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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1243 E Princeton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$459,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,410 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6671087

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeously updated 3 bedroom/2 bathroom home in desirable subdivision close to downtown Gilbert! NO HOA!! Newer tile, newer paint, refinished cabinets & refinished countertops, with newer fixtures throughout. Light and bright with vaulted ceilings. All appliances including washer & dryer. Large ''blank slate'' backyard oasis with mature trees, desert landscaping, pavers. Homes in this adorable community go quickly! Close to Downtown Gilbert, Gilbert Elementary, the 60 freeway, and Gilbert Freestone Park. Don't miss this home!!!

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15243 W Verde Lane Goodyear, AZ 85395

$459,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,445 SqFt

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MLS # 6674200

Property Type Single Family Residence

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THIS IS ONE AMAZING COMPLETELY REMODELED AUGUSTA MODEL 3 BD / 2 BA! Grey Porcelain Tile Throughout With Coordinating Grey Carpet In 2 Bedrooms! Two Baths Remodeled With New Tile Flooring, Granite Countertops, Cabinetry, Lighting, Custom Tile Shower Surrounds, Shower Doors, & New Mirrors! The Showers Are Beautifully Done With Custom Tile Designs! New Floor To Ceiling Cabinetry In The Hallway! Beautifully Remodeled Kitchen With Newer Stainless Appliances, Granite Countertops, Ceramic Tile Backsplash, & New Lighting! Wood Shutters In All The Right Places! The Backyard Is An Oasis In The Sun With Beautiful Palm Trees, Large Pergola Over An Extended Travertine Patio, & Exterior Lighting Just Where You Need It! Located In The Scottsdale Of The West Pebble Creek Golf/Pickleball Resort Community! All This Located In The Scottsdale Of The West ... Pebble Creek Resort Community!! Offering 3 18-Hole Golf Courses, 40+ Pickleball & Tennis Courts, 3 Outdoor & 1 Indoor Pool, Theatre, Art Center, & So Much More!

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3917 W Juniper Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85053

$459,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,966 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674614

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Updated and move in ready! This Centrally located home is near downtown, Airport, restaurants, shopping, I-17 and 101 Freeways. This is a 4-bed, 2-bath residence with large lot and a pool. The living room boasts vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and a cozy fireplace, creating an inviting ambiance for relaxation. You'll also find a family room for intimate gatherings. The eat-in kitchen has ample counter space, flat-panel cabinets, matching appliances, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for quick meals. The main bedroom includes a private bathroom for added comfort. New large ceramic tile throughout the home, Fresh paint inside and out, new carpet, replastered pool and new pool equipment and new updated fixtures. Lots of space for RV gate on both sides of home and NO HOA. Discover a backyard with a nice covered patio providing shade and relaxation, leading to a pristine pool - the perfect spot for summer fun and good yard space left over for entertaining. This value won't disappoint!

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4614 N 124th Avenue Avondale, AZ 85392

$459,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,052 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687478

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! Beautiful desert landscaping & inviting front porch. Bright front room w/ mosaic tile entry & neutral color palette. Chef's kitchen features all stainless appliances + large island w/ granite counter tops. Open kitchen/dining/family room. Don't miss the large custom pantry utilizing the space under the stairs. All bedrooms are upstairs. The primary bedroom is HUGE & features a great walk-in closet + updated bathroom w/ separate tiled shower & garden tub. Ceiling fans throughout. Guest bath remodeled w/ tile surround. Custom shutters throughout. Visit the large quiet back yard through the French doors onto the covered patio. Virtually maintenance free w/ synthetic turf, pavers & desert landscaping in 2021. Producing citrus trees, too. (naval, blood & Valencia oranges) Extras in this home include: all tile downstairs, 2018 lifetime warranty water softener & reverse osmosis, 2023 water heater, 2023 exterior paint, 2018 a/c with touch screen smart thermostat, 2022 new carpet, sunscreens, new gate slats, 6 panel doors, 3 drip lines to back yard, epoxy garage with EV charging capabilities, UV attic light in 2020, smart irrigation system +++. Close to schools, shopping, freeway access and more! This one is neat and clean as a pin. Don't wait.

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