What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 31, 2016

Last week’s economic reports included new home sales, pending home sales along with weekly mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

New Home Sales Surpass Expectations

Sales of new homes surpassed expectations and the prior month’s reading. April’s reading of 619,000 sales exceeded expectations of 523,000 new homes sold and 531,000 new homes sold in March.  New home sales rose by 16.60 percent on a seasonally adjusted annual basis, which was the highest increase in 24 years. 

Analysts said that April’s new home sales indicate that builders are increasing production of new homes to meet high demand for homes. Short inventories of available homes are credited with driving up demand and home prices. Buyers seeking family homes are contending with investor buyers and cash buyers in popular markets.

With affordability becoming limited in many cities, first time and moderate income homebuyers aren’t buying as many homes as they once did. This development contributes to slowing markets, as move-up buyers generally rely on first time buyers to purchase their homes. 

Shortages of available homes has pressured home builders to break ground on new home construction projects, but builders continue to cite labor shortages and a lack of buildable lots as reasons why they aren’t building homes as fast as homes are needed. 

Pending Home Sales Numbers Suggest Peak Buying Season Returns

Pending home sales were also higher than forecast in April with a reading of 5.10 percent as compared to expectations of 0.80 percent for April and the March reading of 1.60 percent. Pending home sales gauge future closings for home sales and reached their highest level in 10 years and posted a year-over-year gain of 4.60 percent. 

Three of four regional readings for pending home sales posted gains, with home sales in the Midwest posting slower growth. On a year-over-year basis, he South posted a gain of 6.80 percent and the Northeast posted a gain of 1.20 percent. The West saw a jump in pending sales with a reading of 11.40 percent after posting a negative reading in March. 

April’s expansion in new and pending sales suggests that the peak home buying season is back.

Mortgage Rates Rise; New Jobless Claims Fall

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates. The rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was six basis points higher at 3.64 percent; the rate for a 15-year mortgage rose eight basis points to 2.89 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose seven points to 2.87 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all mortgage types. 

New jobless claims dipped last week to 268,000 as compared to an expected reading of 275,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 278,000 new claims. Analysts said that New York school employees that were eligible for benefits boosted jobless claims earlier in May due to a non-typical law that allows some school workers to draw unemployment during school closures such as spring break or labor disputes.

What‘s Ahead This Week

This week’s scheduled economic news includes Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, construction spending and reports on inflation, core inflation and consumer sentiment. No reports were scheduled for Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday. 

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697 E Saddle Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

New

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,824 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696752

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous home in a vibrant community with so many UPDATES! The resort-style backyard, installed in the last 4 years, features a stunning pool with an expansive Baja step, lush green, tropical trees, and bushes, plus a shaded patio to cool off on hot days. Inside, the house boasts stylish updates, including wood-look flooring and custom designer elements like stone and wood planks. Fresh paint, renovated kitchen cabinets, and newer kitchen appliances ensure modern comfort. The split bedroom floorplan offers privacy, while vaulted ceilings in the great room create a light, open atmosphere. The neighborhood teems with activity, offering tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts, three heated community pools, and the scenic Johnson Ranch golf course. Shopping and restaurants nearby!

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17625 W Dahlia Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

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$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,917 SqFt

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MLS # 6692113

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Beautiful single level home with desirable great room floor plan, 4 split bdrms and extended 3-car tandem garage. Kitchen upgrades include sharp quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets with raised panels and brushed nickel hardware, gas range, island and stainless steel appliances. Other upgrades include 18'' tile in walk areas, surround sound, radiant barrier roofing for energy efficiency, French doors to the patio, and cabinets in the laundry room. The south-facing backyard is easy maintenance, with a built-in grill with fridge and bar, extended patio, gas stub, dog run, and high quality artificial grass. Exterior was painted in 2023, full interior painted 4/2024. Community park with basketball and sand volleyball courts are within walking distance.

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17557 W Summit Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

New

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,715 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697393

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Immaculately kept 3 bedroom 2 bathroom split floor plan home with a den in Estrella! This 1715 sq ft home is north/south on a corner lot in cul-de-sac with mountain views while backing up to the side of a single story home for the ultimate privacy. The primary bedroom includes a huge walk in closet with a ensuite bathroom that includes a tiled rain shower, dual vanities, and a garden tub. The home features an owned 5kw solar system, wood plank ceramic tile, shutters throughout the home, upgraded granite, custom front door, and many other great features. When you walk out to the finished backyard you'll notice the huge extended aluminum patio providing shade, a gazebo, artificial turf, custom concrete work, and fire pit area while looking at the mountain views. Also included are two community pools, a clubhouse, lake access, and other amenities. Come see this beautiful home today!

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11333 N 92nd Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260

New

$465,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,294 SqFt

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MLS # 6697373

Property Type Apartment

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**REMODELED DREAM CONDO IN THE HEART OF SCOTTSDALE !** Your perfect set up features: Engineered Wood Flooring, 6-inch Baseboards, Upgraded Carpet in Bedrooms, Custom 2-tone Paint, Shiplap Accent Walls, Recessed Lighting, Luxury Modern Fixtures & Fans, Large Living & Dining Area w/ Fireplace for those chilly nights, Remodeled Bathrooms, Beautiful Kitchen with Quartz Counterops, Upgraded Cabinets, Basin Sink, SS Appliances, Fridge included, Laundry Room w/ additional Pantry Storage, Washer/Dryer included, Huge Master Suite w/ Large Walk-in-Closet & a Dual Vanity in the Master Bath. Private Patio w/additional Storage and view of the pool just steps from your door! **RESORT STYLE LIVING** w/ POOL/TENNIS + CLUBHOUSE & FITNESS CENTER! You are close to Shopping/Restaurants/Golf & 101 Freeway!!

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