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

18983 N 259th Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,000 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Sun City Festival Planning Area 2 Parcel D2, Buckeye
New
$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,569 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694613
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Better than New, immaculate Hideaway Model with Smart Home Features. 2-bed/2-bath, split floor plan w/ upgraded plank tile flooring and ''leather'' granite countertops. Designer light fixtures & custom window treatments. Open concept living offers plenty of room for dining & entertaining. Extended height, soft close cabinets, SS appliances & walk-in pantry. The spacious primary bedroom has a large bathroom, dual sinks, walk in shower & walk-in closet. Charming guest bedroom w/adjacent bath. Enjoy the beautiful landscape from the extended back patio with privacy wall and pavers. 2 car garage with tandem 4ft extension, great for a golf cart, or additional storage. Additional features: Soft water system, tankless water heater, security door, additional iron fencing with gate access on both sides of the house. Front & backyard pavers & drip system for landscaping. Sun City Festival is an active adult community with plenty of activities. Complete gym, pickleball court, group classes, 27-hole golf course, 2 resort-style pools, onsite rec center, walking trails, and an indoor walking track. Don't miss the opportunity, come see this home today.

8723 E Sandtrap Court Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,812 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6553229
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Price reduction and seller willing to do below market rate seller financing. Contact agent for details. Welcome to this beautiful 2-bed, 2-bath Townhome in the gated Fairway Views! A paver courtyard and a 2-car garage w/attached cabinets are just the beginning. Inside the previous owner completely remodeled the interior of this home in 2021. New vinyl flooring, interior paint, custom Stone Creek cabinets in kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, and dry bar. New quartz countertops with travertine backsplash, baseboards, doors, custom showers and bathtub, new water heater/RO/water softner and Pella sliding doors. New light fixtures/fans, faucets and supply lines, Whirlpool print resistant appliances, Zephyr wine and beverage cooler with separate temperature settings and lots more! Home has desirable open layout, layered crown molding, a skylight, neutral paint and tons of natural light. Master bedroom has backyard access and an ensuite with dual sinks, travertine step-in shower, & a walk-in closet. Secondary bedroom also includes a private bathroom for added comfort. Enjoy the private backyard offering a covered patio, pavers, built-in BBQ, & exterior fireplace for chilly nights! You MUST see it!

3007 E Woodland Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048

$459,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,242 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6614031
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEW ROOF March 2024! Welcome to Mountain Park Ranch! This gem won't be around long, so be sure to plan your visit today! The seller has taken great care and added many improvements such as the kitchen renovation in 2017, the master bathroom remodel was completed in 2023, and the exterior was painted in 2020! The property is North/South facing, has an RV gate, is a corner lot and nearby the 202 freeway for an easy commute! The community offers lakes, parks, walking paths, there are multiple community pools nearby, and the house is kitty corner from Vista Canyon Park! There is plenty of shopping nearby such as Trader Joes, Dutch Brothers, Starbucks, Frys grocery store along with plenty of dining options!

12002 N Rio Vista Drive Sun City, AZ 85351

$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,999 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6629615
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WELCOME HOME TO THIS BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED TWO BEDROOM TWO BATH HOME. LOOKIG FOR AN ENTERTAINER'S KITCHEN BOASTS GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, UPDATED APPLIANCES, INDUCTION STOVE TOP, TONS OF STORAGE, KNOTTY ALDER CABINETS. THE BATHROOMS HAVE BEEN UPDATED WITH BEAUTIFUL WALK IN TILE SHOWERS. ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL GOLF COURSE VIEWS AND SUNSETS IN YOUR SCREENED IN PATIO. ALL MAJOR TICKET ITEMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS.