What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 23, 2016

Last week’s economic news included the NAHB Housing Market Index, reports on housing starts, building reports and existing home sales. Minutes of the Federal Reserve’s last FOMC meeting were also released.

Homebuilder Confidence Unchanged, Housing Starts and Building Permits Increase

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that builder confidence held steady with a reading of 58 in May. Analysts projected a reading of 58 and April’s reading was also 58. Builder confidence in market conditions could be slowing due to concerns over acquiring skilled labor and a shortage of developed lots. Demand for homes remains high, but a slim inventory of available properties and builder emphasis on higher-priced homes contributed to sidelining moderate income and first-time buyers.

Commerce Department reports for April Housing Starts and Building Permits issued suggest that tight housing inventories may receive some relief. April housing starts rose from a revised March reading of 1.099 million to 1.170 million starts. Housing starts increased by 6.60 percent in April. Housing starts have slowed as compared to the year-over-year period from April 2015 to 2016; housing starts increased by 10 percent for the same year-over-year period in 2015. While any increase in home construction is welcome, some analysts said that they did not expect a huge increase in home construction in coming months.

Construction of multifamily housing units rose by 10.70 percent, while single-family home construction increased by 3.30 percent. Rising rents and millennials delaying home purchases were seen as fueling multifamily home construction. As homes become less affordable, would-be buyers are continuing to rent, which places higher demand on rental units.

Pre-owned Home Sales Rise in April

Sales of previously owned homes rose by 1.70 percent in April to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.45 million sales. Sales increased by 12.10 percent in the Midwest, where homes are most affordable, and fell by 1.70 percent in the West, where homes are most costly. This development suggests that rapidly rising home prices have or will soon reach maximum levels in high-cost areas. Home prices in many areas rose rapidly in preceding months as short inventory and high demand created bidding wars and keen competition for available homes. A lack of affordable single family homes has caused some buyers to buy condos while others have put buying on hold.

Mortgage Rates Rise, New Jobless Claims Fall

Mortgage rates rose for 30-year fixed rate mortgages rose by one basis point to 3.58 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was unchanged at 2.82 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose by two basis points to 2.80 percent. Discount points were 0.60, 0.50 and 0.50 percent respectively. Analysts are watching the Fed closely for any indication that it will raise the target federal funds rate in June, although concerns over the possibility of Great Britain leaving the European Union could cause the Fed to hold off on raising the rate. If the Fed raises the target federal funds rate, loan rates for credit cards and mortgages would also increase.

New jobless claims fell last week to 278,000 new claims against expectations of 279,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 294,000 new claims. Analysts said that a telecommunications strike caused the prior week’s raise in claims as striking workers who are replaced during a strike are eligible for jobless benefits.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic releases include new and pending home sales along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

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29798 N 121st Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$469,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,851 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677098

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning residence featuring 3 bedrooms plus a den and family room, offering a spacious and flexible living environment. The interior is adorned with elegant 9+ flat ceilings creating an airy and inviting ambiance. The kitchen features granite countertops, a convenient kitchen island, and a walk-in pantry. Enjoy meals in style with the choice of formal dining, an eat-in kitchen, or the breakfast bar. Outside is a covered patio, perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining. This home is nestled in a community that offers a plethora of amenities, including a biking/walking path, children's playground, clubhouse, and a refreshing community pool and spa. Indulge in the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and community living - your forever home awaits!

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6291 W Victory Way Florence, AZ 85132

Open House

$469,999

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,658 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6698944

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home has gorgeous curb appeal. You'll be in awe of the impeccable features and upgrades this home has to offer. Featuring 3 bedrooms, a den, and 2.5 bathrooms, this home has plenty of space for you to enjoy! 10' Ceilings and 8' Doors throughout. Imagine making delicious meals in your gourmet kitchen that features a double oven and ample counter space. Stainless steel appliances. RO and Soft Water System is installed. Plantation Shutters throughout, Furniture negotiable, Hot Tub included (only 2 years old), Enjoy the beautiful Arizona Sunrises and Sunsets in your backyard under the extended rear covered patio. Take advantage of $1,500 Lender credit when approved financing through Blanco Mortgage.

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18570 W Honeysuckle Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$469,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,092 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6651225

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this eye-catching Emerald home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered entry; a spacious great room with center-meet doors leading onto a covered patio; a dining nook; a thoughtfully designed kitchen boasting 42'' upper cabinets, quartz countertops, a center island and stainless-steel appliances, including a gas range; a convenient laundry; a lavish primary suite showcasing an oversized walk-in closet and a private bath; and a second suite offering a private entry, a living room with a laundry closet, a bedroom and an attached bath. This home also has wood laminate flooring, cultured marble bathroom countertops, added windows, ceiling fan prewiring, front yard landscaping and a concrete-paver driveway and walkway.

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15933 W Hackamore Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$469,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,448 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6667705

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come to Mason Ranch II in Surprise and discover our GRAND OPENING INCENTIVES!! Come and see this beautiful 3501 floor plan. This home features 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 3-Car Garage. Nestled on an oversized end lot with an extended driveway. This home is enriched with numerous upgrades and ALL appliances included!!! You will find white shaker cabinets, granite kitchen countertops, large kitchen island, custom full kitchen backsplash, large single bowl sink, stainless steel kitchen appliances, gas range, carpet and tile flooring, tankless hot water heater, 9' ceilings, 8' interior doors, pre-plumb for soft water loop, a comprehensive smart home package, an enhanced electrical package with cat 6 wiring, and more! Est. completion June 2024.

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19565 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$469,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697392

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an impressive kitchen layout offering 42'' cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a center island and a roomy pantry; an open dining area; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms.

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19631 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$469,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6657110

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this beautiful Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an open dining area; an impressive kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private upgraded master bath with Quartz countertops; a central laundry; a convenient storage area; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, ceiling fan prewiring and additional windows in select rooms.

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2905 W Shanley Avenue Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$469,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,863 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693714

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Radiance at Superstition Vistas, a brand new master planned community located on the border where Mesa meets Apache Junction. This is a rare opportunity for optimal living - to have the convenience of City living while enjoying the breathtaking Superstition mountains! Small town feel meets modern amenities at its best! The JUSTIN-1863 sq ft, 4 bed/2 bath adorable, energy efficient single level home in which you will find tile in all common areas, 9 foot ceilings and on trend extra bright white walls. The kitchen has gorgeous maple cabinets, granite countertops & large island. Located close to the 24, 60 & 202.

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16076 W El Cortez Place Surprise, AZ 85387

$469,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,139 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6669090

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new, energy-efficient home ready NOW! This single-story features a split floorplan with the primary suite tucked away in the back of the home. White cabinets with white granite countertops, and greyish brown carpet in our Distinct package. Five brand new designer-decorated models now open at Paloma Creek. Future residents will enjoy floorplans featuring covered back patios, private primary suites and ample storage. There's fun for the whole family at the community clubhouse, pool, outdoor kitchen, and future fitness center. Each energy-efficient home comes standard with features that allow your whole family to live better and breathe easier too.* Visit Paloma Creek today. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features.

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32783 N Slate Creek Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$469,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,808 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6654901

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This newly updated home showcases stunning new updates, tons of versatile space, a redesigned kitchen, and all new backyard landscaping. The goodies don't stop there. It also boasts a 3-car stacked pull through garage to the backyard and NO REAR NEIGHBORS. As you make your way into the home you are greeted to all new vinyl flooring, 5-inch upgraded baseboards, and freshly painted walls for a sleek finish. The downstairs library provides an enclosed sanctuary that can be used as a fourth bedroom for guests, and the upstairs loft provides additional versatile space. The updated kitchen opens up to the family room and provides a large center island with drop-in sink, quartz countertops, updated cabinets with hardware, and stainless-steel appliances. Upstairs, you will find the comfort of all NEW CARPETING and three additional bedrooms, all equipped with walk-in closets. The main bedroom offers a large retreat with a reading nook as well as an en-suite that boasts a JACUZZI tub and separate shower. One of the most appealing attributes about this home is its lot location - no homes behind you, ensuring privacy and an unobstructed view of the Superstition Mountains. Don't miss the chance to call this home yours.

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2416 E Wagon Wheel Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$469,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,219 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697607

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New Construction!! Nestled perfectly in the sought after city of San Tan Valley and conveniently located off of Combs Rd and Schnepf Rd.. Adorable 4 bedroom 3 bathroom single story home with an amazing guest retreat and farmhouse exterior. The 2 car garage has extra storage for convenience. This home is uniquely equipped with a spacious owner's suite, stainless steel appliances, quartz kitchen countertops and white shaker style cabinets in the kitchen. 4 panel slider off the great room. This home has been upgraded with 8 foot interior doors, 6x36 inch ceramic tiles, backsplash, modern black cabinet hardware, a single basin sink and upgraded faucet. The bathrooms have also been upgraded with matching faucets and hardware throughout!

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16461 W Yucatan Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$469,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,180 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672354

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this gorgeous single story home with many upgrades. This 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom home has an open floorplan. It is located in Sycamore Farms with many great parks and close proximity to restaurants, shopping and entertainment. This home has neutral paint, new carpet- 2022, new hot water heater in December 2023, new artificial turf was installed this past spring- 2023. This home has granite counter tops in the kitchen with raised cabinets, soaring 9' ceilings, huge dual (2) walk-in master closets, and a tandem 3-car garage. This original owner has taken great care of this home! Don't miss out!

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9864 E Fortuna Avenue Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$469,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,606 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685210

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New construction with Samsung appliances, 4 ton A/C unit, 40 gallon electric water heater, septic tank, asphalt shingled roof, 2 car garage, low maintenance landscaping in front yard, surrounding block wall, and a glorious curved iron front door. Live in luxury in this beauty located in the low desert near the Gold Canyon Golf resort.

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