What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 27, 2016

Whats Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week May 18 2015Last week’s economic news was dominated by Great Britain’s vote to withdraw from the European Union. New and Existing Home Sales were released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

“Brexit” Vote Tanks Stocks, Could Cause Lower Mortgage Rates

US stocks plunged in reaction to the news of Britain’s decision to leave the EU and the resignation of its Prime Minister. While investors don’t want to see their 401(k) values crash, mortgage rates may also fall as a result of “Brexit”. Fallout caused by economic uncertainty connected with Great Britain’s move to regain independence is expected to have lingering influence on global financial and economic developments in coming months and years.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in testimony before the Senate Banking Committee that Great Britain’s decision to leave the EU could have significant consequences. Chair Yellen’s comments were made prior to Friday’s announcement of Great Britain’s decision.

Existing Home Sales Highest Since 2007, Home Prices Continue Rising

According to the National Association of Realtors® May sales of pre-owned homes hit their highest level since February 2007. May’s seasonally-adjusted annual reading of 5.53 million sales fell just shy of analysts ‘expectation of 5.55 million sales, but exceeded April’s reading of 5.43 million sales. May’s reading represented a 1.80 percent increase in sales and a year-over-year increase of 4.50 percent.

Short supplies of available homes continued to drive up home prices according to NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun, who expressed concerns about affordability as home prices continued to outstrip wages and inflation. The national median home price was $239,700 in May, which was 4.70 percent higher year-over-year. Although first-time buyers typically represent about 40 percent of homebuyers, they currently account for 30 percent of homebuyers.

New Home Sales Fall in May

Sales of new homes slowed in May after jumping in April. According to the Commerce Department, sales of new homes fell by 6.00 percent on a seasonally adjusted annual basis. 551,000 new homes were sold against the expected reading of 560,000 new homes sold and April’s downwardly revised reading of 586,000 new homes sold. New home sales were 8.70 percent higher year-over-year in May.

Mortgage Rates Rise, Weekly Jobless Claims Fall

Last week’s mortgage rates don’t reflect the Brexit decision and rose slightly on Thursday. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was two basis points higher at 3.56 percent; the average rate for a 15.year fixed rate mortgage was also two basis points higher at 2.83 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was unchanged at 2.74 percent. Discount points rose to 0.60 percent for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage but were unchanged at 0.50 percent for 15-year fixed rate mortgages and 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

What’s Ahead

Next week’s economic events include Case-Shiller Housing Market Indices, Pending Home Sales, Consumer Spending and Construction Spending

14163 W Georgia Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$465,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,337 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693397
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Absolutely Beautiful 4 Bedroom + Loft, 2.5 Bathroom, Two Story Home Located On Premium Lot Bordering Common Area, Built in 2020, Upgraded Kitchen w/Custom Cabinets, Granite Countertops, Gas Range, Stainless Steel Appliances, Kitchen Island w/Breakfast Bar, Dining Room, Spacious Greatroom, Upstairs Master Bathroom w/Walk-In Closet, Master Bathroom w/Dual Sinks & Separate Tub & Shower, Extra Large Loft Upstairs, Covered Backyard Patio, 2 Car Garage, Come Check It Out!

8410 E Chaparral Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$465,000 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in La Buena Vida Townhouses, Scottsdale
Open House
$465,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,676 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6651453
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Spacious four bedroom townhouse in Scottsdale just minutes to the Scottsdale Greenbelt multi-use path, Chaparral Dog Park, multiple City parks, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment. Quick, easy access to the 101 freeway. This is a unique tri-level split floor plan. Two bedrooms upstairs with a full bath and two bedrooms downstairs with 3/4 bath. Main floor has an open kitchen, dining room, and sunken living room. Kitchen has granite countertop installed in 2023 and stainless steel appliances purchased in January 2024. Private back patio with storage space/laundry area. Covered carport parking for two along with guest parking throughout the community. Property features a pool and clubhouse. HOA maintains all public areas and landscaping. Listing agent is related to seller.

2401 E Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85288

$465,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Villagio At Tempe Condominium Amd, Tempe
Open House
$465,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,380 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6652290
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Resort style gated community! The Location can't be Beat! Walking distance to the Cubs Sloan Park Stadium. Right off of 101 & 202 FWY, ASU, Bus stops, Airport, Tempe Market Place! Popular 3 Bed & Den 2.5 Bath floorplan with a large open living area adjoining a full kitchen with island. Downstairs is the living area, spacious downstairs den/bonus room/large home office (at 126 SF!), Kitchen & breakfast area overlooking a private covered patio & backyard. Upstairs is master bedroom & master bath, laundry & 2 additional bedrooms with another bath. Two car garage and lots of additional guest parking in this beautifully maintained complex! 2 Pools and lots of area to walk your dog! Move in ready! Hurry! 3 bedroom unit sure to go quickly

14548 W Poinsettia Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$465,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Mountain Gate Phase 3 & 4, Surprise
Open House
$465,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,291 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6677396
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This designer home in the gated Copper Canyon community has no neighbors behind, offering park views. It features a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, stainless appliances, and a large island that opens to a family room with a gas fireplace and screened-in patio. The home includes three bedrooms; the master suite has wood laminate flooring, a custom closet, and a luxurious bath. Additional amenities include a laundry room, office space, and a two-car garage with storage. Conveniently located near shopping and highways, this home combines comfort with convenience. Discover this charming home overlooking a community park, with a low-maintenance yard and two-car garage. Inside, enjoy a functional layout with three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a screened patio. perfect for Arizona's climate. The backyard features a paved seating area and view fence, ideal for relaxation and entertainment.