What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 5, 2016

Closing Paperwork: How to Read and Understand the Truth-in-Lending Disclosure StatementLast week’s economic events included S&P Case-Shiller’s Housing Market Indices for April along with reports on Construction Spending and Pending Home Sales. Consumer Confidence was higher in June in spite of low wage growth and inflation well below the Fed’s goal of 2.00 percent annually.

S&P Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Ticks Downward

April home values grew by 5.40 percent in April on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Case Shiller reported a drop in momentum from the March reading of 5.50 percent according to the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index. While no city included in the 20-City Index reported lower home values, the rate of growth appears to be slowing. High home prices driven by high demand and slim inventories of available homes may continue to lose steam as high home prices coupled with stricter mortgage requirements sideline first-time and moderate income buyers.

Pending home sales in May saw their first decline since August 2015 According to the National Association of Realtors®, Pending sales dropped from April’s downwardly revised index reading of 115.0 to 110.8. Pending home sales were -3.70 percent lower in May as compared to April’s reading of +3.90 percent. The drop in pending sales, which represents homes under contract that are not yet closed, is largely blamed on markedly low inventories of homes for sale in many areas.

Construction spending was higher in May, but remained in negative territory with a reading of -0.80 percent as compared to expectations of +0.50 percent and April’s reading of -2.00 percent. While the overall reading appears unremarkable, residential construction spending was 5.30 percent higher in May.

Mortgage Rates Lower, Jobless Claims Rise

Freddie Mac reported lower mortgage rates in the aftermath of Great Britain’s vote to leave the EU. Rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 3.48 percent.15-year mortgage rates averaged 2.78 percent and the average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages was 2.70 percent. Discount points were also lower at 0.50, 0.40 and 0.50 percent respectively.

Jobless reports jumped due to the end of the school year; New York State in particular allows some workers to file jobless claims when schools are closed. 268,000 new jobless claims were filed as compared to expectations of 265,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 258,000 new claims.

Consumer confidence rose in June, but consumers were surveyed before the Brexit vote. Consumer confidence increased to 98.0 in June as compared to May’s index reading of 92.40.Stronger job markets and stabilized gas prices were seen as contributing factors that boosted consumer confidence.

What’s Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic reports include several labor-related reports including Non-Farm Payrolls, ADP Payrolls, June’s national unemployment rate and minutes of the Fed’s last FOMC meeting. Freddie Mac’s survey of mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims will also be released.

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$460,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,073 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6687666
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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11865 N Allegro Road Maricopa, AZ 85139

$460,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,440 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6684957
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nearly 5 acres of fenced horse property with a site built metal frame block stucco home! Home has recently been upgraded with wood-look tile flooring throughout! Spacious bright kitchen, includes all appliances & large breakfast bar w/storage overlooking living room! Primary bedrm & bath have jetted tub, remodeled vanity, walk-in & secondary closets. Guest bathrm has matching remodeled vanity. Huge laundry rm connects to primary bath w/door provides privacy. Key items include: 400' deep well & 2 neighbors pay for water usage, 45x36' concrete slab ready for supersized garage, gravel driveways, storage sheds, new water heater, watersoftner, fans thru out, full covered front patio, newer exterior paint & 7 pine trees w/irrigation. All this in quaint Hidden Valley surrounded by mountains!

5843 W Crocus Drive Glendale, AZ 85306

$460,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,130 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686851
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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854 S Cerise -- Mesa, AZ 85208

$460,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,769 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686531
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Highly sought after 4 bedroom single level floor plan rarely on the market. HVAC replaced in 2019, Water Heater in 2023 Sstainless steel appliances plus washer & dryer convey. Neutral Two Tone Paint Throughout home. The 2 car garage has epoxy coated floor. OLD REPUBLIC Home Warranty in place & transferrable to Buyer. This home has lots of upgrades including granite kitchen counter tops, tile floors in all the right places, ceiling fans throughout, all appliances included, desert landscape in front yard & paver hardscape with synthetic grass in rear yard for easy maintenance. This is a gr spacious single level home located in a gated community within close proximity to nearby schools, city park as well as shopping, dining, medical center & easy freeway access. This is one you have to see