What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 11, 2016

Whats Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week April 27 2015Last week’s economic news included minutes from the most recent meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) along with several reports on private and public sector employment and the national unemployment rate. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released.

FOMC Minutes: Committee Closely Monitoring Economic Developments

The minutes of June’s FOMC meeting indicate that Fed policymakers continue to be cautious based on low inflation and close review of domestic and global economic developments. Committee members acknowledged improvements in the housing market, but also noted that annual inflation remains below the Fed’s two percent goal. Low inflation and wage growth presented obstacles to would-be home buyers who continued to face rapidly rising home prices and low inventories of available homes. FOMC members voted not to increase the current target federal funds rate of 0.25 to 0.50 percent.

FOMC’s June meeting occurred before Great Britain’s decision to leave the EU, which created volatility in financial markets and caused mortgage rates to drop.

Mortgage Rates, New Jobless Claims Fall

Freddie Mac reported an across-the-board drop in average mortgage rates last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell by seven basis points to 3.41 percent and the rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 2.74 percent. Rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate averaged 2.68 percent. Discount points were unchanged at 0.50, 0.40 and 0.50 percent respectively.

New jobless claims were decreased to a three-month low of 254,000 as compared to expectations of 265,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 270,000 new claims. New jobless claims were higher after the end of the school year, when some school workers became eligible for benefits when schools closed for summer break.

Job Creation Jumps After May Lull

Non-farm payrolls expanded significantly in June after May’s sharp drop. 287,000 jobs were created in June as compared to expectations of 173,000 new jobs and May’s dismal reading of 11,000 new jobs. The non-farm payrolls report includes readings for public and private sector jobs. June’s ADP payrolls report measures private-sector jobs; June’s reading surpassed May’s reading of 168,000 jobs with 172,000 new jobs.

In related news, the Commerce Department reported that national unemployment increased from May’s reading of 4.80 to 4.90 percent. Analysts said that this uptick may not be bad news, but instead indicated an expanding workforce. Unemployment readings are based on the number of workers seeking work and don’t include workers who have left the workforce.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic releases include the Consumer Price Index, Core CPI, retail sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released.

17410 W Fulton Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$467,120 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in El Cidro Phase 1 Parcel 1e, Goodyear
New
$467,120
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,939 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6696778
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to El Cidro, where luxury living meets vibrant outdoor spaces. Our home features a spacious three-car garage, ideal for storage and convenience. Inside, discover a deluxe gourmet kitchen and a laundry room with ample storage. Offering spacious backyards and a wonderful community park with picnic tables, a basketball court, and two playgrounds. Gather with neighbors for picnics, games, and leisurely strolls along scenic pathways. Experience the perfect blend of modern comforts and natural beauty in our welcoming community. Welcome home.

792 E Cowboy Cove Trail San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$467,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,879 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6660207
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom energy-efficient residence nestled in the charming Johnson Ranch. As you step inside, a grand formal living room welcomes you with neutral paint, 2-inch blinds, and luxurious vinyl plank flooring. The family room seamlessly connects to the kitchen, creating an ideal space for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is a highlight, featuring stainless steel appliances with wall ovens, granite counters, glass backsplash, a pantry, recessed lighting, ample white cabinets, and a two-tier island with a breakfast bar. Upstairs, all bedrooms and a generously-sized loft await. The main bedroom, accessible through double doors, boasts an ensuite with dual sinks and a walk-in closet. Enjoy the expansive backyard with a blend of artificial and natural gras

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!!

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!