What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 25, 2016

Housing Starts, Building Permits Issued Rise

Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued were released Tuesday. Housing starts rose to 1.189 million in June against expectations of 1.165 million starts and May’s downwardly revised reading of 1.135 million starts, Housing starts rose by 4.80 percent on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. This is good news for housing markets, but analysts said that demand for homes continued to exceed available supplies.

Building permits issued also rose in June to 1.53 million as compared to May’s reading of 1.136 million permits issued.

Existing Home Sales Increase: National Association of Realtors®

Sales of previously-owned homes rose three percent year-over-year and reached their highest level since February 2007 in June. Existing home sales rose by 1.10 percent in June to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million sales. Analysts forecasted a reading of 5.48 million sales of pre-owned homes based on May’s reading of 5.51 million sales.

Analysts said that first-time home buyers are returning to housing markets and helped boost June sales and cited changing buyer demographics that suggest a return to owner-occupant home sales. First-time buyers accounted for 33 percent of pre-owned home sales in July, which was their highest reading since 2012. First-time buyers are important to housing markets as their purchases of existing homes enable current homeowners to sell their homes to buy larger homes or to relocate.

Mortgage Rates Rise, New Jobless Claims Fall

Mortgage rates rose across the board last week according to Freddie Mac’s weekly report. Rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 3.45 percent, which was three basis points higher. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage also rose three basis points to 2.75 percent; rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage averaged 2.78 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed-rate mortgage and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

New jobless claims sustained their streak and fell last week to 253,000 against predictions of 260,000 new claims filed and the prior week’s reading of 254,000 new claims filed. Analysts hailed declining jobless claims as a strong indicator that the economy and labor markets continue to improve. New jobless claims have remained below the key reading of 300,000 for 73 weeks. The four-week rolling average of new jobless claims fell by 1250 claims to 257,750. This reading is considered less volatile than week-to-week readings and offers evidence of steady improvements in labor markets.

What’s Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic news includes the S&P Case-Shiller Housing Market Index, readings on new and pending home sales and the FOMC committee’s post-meeting statement on Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions. Analysts widely expect the Fed to hold firm on its current federal funds rate of 0.25 to 0.50 percent.

Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released along with a reading on consumer confidence.

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.

20100 N 78th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$469,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,116 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6614306
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
This 2-bedroom 2 bath home features 1116 sqft of living space and is located on the 3rd floor for great views! Nestled the gated community of Edge at Grayhawk, this property boasts a carport space for your convenience. Inside you'll discover stainless steel appliances, NEW Quartz countertops, and gorgeous custom dark blue cabinets. The bathrooms have been updated and there is an electric fireplace that you can luxuriate by on those chilly nights. You'll simply fall in love when you take in the large balcony with sweeping mountain and pool views. Amenities include 2 pools, lounge, theater, tennis, fitness center and more! Enjoy access to the amenities to the Venu at Grayhawk as well! Live like you're always on vacation!

17923 W Porter Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$469,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,735 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6621309
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Large Corner lot on a Cul De Sac with RV gate. Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, covered patio, irrigation system front and back, house is conveniently located a block away from South Lake and close to North Lake. 2 members only club houses, with gyms, libraries, restaurant and bars in both club houses as well as yacht club, water park, basket, tennis and volley ball courts. Plenty of biking and hiking trails plus a Golf Course in the community! Stainless steel fridge, range, microwave and dishwasher (BRAND NEW) OWNER IS A LICENSED ARIZONA REALTOR Owner offers $10k towards closing costs

8011 S 23rd Drive Phoenix, AZ 85041

$469,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,527 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6633722
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Builders Model Home and it has lots of upgrades, including a Premium Elevation. Features: Surround sound speakers/recessed upgraded lighting/ceiling fans. Bedrooms have walk-in closets. Kitchen has beautiful cabinets/a large walk-in pantry/hi end appliances with 2 ovens(Convection feature) & there's an island with brick trim. Primary bedroom has a large deep tub with brick accents & a walk-in shower.The backyard has a mature tree that produces limes & lemons and there is a raised garden planter with sprinklers. The 3 car tandem garage has an 8 ft door to accommodate hi profile vehicles. The energy efficient HVAC system has a unique 3 zone feature for your convenie

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.

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!

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 --

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!