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

You Ask, We Answer: 5 Ways That You Can Proactively Build and Improve Your Credit ScoreLast 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.

12926 W Beechwood Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$449,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,454 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6635070
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss this desirable Castillo model now on the market. This 3-bedroom, 2 bath split bedroom floor plan has a great deal to offer. Laundry has been moved in from garage adding square footage and an office/craft area. No popcorn ceilings and no carpet in this house! There's plenty of outdoor living space with the front courtyard and the back covered patio. Back yard provides exercise & relaxation in one with its ''Endless Pool'' & Hot Tub combination! Located in the heart of Sun City West, this home is close to shopping, restaurants, golf and Rec Centers! Own this great home and begin enjoying all the amenities of Sun City West!

4685 N Sheridan Lane Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

$449,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,554 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6636206
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your new home in Prescott Valley's sought-after Unit 20! This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom gem offers ultimate privacy, set back from the road, and has no HOA!! Recent exterior paint adds a fresh look. Inside, you'll find a spacious and comfortable living space, ideal for family gatherings. The kitchen is well-equipped, and the three bedrooms provide the perfect comfort. The master bathroom has been completely remodeled to include a walk-in shower. Enjoy the tranquility of the backyard and the great views of Mingus Mountain. Don't miss this opportunity because it will not last long. Contact us now!

7009 E Acoma Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$449,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
972 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6636670
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Location, location...Beautiful end unit with Private Garage. The Exclusive Plaza Residences offers resort style living in the upscale Kierland Quarters area of Scottsdale. Walking distance to Kierland shopping, fine dinning, parks, walking/biking paths, golf, Scottsdale Airpark & much, more...Condo is close to well appointed club house, fitness center, game room, lap pool & spa. New flooring & A/C unit installed within the last few years. Located in a very quiet area. Condo offers 2 spacious split master bedroom suites. inside laundry, fabulous open floor plan, fireplace, large Balcony with storage area. Modern well appointed kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless appliances. The condo also has one of limited garages. ''Keep car out of the hot sun and protecte 2 hours notice for showing.....occupied condo

515 W Atlanta Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85041

$449,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,780 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6641462
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Back on Market! Minutes from Downtown Phoenix! Beautiful new 2023 Build with no HOA, RV Gate and an inside laundry room! Home was built in 2023 and is a true Gem. This home has an open floor plan with a large kitchen that has an oversized island and breakfast nook. This home has 4 spacious bedrooms with all the bells and whistles. There are several new builds being built in area and area is going through a gentrification process. Location is perfect just minutes to downtown, airport and all the great restaurants south Phoenix has to offer. this home will not last bring your buyers today! There are multiple new builds being built in surrounding area. Act Fast! Easy to show!