available NOW! This single-story features a split floorplan with the primary suite tucked away in the back of the home. Umber cabinets with white/grey granite countertops and multi-tone carpet in our Elemental package. Paloma Creek is now pre-selling in Surprise. There's fun for the whole family at the community clubhouse, pool, outdoor kitchen, and fitness center. Each energy-efficient home comes standard with features that allow your whole family to live better and breathe easier too.* Visit Paloma Creek today. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

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19617 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$466,638

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6675995

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this ranch-style Agate home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered entry; a large flex room; a corner kitchen boasting an alternate layout, 42'' cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, an island and an adjacent dining room; an inspired great room; a serene primary suite showcasing a sizable walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; a central laundry; two secondary bedrooms; a full shared bath and a charming covered patio. This home also offers 7'' x 22'' stone tile flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, ceiling fan prewiring and additional windows in select rooms, coach lights, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway.

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16036 N 11th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85023

$466,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,270 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6616050

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GREAT SPACE! This is an amazing opportunity for a 4 bedroom 3 bath with a community pool! This move in ready home is over 2,200 square feet! This is the home you have been dreaming of finding...

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634 N 48th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

$466,000

5 Beds

2 Baths

1,715 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6655149

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Phoenix! Located only minutes from the freeway, this stunning 5-bedroom 2-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of modern luxury and desert charm. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an open and spacious floor plan that's ideal for both comfortable family living and elegant entertaining. The living room boasts ample natural light creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample counter space. Enjoy the Arizona sunshine in your large backyard with endless potential. Perfect for family gatherings and outdoor relaxation. Spacious laundry room with washer and dryer included!

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3702 W Hearn Road Phoenix, AZ 85053

$466,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,551 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659367

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your dream home is here! Don't miss this recently remodeled 4-bedroom property situated on a corner lot. Make yourself feel at home with the inviting interior showcasing wood-look tile floors, recessed lighting, and a bright living/dining area. Delightful great room is perfect for creating cherished memories. Lovely kitchen boasts white cabinetry, SS appliances, glossy granite counters, and a center island with a breakfast bar. Sizable main bedroom lets you relax, including a private bathroom and a walk-in closet. Chill in the charming backyard, offering a covered patio, sitting area, and a refreshing pool. What's not to like? Come and experience this gem's convenience and style for yourself!

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17798 W Running Deer Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$465,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,040 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6658921

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This single level Saphire is so inviting and well thought out. The home features 4 Beds, 3 Baths with a bonus den/teen room and a 3-car garage. The Sapphire floor plan welcomes guests with pavers and a covered entry. Off the foyer, you'll find two bedrooms and a full bath. Heading towards the great room you will find the fourth bedroom and den/teen room with a dedicated bath. The home features 9 ft ceilings, 8'6'' paneled interior doors and an extended entry which leads to an open layout kitchen featuring a large upgraded center island, 42-inch upper cabinets, gas SS oven range and a convenient dining area. The great room is nicely sized with a center-meet double sliding door giving the space a light and open feel gracefully leading to the covered patio. The split floor plan features an owner's suite with two walk-in closets and an attached bath. Located in the fantastic community of Desert Oasis features parks, playgrounds and a community pool. Close to the new Frys marketplace with convenient access to the Loop 303 and US-60, nearby Lake Pleasant, Surprise Stadium, Wildlife Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in the fast-growing NW Valley. This beautiful home is done right and has so much to offer!

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40930 W Agave Road Maricopa, AZ 85138

$465,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,142 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6641288

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

START PACKING... It's the Castellano.. This home has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3 car garage. Large walk-in shower at owner's bath. Multi slide door that leads out to the covered patio perfect for entertaining. Gas range for the cook in the family. Benton painted white cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers and pull out trash drawer with two bins. DT One Quartz Evening Gray countertops in the kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. DT Marble Attache Matte kitchen backsplash and stainless steel undermount kitchen sink. 8' tall interior doors throughout the home. Upgrade flooring includes MZ Norwood Oak 6x24 tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms/closets. Gas drop to dryer, gas stub for BBQ, 8' garage door, garage service door and so much more.

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12565 N 175th Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$465,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,836 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688259

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful property nestled on a desired corner lot! This gem displays a well-maintained front yard and a 2-car garage for your vehicles. The delightful interior features a spacious open floor plan, highlighting tall ceilings, a soothing palette, tile flooring, and soft carpet in all the right places. The kitchen is fully equipped with ample counter space, a walk-in pantry, rich wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, and an island with a breakfast bar, great for morning conversations. Double doors reveal a generous main retreat, offering a private bathroom with dual sinks and a large walk-in closet. Out the back, you'll find a covered patio for relaxing evenings after a busy day. Conveniently situated near schools, shopping, and parks. Stop searching!

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